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For South African patients relying on an oxygen concentrator, having a reliable backup power system is essential, especially with load shedding frequently lasting 4 to 8 hours at a time.
In this guide, we will cover:✅ The power consumption of the DeVilbiss 5L Oxygen Concentrator✅ What kind of inverter and battery setup is needed to run it for 8 hours✅ Recommended inverters, batteries, and other backup power solutions
Power Requirements of the DeVilbiss 5L Oxygen Concentrator
The DeVilbiss 5LPM Oxygen Concentrator is an energy-efficient medical device that requires a stable power source to function properly. Below is a summary of its power requirements:
Specification | Details |
Power Consumption | 310W (standard) (can reduce to 275W at lower flow rates) (Oxygen Times) |
Voltage Requirement | 230V AC (South African Standard) |
Current Draw | 1.35A at 230V |
Frequency | 50Hz |
Plug Type | South African Type M (15A) or Type C |
Total Energy Needed for 8 Hours | 2,480Wh (2.48kWh) |
What This Means for You
⚡ Electricity Cost: If Eskom charges R2.50 per kWh, running your concentrator for 8 hours will cost about R6.20 per night.
⚠ Load Shedding Challenge: If you experience Stage 6 or higher load shedding, you need a backup power system that can run for at least 8 hours without Eskom power.
What Kind of Inverter is Needed to Run an Oxygen
Concentrator for 8 Hours?
To power the DeVilbiss 5L for 8 hours, you will need:1️⃣ A Pure Sine Wave Inverter (to ensure stable power for medical equipment)2️⃣ A Battery Bank with Enough Capacity (to store energy for 8 hours)
Inverter Requirements
Feature | Specification |
Power Rating | 600W or higher (to handle startup surges) |
Wave Type | Pure Sine Wave (essential for medical devices) |
Voltage | 230V output |
Battery Type | Deep cycle / lithium battery |
Battery Requirements to Power a Concentrator for 8 Hours
Since the DeVilbiss 5L uses 310W, you need to store 2,480Wh (2.48kWh) of energy to run it for 8 hours.
Battery Capacity Needed
Battery Type | Voltage | Amp-Hours (Ah) Required | Number of Batteries Needed |
Lead-Acid Deep Cycle Battery | 12V | 210Ah | 2 x 12V 200Ah Batteries (connected in series for 24V) |
Lithium Battery | 12V | 200Ah | 1 x 12V 200Ah Lithium Battery |
Lithium Battery | 24V | 100Ah | 1 x 24V 100Ah Lithium Battery |
Why Lithium is Better?
✅ Longer lifespan (up to 10 years vs. 3–5 years for lead-acid)✅ More efficient (80–90% usable capacity vs. 50% for lead-acid)✅ Faster charging
🔹 Recommended Setup:✔ 600W Pure Sine Wave Inverter✔ 1 x 12V 200Ah Lithium Battery OR 2 x 12V 200Ah Lead-Acid Batteries
Recommended Inverter and Battery Solutions in South Africa
Solution | Pros | Cons | Estimated Cost (ZAR) |
Mecer 1kVA (800W) Pure Sine Wave Inverter + 200Ah Gel Battery | Affordable, can power a DeVilbiss 5L for 6–8 hours. | Gel batteries take longer to charge, shorter lifespan than lithium. | R9,000 – R12,000 |
Ellies 1kVA (1000W) Inverter + 24V 100Ah Lithium Battery | Faster charging, longer lifespan, portable. | Higher upfront cost. | R14,000 – R18,000 |
RCT Axpert 1.2kVA Inverter + 200Ah Lithium Battery | Best long-term solution, ideal for Stage 6+ load shedding. | Expensive but most reliable. | R18,000 – R25,000 |
EcoFlow Delta 2 Portable Power Station (1024Wh) | Plug-and-play, silent, solar-compatible. | Only provides 3–4 hours runtime per unit, needs extra batteries. | R20,000+ |
Alternative Backup Power Solutions
If an inverter and battery system is too expensive or you need power for more than 8 hours, consider these alternatives:
1️⃣ Petrol Generator (For Extended Load Shedding)
Example: Honda EU22i Silent Generator (2200W)
Runs the concentrator for 12+ hours with a full tank.
Pros: Reliable for long-term use, powers other appliances.
Cons: Noisy, needs fuel and outdoor ventilation.
💰 Cost: R18,000 – R25,000
2️⃣ Solar Generator (Eco-Friendly, Long-Term Solution)
Example: EcoFlow Delta Max (2000Wh) + Solar Panels
Pros: Silent, rechargeable via solar or Eskom power.
Cons: Expensive upfront, needs good sunlight for recharging.
💰 Cost: R30,000 – R50,000
Best Backup Power Solution for You
✔ For 4–6 hours: Mecer 1kVA Inverter + 200Ah Gel Battery (R9,000 – R12,000)
✔ For 8 hours: Ellies 1kVA Inverter + 24V 100Ah Lithium Battery (R14,000 – R18,000)✔ For 8+ hours & long-term use: RCT Axpert 1.2kVA Inverter + 200Ah Lithium Battery (R18,000 – R25,000)
✔ For full home backup: Honda Generator / EcoFlow Solar Power Station (R25,000 – R50,000)
Final Tips for South African Oxygen Users
✔ Test your backup system monthly.✔ Use an automatic switch-over system for seamless power transfer.✔ Keep extra fuel or solar panels ready for longer blackouts.
💬 Need help choosing the right inverter? Drop a comment below! 😊
Sources & References
DeVilbiss 5L Oxygen Concentrator Power Specs
Eskom Load Shedding & Tariffs (2024)
Backup Power Solutions in South Africa
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