How Many Watts Does a Oxygen Concentrator Use?
Oxygen concentrators are life-sustaining medical devices that extract oxygen from room air. Home units range from 120W (small 3L) to 600W (large 10L). Portable units use 40-130W. These devices require pure sine wave power and reliable backup.
Typical Power
350W
Power Range
120-600W
Startup Surge
400W
Daily Usage
8400Wh
(24 hrs/day typical)
Oxygen Concentrator Runtime Calculator
Range: 120-600W
Continuous Runtime
2.3 hours
Days at 24hrs/day
0.1 days
Daily Consumption
8400Wh
Usable Battery
960Wh
Recommended Equipment
* Calculations assume 85% inverter efficiency and 80% depth of discharge (LiFePO4).
Battery Runtime Examples
| Battery Size | Voltage | Runtime at 350W |
|---|---|---|
| 200Ah | 12V | 4.5 hours |
| 300Ah | 12V | 6.8 hours |
| 400Ah | 12V | 9 hours |
* Assumes 85% inverter efficiency and 80% depth of discharge for LiFePO4 batteries.
Oxygen Concentrator Power Tips
- •MUST use pure sine wave inverter - modified sine wave can damage the compressor
- •Home 5L units (most common) use 250-350W
- •Portable concentrators (40-100W) are more battery-friendly for backup
- •Most run 24/7 - calculate daily consumption as 24 hours
- •Have a backup plan: spare portable unit, oxygen tanks, or generator
- •Register with your utility company as life-support equipment for priority restoration
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will a battery run my oxygen concentrator?
A 5L home concentrator (350W) on a 200Ah battery lasts about 4.5 hours. Portable units (100W) last 16+ hours on the same battery. For 24/7 use, you need substantial solar or generator backup.
What size battery for oxygen concentrator backup?
Minimum 200Ah for a few hours of backup. For overnight backup (8+ hours), you need 400Ah+ or a portable concentrator. Realistically, a generator is needed for extended outages with home units.
Can I use a portable power station for my oxygen concentrator?
Yes, if it has pure sine wave output and sufficient capacity. A 1000Wh power station runs a 350W home unit for about 2-3 hours. Portable concentrators work much better with power stations.