Use this walkthrough to run a quick, safe test of your Base backup system so you know what to expect during a real outage.
We highly recommend watching the video above; the text below will simply summarize the video in a written format.
Please also read the below instructions in full, before starting the process.
Before you start
Plan a 30-minute window when you can stay home for the whole test.
Make sure you have the Base mobile app installed and can log in.
Don't have the app? Download it here for Apple or Android.
Only do this if you feel comfortable around your electrical breaker box area.
If anything looks, sounds, or smells unusual at any point, stop and message our team.
Safety first
Follow the steps exactly.
Open only the small access cover described below.
Do not remove or open any larger electrical panels.
Do not leave your home running on battery for more than 30 minutes during this test.
Step 1: Find the Hub switch
Go to the area near your main breaker box.
Locate the white Hub box closest to it.
On the Hub box, find the small gray cover
Loosen the black screws on the bottom by hand.
Open the gray cover.
Step 2: Simulate an outage
Inside the small gray cover, you’ll see a breaker-style switch.
Flip the switch to simulate a power outage.
Step 3: Confirm your home is on backup power
Go back inside and confirm the lights stay on.
Open the Base app.
Confirm the app shows your home is being backed up by the battery.
If someone was already inside, ask them how the transition felt.
Step 4: Test real usage and see backup duration
While still on backup power, turn on a few appliances and watch the app to learn what changes your usage and estimated runtime.
Try a mix of:
Low usage: lights, fridge, outlets
Higher usage: A/C, electric heat, dryer, etc.
Watch how your usage affects backup duration in the app. This will help you get a sense on how to best balance comfort and backup duration in the event of an actual power outage.
If your battery shuts down during the test:
This can happen with high power use (over 11.4 kW) or with certain AC units that have a high Locked Rotor Amps value).
Follow the in-app troubleshooting steps to recover.
Step 5: Optional (Generator Recharge Port)
If you have the Generator Recharge Port, follow the Generator Recharge Port testing instructions here.
Step 6: Restore grid power
Go back to the Hub box.
Flip the Hub switch back to return to grid power.
Tighten the screws back to shut the grey cover.
Grid power won't be restored immediately—approximately 5 minutes after flipping the switch, Base will move you back onto grid power. We maintain this 5 minute 'standby period' where your home remains on battery power, in order to protect your home against grid voltage volatility (also known as brownouts).
After 5 minutes, confirm in the Base app that grid power is restored.
As a reminder, do not leave your home running on battery for more than 30 minutes during this test.
Step 7: Share your results
Open this feedback form (takes about a minute).
Follow the steps on the form to let us know how your experience went.
If at any point during the test, you fully lose home power for more than a few seconds, please attempt to get back on grid power and contact our Member Experience team from your Base app.