⌛ Electrical Compatibility Question

Hey folks,

I am hoping someone can help an electrical illiterate such as myself.

I'm currently preparing a balikbayan box to be sent from the US to the Philippines, as I am in the process of building a modest home in Zamboanguita. As I am well aware of the brown-out problem, I was excited about possibly sending this Duracell 600W AC/DC and Solar rechargable "generator". Amazon.com: Duracell DPP-600HD Powerpack 600 Jump Starter & Emergency Power Source with Radio: Automotive

At the bottom of the above link there are all the electrical specifications...but it all kinda looks Chinese to me. So my most immediate question is whether I can recharge this Duracell Power Source directly through a Philippines AC outlet?

Most high tech gadgets nowadays like laptops have resolved the 110/240 discrepency, but what about this power source? Any ideas?

I'm hoping things can work out with this Duracell as I like that it doesn't need fuel, produce fumes or is noisy. It seems good enough to have a fan, laptop and lights going for a few good hours during the brown outs. Also, it seems fairly easy to attach solar panels which I am looking into. Seems like others have been successful doing it and its fairly easy.

Thanks!

 

Duracell Powerpack

I found the tech specs here: http://www.duracellpower.com/documents/tech-specs/DS20070710_duracell-pp600.pdf

I would read the reviews before buying this product. It seems to have a reputation for not being able to charge after a while. I personally owned one of these by another company and it was a piece of *&$#. It wouldn't jump start our car, and it wouldn't hold a charge. We were never able to use it. I would just invest in a generator here, I think you would be much happier in the long run.
Good luck!!

 

I would have to agree with the above, I doubt that product is going to last long in the PI nor be very practical for you.

 

I agree with the posts above. Regarding your question about being able to charge it in the Philippines.....yes you could, but you would have to plug it into a 240v to 120v transformer.

 

and this is coming from guys with their heads on swivel in terms of taking positions on electrical issues these days...:D

 

Well good to know that so far everybody seems to be in agreement on this product. Not such good news for me, as I am back to square 1 on a back-up plan for brown-outs unless I give in to the generator idea.

So my next question would be, is whether there is a big difference in a generator's quality and price in what I can purchase in the USA vs. Dumaguete? It's obviously more convenient to buy in the Philippines, but If necessary, I may still be able to find a small model generator to bring over.

Thanks for the suggestions so far.

 

If you only want emergency lighting, why don't you invest in a plug in model or two (found at most hardware stores).
For television or other appliances, I'm sorry, but a quiet little Honda generator would do.

 

Honda generator EU series the quiet ones with Eco throttle to sip only the gas you need as 1\4 load 0r 1\2 load or 75% load...I brought mine from USA only because my neighbour is a service man for honda generators and rebuilt one and sold it to me half price (eu 1000 $800 new or mine $400 rebuilt) The hondas more expensive but more value over 20 years use versus buying new $200 enerator every year or so....My big honda in Hawaii was rebuilt after 5 years heavy use and is ready for another 5....So quiet is one advantage and the gas sipping is the other.. IN DUMAGUETE They sell the honda eu generators about same price as USA but the voltage is 220 (mine from USA needs converter to 220 from 110)....EU 1000 $800,,Eu 2000 $1400 to $1600,,and Eu 3000 is =$2000. Dumaguete may have to order for you but they can sell you one here...Sam DUEK honda motorcycle store...

 

Perhaps Jellyfish can comment on the length of brownouts in Zambo. We get them in Bacong, planned and unplanned, and normally planned ones are during the day and the night ones do no last too long, particularly at night. We use a few rechargeable battery lights and they are sufficient, unless I'm just getting used to the living conditions and go with the flow.

 

Thanks for the responses. A Honda generator sounds great, but Ill have to hold off for now. Im building a house on a tight budget. I ordered some solar lamps from the USA and will get some rechargable battery operated fans. Between light and fans, I think it should be fine.

I did talk to an American family who does use that portable battery type power supply that I originally posted about (but a different make/model). They take it up to their cabin every vacation and it seems to really help. It may be something Id be interested in at a later time.

A question: When there are planned brown outs, is there a text service that lets people know ahead of time? In some places in the Philippines, folks are alerted ahead of time through SMS. If there is such a service and if anybody can share the contact info, that would be great.