Jackery Explorer 500: Runtime & Specs
By Hicham M. · Specs from Jackery's published documents, as of September 2026 · How we calculate
The Jackery Explorer 500 is a 518 Wh NMC lithium-ion power station with 500 W of continuous AC output and a 1,000 W surge rating. It has been replaced or discontinued, but many are still in use.
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How long will the Explorer 500 run your appliances?
Nonstop runtime for one device at a time, using typical US wattages and 85% inverter efficiency. Devices marked ✕ can't run on this model.
| Device | Avg draw | Runtime | Bar |
|---|---|---|---|
| LED light bulb | 9 W | 2 days | |
| Phone charging | 10 W | 47 hours | |
| Wi-Fi router + modem | 15 W | 29 hours | |
| Laptop | 50 W | 8.8 hours | |
| CPAP (no humidifier) | 30 W | 15 hours | |
| CPAP with heated humidifier | 60 W | 7.3 hours | |
| Starlink Standard | 90 W | 4.9 hours | |
| TV | 100 W | 4.4 hours | |
| Mini fridge | 29 W | 15 hours | |
| Refrigerator | 58 W | Can’t start it | |
| Chest freezer | 29 W | 15 hours | |
| Sump pump (1/3 HP) | 160 W | Not enough output | |
| Sump pump (1/2 HP) | 210 W | Not enough output | |
| Window AC | 225 W | Can’t start it | |
| Drip coffee maker | 1,000 W | Not enough output | |
| Microwave | 1,500 W | Not enough output | |
| Space heater | 750 W | Not enough output | |
| Well pump | 33 W | Needs 240 V |
Fridges, freezers, pumps and AC units cycle on and off, so we use their average draw. Want a mix of devices on a schedule? Use the runtime calculator.
What the Explorer 500 can't power
- Refrigerator (full-size, ENERGY STAR): needs about 1,200 W to start
- Refrigerator (older full-size, 1990s–early 2000s): needs about 1,600 W to start
- Microwave (1,000 W cooking power): needs 1,500 W running
- Drip coffee maker (10–12 cup): needs 1,000 W running
- Electric kettle (1.7 L): needs 1,500 W running
- Toaster (2–4 slice): needs 1,000 W running
- Induction burner (single, portable): needs 1,500 W running
- Electric pressure cooker (6 qt, Instant Pot type): needs 1,000 W running
- Rice cooker (5.5–6 cup): needs 600 W running
- Window AC (5,000 BTU): needs about 1,100 W to start
- Window AC (8,000 BTU): needs 700 W running
- Space heater (portable, 1,500 W): needs 1,500 W running
- Gas furnace blower fan: needs 600 W running
- Oxygen concentrator (home, 5 L/min): needs about 1,200 W to start
- Sump pump (1/3 HP): needs 800 W running
- Sump pump (1/2 HP): needs 1,050 W running
- Well pump (1/2 HP submersible): needs 240 V
- Washing machine: needs about 1,200 W to start
- Garage door opener: needs 720 W running
- Circular saw (7-1/4 in.): needs 1,400 W running
- EV Level 1 charging (120 V, 12 A): needs 1,440 W running
Solar charging time
Hours of good sun to charge from empty, assuming panels deliver 75% of their rating.
| Panels | Power in | Hours of sun |
|---|---|---|
| 100 W of panels | 75 W | 6.9 hours |
Check panel voltage and wiring with the solar charging calculator.
Full specifications
| Battery capacity | 518 Wh |
|---|---|
| Battery chemistry | Lithium-ion (NMC) |
| Continuous AC output | 500 W |
| Surge (peak) output | 1,000 W |
| Boost mode | None listed |
| AC voltage | 120V |
| AC outlets | 1 |
| USB-C ports | 0 |
| USB-A ports | 3 |
| 12 V car outlet | Yes |
| Max solar input | — |
| Solar voltage range | 12–30 V |
| Solar max current | 7 A |
| Max AC charging power | — |
| AC charging time (maker claim) | 0–100% in ~6.5 hr (AC adapter) |
| Expandable | No |
| UPS / EPS switchover | Not listed |
| Cycle life | 800 cycles (to 80%) |
| Weight | 13.3 lb |
| Warranty | 2 years |
Notes: Specs from Jackery's official manual (518.4Wh); there is no product page any more. Also has two 12V 7A DC outputs. The manual says not to use it as a UPS and doesn't state the AC waveform.
Specs from Jackery's published documents, as of September 2026. Found an error? Tell us.