For power cuts in Lebanon, most homes need two things: a power bank sized to the devices you charge, and a cordless lamp that lasts the evening. A 10,000 mAh power bank keeps one phone going, 20,000–30,000 mAh suits a family, and 50,000–90,000 mAh banks with a built-in light are for long outages at home. Buyrouth's cordless table lamps list about 12 to 20 hours per charge, and the Aisilan Austri Grand up to 60 hours on low brightness.

How much power bank capacity do you need?

Capacity is printed in mAh, and sometimes in Wh. The "rated capacity" is what actually reaches your phone at 5 V, and it is lower than the headline figure. The Hoco J102, for example, is 10,000 mAh with a rated capacity of 5,900 mAh.

• One phone, every day (5,000–10,000 mAh): Hoco J102 10,000 mAh ($18) with a digital battery display; XO PR293 5,000 mAh ($28), slim and magnetic.
• Several devices (20,000–30,000 mAh): Hoco J156A 20,000 mAh ($33) and Hoco J156B 30,000 mAh ($39), both with built-in USB-C, Lightning and Micro-USB cables. The J156A listing says it recharges most smartphones 2 to 3 times.
• Laptops: the Yesido YP76 20,000 mAh ($45) has 65 W USB-C Power Delivery for compatible laptops.
• Long outages at home (50,000–90,000 mAh): XO PR286 50,000 mAh ($64) and XO PR287 80,000 mAh ($74) have 4 built-in cables, 6 outputs, a handle and an LED light. The Hoco J123D Element 90,000 mAh ($72) has 3 USB-A and 1 USB-C outputs, a built-in lamp and weighs about 1.8 kg.

Output, ports and magnetic charging

Output in watts decides how fast a phone charges. Most banks here give 20–22.5 W, fine for phones and earbuds. For a laptop, look for a high USB-C output such as the YP76's 65 W. Built-in cables save you looking for the right lead in the dark. Magnetic models attach to the back of a compatible phone and charge it wirelessly at up to 15 W: the Hoco J117A ($28), Hoco J160A ($29) and LDNIO PQ17 ($27), all 10,000 mAh.

Big banks stay at home

As a general rule, airlines accept power banks only in hand luggage: up to 100 Wh is normally allowed, 100–160 Wh needs the airline's approval, and larger ones are refused. The J156A is rated 74 Wh. The XO PR287 is rated 296 Wh, and the 90,000 mAh J123D is larger still: keep those for home. Always check your airline's rules.

Cordless lamps: battery and runtime

A cordless lamp charges by USB and then runs on its own battery. Compare battery size and stated runtime, or browse all cordless lamps:

• Modern Pina ($42): 2,500 mAh, about 12 hours, warm to cool white.
• Rechargeable Cordless LED Table Lamp #RSJ-C002 ($38): 5,200 mAh, 12–15 hours, and it can be used while charging.
• Retro Design #RSJ-C003/C ($49): 5,200 mAh, 15–20 hours, three colour temperatures.
• Aisilan Austri Grand ($129): 5,000 mAh, 15–60 hours depending on brightness, a motion sensor, and about 5 hours to recharge by USB-C.

Wall, closet and emergency lights

• Rechargeable Closet Light with Motion Sensor (from $12): 1,500 mAh, lasts 3–6 weeks in motion mode at about 5 activations a day, or 3–5 hours always on. Three lengths: 20, 40 and 80 cm.
• Rechargeable Cordless Rotatable Wall Light ($21): 2,000 mAh, three colour temperatures.
• Portable Rechargeable Magnetic Camping Light ($9): 1,800 mAh, magnetic, with a USB output for small devices.

Tip: charge banks and lamps while the grid or generator is on, and dim the lamp for a longer runtime. Some lamps come with a USB cable but no wall adapter.

Buying from Buyrouth

Standard delivery across Lebanon costs $5 and takes 2–5 working days, and it is free on orders of $75 or more. Fast delivery costs $8: 24 hours within Beirut, 72 hours outside. Pay cash on delivery or by card online, or pick up your order at Buyrouth in Sin El Fil.

Frequently asked questions

What size power bank do I need for power cuts?

For one phone, a 10,000 mAh bank is the usual choice. For several phones or a tablet, choose 20,000–30,000 mAh. For long outages at home, 50,000–90,000 mAh banks such as the XO PR287 or Hoco J123D also have a built-in light.

Can I take a 90,000 mAh power bank on a plane?

Generally no. Airlines usually allow power banks up to 100 Wh in hand luggage, and a 90,000 mAh bank is far above that. Travel with a 10,000–20,000 mAh model instead.

How long does a cordless lamp last on one charge?

It depends on the battery and the brightness. Buyrouth's listings give about 12 hours for the Modern Pina, 12–15 hours for the #RSJ-C002, 15–20 hours for the Retro Design and 15–60 hours for the Aisilan Austri Grand.

Can I charge a cordless lamp from a power bank?

Yes, if the lamp charges by USB. The #RSJ-C002 listing names power banks, laptops and wall chargers as charging sources.