Stefan Castro Landa, a Cuban content creator known on social media as _stefan_castro, has raised concerns about the increasing failures of portable power stations such as the popular EcoFlow and other backup batteries. These devices have become essential for many Cubans coping with frequent power outages.
In a recent video, Castro highlighted that "power stations are breaking down regardless of brand or model, and it's almost always due to the same five reasons." His aim is to assist users in safeguarding an investment that is particularly expensive in the Cuban context.
The young creator emphasized that these devices "are not designed for the usage we are subjecting them to in Cuba." The constant cycles of charging and discharging, driven by relentless power outages, exceed the conditions they were intended to handle.
Common Causes of Power Station Failures
Voltage Surges After Outages. Castro explained that when electricity is restored after an extended outage, the voltage often fluctuates. Although power stations include protective systems, repeated exposure to these variations can ultimately damage them.
Unsuitable Environment. Placing the battery on the floor can lead to the build-up of dust, moisture, and pet hair inside the device, resulting in corrosion and internal failures.
Overloading a Single Port. Many users place all electrical demand on one outlet. These power stations aren't built to provide constant maximum load through a single port, leading to overheating.
Draining to 0%. Depleting the battery completely can harm the internal management system (BMS), which requires some power to operate. This reduces the lifespan of the device and may even prevent it from turning on again.
Purchasing Refurbished Equipment Sold as New. Castro warned of instances where used batteries are refurbished, repackaged, and sold as new, often without the buyer noticing.
Tips to Protect Your Investment
Install a high-quality voltage protector, similar to those used for refrigerators, or disconnect the power station for a period after electricity returns until the voltage stabilizes.
Place the battery in a well-ventilated, elevated location away from moisture and dust.
Check the condition of the outlet. These batteries charge at high power and generate heat; if the plug is damaged, it could melt and cause outages.
Spread the load across multiple ports to avoid overheating one output line.
Keep the charge between 20% and 80%. Some brands allow users to set these limits via their app, which can extend the device's life.
Purchase from reliable suppliers with verifiable warranties, especially when payment is made from abroad.
In a nation where blackouts are a part of daily life, these power stations have become crucial for maintaining household appliances, medical equipment, and basic devices.
However, as Castro warns, these are not industrial-grade machines and are not built to withstand the constant demands they currently face in Cuba.
His message aims to prevent financial losses for families who often invest hundreds of dollars in these devices as an alternative to the unreliable national electrical system.
FAQs on Protecting Power Stations in Cuba
Why do power stations break down in Cuba?
Power stations often fail due to voltage surges after outages, unsuitable environments, overloading a single port, draining the battery to 0%, and purchasing refurbished equipment sold as new.
How can I extend the life of my power station?
To prolong your power station's lifespan, use a voltage protector, place it in a ventilated area, check the outlet condition, distribute the load across ports, maintain a charge between 20% and 80%, and buy from reputable suppliers.