How Many Watts Does a Insulin Cooler / Medicine Fridge Use?
Insulin coolers and portable medicine fridges use thermoelectric (Peltier) cooling to maintain 36-46°F (2-8°C). They consume only 5-20W, making them extremely battery-friendly. Many run directly on USB power or 12V DC.
Typical Power
10W
Power Range
5-20W
Daily Usage
240Wh
(24 hrs/day typical)
Insulin Cooler / Medicine Fridge Runtime Calculator
Range: 5-20W
Continuous Runtime
81.6 hours
Days at 24hrs/day
4.0 days
Daily Consumption
240Wh
Usable Battery
960Wh
Recommended Equipment
* Calculations assume 85% inverter efficiency and 80% depth of discharge (LiFePO4).
Battery Runtime Examples
| Battery Size | Voltage | Runtime at 10W |
|---|---|---|
| 50Ah | 12V | 40 hours |
| 100Ah | 12V | 80 hours |
| 200Ah | 12V | 160 hours |
* Assumes 85% inverter efficiency and 80% depth of discharge for LiFePO4 batteries.
Insulin Cooler / Medicine Fridge Power Tips
- •Very low power draw makes these ideal for battery backup
- •Most can run directly on 12V DC or USB - no inverter needed
- •A 50Ah battery can run an insulin cooler for 4+ days
- •Keep the cooler out of direct sunlight to reduce power consumption
- •Some have built-in batteries lasting 8-12 hours
- •Small USB power banks can extend runtime significantly
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will a battery keep my insulin cool?
A 10W insulin cooler on a 100Ah battery lasts about 80 hours (3+ days). Many coolers have DC input, so you avoid inverter losses entirely. This is one of the easiest medical devices to keep powered.
Can a power bank run my insulin cooler?
Yes, many insulin coolers have USB input. A 20,000mAh power bank provides roughly 10-15 hours of cooling. Multiple power banks give you days of backup.
Do I need an inverter for insulin cooler?
Usually not. Most portable insulin coolers have 12V DC or USB input. Connect directly to your battery or use a USB outlet. Only AC-only models need an inverter.