Quick answer
For most condo outages, a ~300Wh power station (about $290–$400 CAD) keeps phones, Wi-Fi, LED lights and a CPAP going for a night. If you want to keep a fridge cold through a longer outage, you need roughly 1 kWh or more — or a plan to move food to a cooler. Never use a fuel generator, propane heater or barbecue inside a unit or on a balcony.
Why gas generators don’t work in condos
Carbon monoxide. Generator exhaust is odourless and can kill within minutes. On a balcony it can drift straight back into your unit or your neighbours’ through doors, windows and vents.
Building rules. Most condo declarations and rental leases ban fuel-burning equipment and fuel storage on balconies and in units. Check your building’s rules before you buy anything that burns fuel.
Fuel storage. Storing gasoline or propane cylinders in a unit, locker or underground garage is a fire risk and usually prohibited.
What a power station can run in an apartment
| Device | Typical draw | ~300Wh station (est.) | ~1 kWh station (est.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone charge | 10–20 W | 15+ full charges | 60+ charges |
| Wi-Fi router + modem | 15–25 W | about 10–16 hours | about 1.5–2 days |
| LED lamp | 5–10 W | about 25+ hours | days |
| Laptop | 45–65 W | about 4–5 hours | about 13+ hours |
| CPAP (no humidifier) | 30–60 W | about 1 night | about 2–3 nights |
| Fridge (average) | ~1–2 kWh per day | a few hours at best | roughly half a day to a day |
Estimates assume you can use about 85% of the rated capacity. Your device’s label or manual wins — check its watts.
Condo-friendly power stations Imported alternative
We haven’t found a Made-in-Canada portable power station on Amazon.ca, so these are clearly labeled imported picks that shipped from Amazon when we checked.
| Photo | Product | Type / size | CAD price | Rating | Best for | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Jackery Explorer 300 Imported · budget |
Power station · 292Wh / 300W | $289 CAD | Phones, Wi-Fi, lights, CPAP (not a fridge) | Jackery 300 — $289 CAD · 4.6★ (10,675) · Ships from Amazon | |
 |
EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus Imported · mid |
Power station · 286Wh / 600W, expandable | $329 CAD | More output for small appliances; add-on battery option | RIVER 3 Plus — $329 CAD · 4.3★ (156) · Ships from Amazon | |
 |
BLUETTI Elite 30 V2 Imported alternative |
Power station · 288Wh / 600W | $399.99 CAD | Small 600W station alternative | Elite 30 V2 — $399.99 CAD · 4.3★ (827) · Ships from Amazon |
Jackery 300 — $289 CAD · 4.6★ (10,675) · Ships from Amazon
Imported · midRIVER 3 Plus — $329 CAD · 4.3★ (156) · Ships from Amazon
Prices, star ratings and review counts were checked on Amazon.ca on Sep 18, 2026 (ET) and can change. Products marked Imported alternative are not made in Canada.
Condo outage tips
Keep it charged. Top up your power station every couple of months and before storm warnings. Store it indoors — cold reduces battery capacity.
Elevators and water. In high-rises, elevators and water pumps can stop in an outage. Keep bottled water and a flashlight by the door, and plan for stairs.
Fridge strategy. Keep the fridge closed — an unopened fridge keeps food cold for about 4 hours, and a full freezer for about 48 hours. A small power station won’t run it for long.
Battery safety. Charge on a hard surface with vents clear, use the supplied charger, and look for a recognized safety certification mark on the product.
FAQ
Can I run a generator on my condo balcony?
No. Generator exhaust contains carbon monoxide that can drift into your unit or your neighbours’, and most condo rules ban fuel-burning equipment on balconies. Use a battery power station instead.
What size power station do I need for an apartment?
For phones, Wi-Fi, lights and a CPAP over one night, about 300Wh is enough. To keep a fridge going through a longer outage, plan on roughly 1 kWh or more.
Are power stations safe to use indoors?
Yes. Battery power stations make no exhaust or carbon monoxide. Charge them on a hard surface with the vents clear and follow the manual.