Choosing battery backup for cold storage starts with the equipment you need to protect. A vaccine refrigerator, pharmacy fridge, and laboratory freezer may have different electrical requirements, even when they look similar or occupy the same amount of space.
The right system must match the equipment’s electrical specifications, handle its startup demand, and provide enough battery capacity for your required runtime. Here’s what to consider before choosing a system.
Start with the make and model
Your refrigerator or freezer’s model number and electrical specifications provide the starting point for a recommendation. Gather the manufacturer’s specification sheet or take a clear photo of the equipment nameplate.
The review should include voltage, frequency, running current, plug type, and any manufacturer requirements for backup power. For a laboratory freezer, identify whether it is a standard freezer or an ultra-low-temperature model rather than assuming the same solution will support both.
If you want to protect multiple units, include every refrigerator, freezer, and accessory that will draw power from the backup system.
Account for compressor startup
A refrigerator’s power demand changes during operation. Its compressor can require a brief surge of power when starting, followed by a lower demand while running.
That means a system with enough output to support normal operation may still struggle to start the compressor. Both continuous output and startup capability need to be evaluated. Medi-Products identifies power consumption and startup amperage as key factors when sizing refrigerator backup power.
A matching plug alone does not establish compatibility.
Decide how long you need backup power
Power output and battery capacity answer two different questions: Can the system operate your equipment, and how long can it keep that equipment running?
Your runtime target should reflect your facility’s response plan. Do you need time for staff to arrive after an overnight outage? Enough coverage to arrange alternate storage? Support through a longer utility interruption?
Runtime estimates should account for energy use over time and operating conditions. Refrigeration equipment cycles on and off, so a nameplate rating alone does not tell you how much energy it will consume throughout an outage. Room temperature and compressor cycling can affect the result.
As an example, for a pharmacy needing to power two undercounter vaccine refrigerators, operating at 1.74 Amps each with a 110-120V AC electrical requirement for a runtime of 12 hours, our SaverCell Stack SCS-24-2KWH 2.05 kWh configuration with a 2,400 watt output would provide enough power and runtime to support both appliances.
Get a recommendation for your equipment
The good news is you do not need to determine the system size yourself. Start with your equipment’s make and model, a nameplate photo or specification sheet, the number of units requiring protection, and your desired runtime. Medi-Products can review those details and recommend a battery backup system suited to your application.
Request a power assessment or call 1.800.765.3237 to discuss your refrigerator or freezer backup power needs.
