1
Voltage Gate
PASSDevice output type must match generator output.
120V required -> 120V available
No — the EB3A is underpowered for a Pancake Air Compressor
Not a safe match. The generator's output falls below the Pancake Air Compressor (6-Gallon)'s requirement.
- • Continuous power shortfall: needs 1620W (safe target ~2025W), generator provides 600W.
- • Startup surge shortfall: needs 8343W (safe target ~10429W), generator provides 1200W.
Power Margin Analysis
600W / 1200W Capacity Running 1425W short
2025W required
Surge 9229W short
10429W required
Decision Gate Waterfall
Same decision gates as the engine: voltage, running, surge. Runtime is shown as operational context.
2
Running Gate
FAILContinuous draw with safety buffer applied.
2,025W required -> 600W available (1,425W short)
Required 2,025W required
Available 600W
3
Surge Gate
FAILStartup peak with safety buffer applied.
10,429W required -> 1,200W available (9,229W short)
Required 10,429W required
Available 1,200W
3b
With Soft-Start
FAILAlternative startup path with reduced inrush.
4,693W required -> 1,200W available (3,493W short)
Required 4,693W
Available 1,200W
4
Runtime Insight
INFORuntime context only. It does not change the electrical compatibility verdict.
Runtime estimate appears after running and surge gates pass.
Power bars show required versus available output for each gate.
See generators that pass nativelyDecision Snapshot
Quick compatibility, required headroom, and model-specific context at a glance.
⚡
600W
Running Power
🔋
268.8Wh
Capacity
⏱️
—
Est. Runtime
☀️
200W
Solar Input
Quick Compatibility Check
- 1 Running headroom: target 2025W; generator provides 600W.
- 2 Surge headroom: target 10429W; generator provides 1200W.
- 3 Result: pick a higher-output unit for safe operation.
What To Do Instead
- 1 Underpowered: The Pancake Air Compressor (6-Gallon) needs 2025W running / 10429W surge (with 25% buffer). The EB3A provides 600W / 1200W.
- 2 Safe target: Look for a power station with at least 2025W continuous and 10429W surge at 120V.
- 3 Compatible alternative: The Delta Pro Ultra X (12000W / 24000W surge) clears this device's requirements.
Model-Specific Results
0 of 3 models are SAFE or TIGHT. Most demanding model: Metabo HPT EC914S 'The Tank' (6-Gal, 1.3 HP, 200 PSI) (8,343W surge).
| Model | Running | Surge | Verdict | Runtime | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DeWalt DWFP55126 (6-Gal, 0.9 HP, 165 PSI) | 1,200W | 6,180W | Fail | — | Engineering Est. |
Show expert analysisTechnical: **Running load:** 1200W from OEM rated amps (10A × 120V). **Estimated startup surge:** 6180W at 5.15x running (proxy from CRAFTSMAN OEM data for comparable 6-gallon pancake compressor — no DeWalt starting watts published). **Voltage:** 120V AC. Oil-free pump, 0.9 HP universal motor, 165 PSI max. Field note: The DWFP55126 is the best-selling pancake compressor in the US. Despite the modest 1200W running draw, the ~6180W startup surge means most power stations under 3000W surge capacity will trip on compressor restart. Size for surge first, not running watts. Can a portable power station run the DeWalt DWFP55126? Only if your power source can supply at least 1200W continuous and approximately 6180W surge at 120V. The compressor startup surge is the main limiting factor, not the running watts. | |||||
| CRAFTSMAN CMEC6150 (6-Gal, 0.8 HP, 150 PSI) | 1,320W | 6,800W | Fail | — | OEM Verified |
Show expert analysisTechnical: **Running load:** 1320W (OEM published). **Startup surge:** 6800W (OEM published, 5.15x running). **Voltage:** 120V AC. Oil-free pump, 0.8 HP motor, 150 PSI max. This is the only variant in this set with OEM-published starting watts. Field note: The CRAFTSMAN OEM data reveals a critical insight: pancake compressors surge at over 5x running watts — far more than the 3x NEC assumption used for many motor loads. This is because the compressor must overcome residual tank pressure on restart. Always size for the 6800W surge, not the 1320W running draw. Why does this compressor need so much more starting power than running power? The motor must overcome compressed air resistance in the tank at startup. CRAFTSMAN rates this model at 6800W starting versus 1320W running — a 5.15x ratio. Most power stations under 3500W surge will fail to start this compressor. | |||||
| Metabo HPT EC914S 'The Tank' (6-Gal, 1.3 HP, 200 PSI) | 1,620W | 8,343W | Fail | — | Engineering Est. |
Show expert analysisTechnical: **Running load:** 1620W from OEM rated amps (13.5A × 120V). **Estimated startup surge:** 8343W at 5.15x running (proxy from CRAFTSMAN OEM data for comparable 6-gallon pancake compressor — no Metabo HPT starting watts published). **Voltage:** 120V AC. Industrial motor, 1.3 HP, 200 PSI max — the most powerful unit in this set. Field note: The EC914S draws 35% more running watts and has an estimated 8343W surge — this is the hardest-to-run pancake compressor in the set. Most consumer power stations cannot start it. Its 200 PSI max and 4.0 SCFM output make it a jobsite-grade tool that demands jobsite-grade power. Why does the Metabo HPT need so much more power than the DeWalt? At 1.3 HP versus 0.9 HP, the EC914S delivers 54% more air flow and 21% higher max pressure. That extra performance requires 1620W running and an estimated 8343W startup surge — significantly more than entry-level 0.8-0.9 HP compressors. | |||||
How This Pairing Performs Across Our Database
This unit is outside the compatible set; 3 of 33 generators pass SAFE/TIGHT for this device.
How Pancake Air Compressor (6-Gallon) Performs Across 33 Tested Generators
3 of 33 generators are SAFE+TIGHT for Pancake Air Compressor (6-Gallon).
3
Safe+Tight
Safe 2 (6%)
Tight 1 (3%)
Soft Start 8 (24%)
Fail 22 (67%)
Power Comparison: Bluetti EB3A vs Top Alternatives for Pancake Air Compressor (6-Gallon)
Bluetti EB3A Fail
Current unit
Running 600W
Surge 1,200W
Fit class uses buffered needs (running and surge) for this device.
Specs & Surge Analysis
Power Tools
Pancake Air Compressor (6-Gallon)
Tire Inflation and Tools
Select Your Model:
1620W
Running
8343W
Surge
120V
Required
True Surge™ Analysis
Safety Buffer: +25% Running Power Usage 338% Utilization
2025W required 600W Capacity
1425W short
Surge/Startup Peak 869% Utilization
10429W required 1200W Capacity
9229W short
Voltage Match 120V ↔ 120V ✓
Startup Surge Visual
Startup Surge
Pancake Air Compressor (6-Gallon) vs EB3A
Startup surge exceeds the power station limit. A soft starter may resolve the surge gap.
Compatible Alternatives to EB3A
These generators meet Pancake Air Compressor (6-Gallon)'s voltage, running, and surge requirements.
Best Value 
Delta Pro Ultra X
12000W • 6144Wh
Runtime at your load
~2.7h
Capacity Fit Fixed 6144Wh
Lowest capacity that still clears surge + running load.
Max Runtime 
Delta Pro Ultra
6000W • 6144Wh
Runtime at your load
~2.7h
Longest Runtime Fixed 6144Wh
Highest available capacity for longer runtime.
Compare Similar Units
Free Tools
Station Tools
Generator Insights
With 1200W surge capacity, the EB3A can handle typical compressor-based startup loads like refrigerators, sump pumps, and window air conditioners. The 268.8Wh capacity supports short-duration essential loads during outages. It can support intermittent cycling of motor-driven appliances when runtime demands stay within the available energy reserve.
The EB3A uses lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry, known for stable performance in residential applications. Proper ventilation and adherence to manufacturer guidelines remain essential for safe operation. Source: BLUETTI EB3A User Manual (manufacturer documentation).
Technical Analysis
Spec-Based • No GuaranteesTechnical Breakdown
Running range: 1200W to 1620W depending on motor size (0.8-1.3 HP). Surge range: 6180W to 8343W — pancake compressors surge at approximately 5x running watts due to compressed air resistance on restart. Voltage: 120V AC for all models.
Expected Behavior
Compressors cycle between cut-in and cut-out pressure, creating repeated surge events during use. Daily energy consumption at 1 hour use ranges from 600 to 1215 Wh depending on model and duty cycle. Recommended duty cycle is 50-75% (30-45 minutes per hour max).
Field Note
Compressor startup surge is the primary compatibility bottleneck — not running watts. A power station rated at 2000W continuous but only 3000W surge will fail to start any compressor in this set. OEM data shows pancake compressors surge at over 5x running, far exceeding the 3x often assumed for motor loads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Bluetti EB3A power a Pancake Air Compressor?
No. The Bluetti EB3A falls short on both running (600W offered vs 2025W needed) and surge (1200W offered vs 10429W needed). Safe targets include a 25% buffer for the Pancake Air Compressor (6-Gallon)'s compressor load profile.
How long will the EB3A run a Pancake Air Compressor?
No reliable runtime estimate — this pairing is not compatible. The Bluetti EB3A cannot safely power the Pancake Air Compressor (6-Gallon). See compatible alternatives above for power stations that meet this device's requirements.
Power Tip: To get the most out of your EB3A, keep it in a well-ventilated area. Extreme temperatures can slightly reduce the efficiency of the LFP/NMC cells.
Compare all 33 generators for the Pancake Air Compressor (6-Gallon)
Ranked by budget, runtime, and overall compatibility.
Technical Sourcing & Verification
ID: bluetti-eb3a-air-compressor-pancake 🏛️ Device Data Source
Engineering Est. Safety Factor Applied
Derived from variant list (max of variants). Running worst case = Metabo HPT EC914S (1620W). Surge worst case = Metabo HPT EC914S (8343W). Surge ratio 5.15x derived from CRAFTSMAN CMEC6150 OEM-published start/run watts (6800W/1320W).
⚡ Generator Specs Source
OEM Verified
BLUETTI EB3A User Manual
Methodology informed by US Department of Energy (DOE) & EIA references where applicable.
Our methodology →