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Yes—but only for limited portable power. Milwaukee’s M18 CARRY-ON power supply (2845-20) uses four M18 batteries to provide up to 1,800 running watts and 3,600 starting watts through a pure sine-wave inverter. That can support selected devices or tools whose loads fit those limits; it is not a whole-home backup system. For phones and other small electronics, the M18 TOP-OFF (2847-20) provides USB charging rather than household AC power.
What Milwaukee equipment can provide backup power?
An M18 battery by itself is not a household AC power source. To run AC devices, you need a purpose-built inverter such as Milwaukee’s M18 CARRY-ON power supply (model 2845-20). Milwaukee describes it as temporary portable power for tools and jobsite use. It has two AC outlets and USB ports, and requires four M18 batteries to operate.
Milwaukee rates the CARRY-ON at 1,800 running watts and 3,600 starting watts. Running watts describe the ongoing power available; starting watts cover a brief higher demand, such as a motor starting. Check both figures on an appliance’s label or manual before connecting it. A device’s startup demand can exceed its normal running load.
Milwaukee calls the CARRY-ON quiet, compact and emissions-free, and says it can operate indoors and underground. Those are product claims about portable use, not evidence that it can supply household circuits or run every home appliance.
The Tool Desk
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- Faster simultaneous power
- 175 W continuous watts
- Rafter hooks allows for versatility on the jobsite to hang on common materials or carts
- Battery, charger and device cords not included
- Lightweight, compact design
Can a Milwaukee battery run a TV or refrigerator?
Possibly, if the device’s starting and running demands are within the CARRY-ON’s ratings and the battery setup has enough charge for the required duration. The ratings alone do not establish how long a particular TV or refrigerator will run. Milwaukee does not provide a universal household-appliance runtime, and runtime depends on the battery packs, their charge, and the load.
Before relying on the unit for a specific appliance, check the appliance’s power requirements, including motor startup needs, and compare them with the CARRY-ON’s limits. If the required load or duration is uncertain, do not assume the unit will keep the appliance operating through an outage.
Rank #2
- Compatible with 18V Batteries: This Azocek power inverter is specifically designed Compatible with Mil-wau-kee 18V batteries (e.g., 48-11-1815, 48-11-1850, 48-11-1820), powered directly by the battery, provides portable power for outdoor activities or emergencies anytime, anywhere (Battery not included)
- 220W DC to AC Power Conversion: Converts 18V DC to 110V-120V AC, providing a reliable power source for phones, laptops, tablets, and other small electronics, making it essential for travel and power outages.
- Fast Charging USB and Type-C Ports: This Azocek power inverter features one AC outlet, two 18W USB QC ports, and one 30W PD Type-C port, enabling the simultaneous rapid charging of multiple devices.
- Multi-Function 400LM LED Light: Equipped with a 3-level adjustable brightness LED work light, strobe function, and a 90-degree adjustable lighting angle, making it ideal for outdoor use and emergency situations.
- Enhanced Safety Features: This inverter provides comprehensive protection against short circuits, overcurrent, low voltage, overheating, overload, and over-discharge. The built-in cooling fan effectively dissipates heat, ensuring reliable operation in various environments.
How is the M18 TOP-OFF different?
The M18 TOP-OFF power supply (model 2847-20) is intended for charging smaller electronics. Milwaukee lists USB-C Power Delivery and USB-A ports and up to 115W continuous power. It can charge devices such as phones, tablets and computers, but Milwaukee does not describe it as an AC inverter for household appliances.
How long will Milwaukee batteries last during an outage?
There is no single runtime figure that applies to every M18 setup. It depends on which batteries are installed, their capacity and state of charge, and what is connected. The CARRY-ON requires four M18 packs, but that requirement does not translate into a guaranteed number of hours.
Rank #3
- Portable AC Power Anywhere: Converts compatible battery power into 110V AC output up to 220W, making it ideal for small appliances, fans, lights, chargers and emergency backup during camping, outdoor work and travel. Battery not included
- Charge Multiple Devices: Features 1 × 30W USB-C PD, 2 × 18W USB-A QC ports and 1 AC outlet, allowing you to power laptops, tablets, phones, cameras and other everyday electronics simultaneously
- Compatible with Milwaukee 18V Battery Packs: Including 48-11-1815, 48-11-1820, 48-11-1840, 48-11-1850 and more. The secure slide-on design locks the battery firmly in place during use (Battery Not Included)
- 400LM LED Work Light: Built-in LED light offers 35%, 70% and 100% brightness levels, plus Strobe Mode for camping, roadside repairs, outdoor work and power outages
- Compact Design with Smart Protection: Weighing only 0.68 lb, this lightweight inverter fits easily into a backpack or tool bag. The built-in cooling fan and intelligent protection system help guard against overheating, overload, over-current, short circuit and over-discharge for dependable everyday use
Milwaukee’s battery and charger compatibility information says M18 batteries work with M18 tools and chargers; authentic M18 batteries should be charged with Milwaukee M18 chargers, not third-party chargers. Any charging-time figures Milwaukee publishes are specific to the battery, charger and stated test conditions. They are not estimates of outage runtime.
Can you plug it into a wall outlet to power your home?
No. Do not plug the CARRY-ON or another portable power source into a household outlet to energize home wiring. That method is called backfeeding. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission warns that backfeeding can expose utility workers and neighbors to electrocution. Its alert addresses generators, but the danger comes from the unsafe wall-outlet connection method. Use only equipment designed and properly installed to supply household circuits.
Rank #4
- Dual Battery Design & Battery Recharging: Compatible with 18V battery packs (battery not included). Supports 2 compatible batteries with automatic switching for extended runtime. The USB-C1 dual-role port also supports up to 140W input and 7A charging to recharge installed batteries
- Pure Sine Wave for Sensitive Electronics: Delivers up to 350W pure sine wave AC output, providing clean and stable power for laptops, CPAP machines, projectors and other sensitive electronics. Both AC outlets share a combined 350W maximum output
- High-Power USB Charging Ports: Features 140W USB-C PD3.1 (Input/Output), 65W USB-C, and 2 × 18W USB-A ports for charging laptops, tablets, phones and other USB-powered devices. Includes a 240W USB-C charging cable
- Built-In 600LM LED Emergency Light: Kzreect portable inverter integrates LED lamp with 3 brightness levels plus Strobe and SOS modes provides reliable lighting for camping, roadside emergencies, and unexpected power outages
- Reliable Protection & Smart Operation: Built-in protection against overload, short circuit, overheating and over-discharge, plus an intelligent cooling fan for reliable performance. For best results, use 4Ah or larger batteries. AC and USB outputs are disabled while batteries are charging
What safety limits should you follow?
- Use only appropriate Milwaukee M18 battery packs with the M18 Power Source, and follow the manual for the exact product.
- Milwaukee’s operator manual says not to use the M18 Power Source in rain, snow, or wet or damp locations.
- Check the connected load against the product’s running and starting wattage ratings before use.
- Do not treat an indoor-use product claim as permission to connect the unit to home wiring.
Battery-powered equipment has no combustion exhaust. If you are considering a fuel-powered portable generator instead, CPSC says to operate it outdoors at least 20 feet from the home, with exhaust directed away from the building. Follow the generator’s instructions as well.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When is the CARRY-ON a practical choice?
The CARRY-ON may suit temporary portable power when you already use M18 batteries and the devices you need fit within its output limits. If your goal is to power household circuits, support larger loads, or get a predictable outage runtime, compare systems based on continuous and surge output, usable energy, compatible batteries, connection method, and whether the equipment is intended for portable loads or installed home circuits. Milwaukee’s product information does not establish whole-home transfer capability for the CARRY-ON.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 300W POWER CONVERTER: This 300W power inverter can step up DC 18V to AC 110V-120V, quickly convert your battery into a portable charger to provide reliable power source for phones, laptops, tablets, radios, fans, work lights, small electronics devices and more. Ideal for outdoor activities, road travel, emergency power supply and home backup power
- INVERTER BATTERY COMPATIBILITY: The cordless power inverter is battery operated, compatible with Milwaukee 18V batteries, suitable for 48-11-1815, 48-11-1820, 48-11-1828, 48-11-1840, 48-11-1850 and more. Simply slide the adapter into the battery slot and lock it in place to power your electronic devices anytime, anywhere (Note: Battery Not Included)
- PD 65W FAST-CHARGING & MUTIL PORTS: Portable inverter power station equipped with 2 AC plug outlets(Total Power 300W Max), a Type-C PD 65W fast charging and 1 USB-A port(18W Max). Battery adapter equipped with 1 USB-A port(5V 3A) and 1 Type-C port(PD 20W Max). When both inverter Type-C port and USB-A port are used simultaneously, the two charge port output power is 5V2A, 10W Max
- ENHANCED SAFETY FEATURES: Power converter charger built-in intelligent chip provides low-voltage, over-voltage, over-load, over-current, short-circuit, over-heat, and under-voltage protection. When battery input DC voltage drops below 15.5V, the AC outlets cut off automatically, other output ports remain functional. It is recommended to remove the battery to prevent unnecessary discharge and preserve battery life. When the input DC voltage drops below 15V, all power supply functions stop operation
- COMPACT PORTABLE DESIGN: Battery power converter features a compact, lightweight design, only 4.8 x 3 x 1.8 inches size, making it easy to carry. Perfect for camping, daily outings or home power outages. Power inverter built-in cooling fan automatically start operation when the inverter AC power switch is turned on, ensuring efficient heat dissipation. Note: High-power electronic devices exceeding 300W are not recommended
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
