Anker PowerHouse 521 Troubleshooting Guide (With Error Codes)

If you are looking for a portable power station that can last for a decade, charge your devices fast, and power your small appliances during blackouts or outdoors, you might want to consider the Anker PowerHouse 521. This power station has a huge 256Wh capacity, a high-speed USB-C charging port, an AC outlet, a car outlet, and two USB-A ports. It also comes with a 5-year full-device warranty and a smart display that shows you the battery level, input and output power, and charging time. Plus, it has a built-in warm tone LED light and a power saving mode that turns off the power station when your devices are fully charged.

However, like any electronic device, the Anker PowerHouse 521 may encounter some problems or issues that need troubleshooting. In this guide, we will show you how to solve some of the common problems that you may face with your power station. We will also provide you with a comprehensive guide to the error codes that may appear on the smart display and what they mean.

The power station does not turn on or charge

If your power station does not turn on or charge, there are several possible causes and solutions:

• Cause: The power station is in low battery mode. This happens when the battery level drops below 10% and the power station automatically shuts down to protect the battery.
• Solution: Recharge the power station as soon as possible using the DC adapter or the solar panel (sold separately). To check the battery level, press the power button briefly and look at the LED indicators on the side of the power station.
• Cause: The power station is in overheat protection mode. This happens when the internal temperature of the power station exceeds 65°C (149°F) and the power station automatically shuts down to prevent damage.
• Solution: Move the power station to a cooler place and wait for it to cool down before turning it on or charging it again. To check the internal temperature, press the power button briefly and look at the smart display.
• Cause: The power station is in overcurrent protection mode. This happens when the output current of the power station exceeds 10A and the power station automatically shuts down to prevent damage.
• Solution: Unplug some of the devices that are connected to the power station and reduce the total output current below 10A. To check the output current, press the power button briefly and look at the smart display.
• Cause: The DC adapter or the solar panel is faulty or incompatible.
• Solution: Check if the DC adapter or the solar panel is working properly and has the correct specifications. The DC adapter should have an output of 19V/6A and a barrel plug of 5.5mm x 2.1mm. The solar panel should have an output of 18V/5A (max) and an MC4 connector. If you are using a different adapter or panel, make sure they have compatible outputs and connectors.

The power station does not charge my devices fast enough

If your power station does not charge your devices fast enough, there are several possible causes and solutions:

• Cause: The devices are not compatible with fast charging protocols. Some devices may not support fast charging protocols such as Power Delivery (PD), Quick Charge (QC), or PowerIQ (PIQ) that allow them to charge faster using higher voltages or currents.
• Solution: Check if your devices support fast charging protocols and use compatible cables and ports. The USB-C port on the power station supports PD up to 60W and PIQ up to 18W. The USB-A ports support QC up to 18W and PIQ up to 12W each. The AC outlet supports up to 200W of output power.
• Cause: The devices are drawing too much power from the power station. Some devices may require more power than what the power station can provide, especially if they are running at full load or have large batteries.
• Solution: Check if your devices have lower power modes or settings that can reduce their power consumption. For example, you can lower the brightness of your laptop screen, turn off Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, or close some applications. You can also unplug some of the devices that are not in use or switch them to standby mode.
• Cause: The power saving mode is on. The power saving mode is designed to conserve energy by turning off the power station when all your devices are fully charged. However, this may also affect some devices that need constant power supply or have trickle charging features.
• Solution: Turn off the power saving mode by pressing and holding the LED button for three seconds until you hear a beep sound. The LED indicator will turn from green to white. To turn on the power saving mode again, press and hold the LED button for three seconds until you hear another beep sound. The LED indicator will turn from white to green.

The power station makes a loud noise or emits a bad smell

If your power station makes a loud noise or emits a bad smell, there are several possible causes and solutions:

• Cause: The power station is overloaded. This happens when the total output power of the power station exceeds 200W and the power station automatically shuts down to prevent damage. You may hear a loud beep sound or smell a burning odor from the power station.
• Solution: Unplug some of the devices that are connected to the power station and reduce the total output power below 200W. To check the output power, press the power button briefly and look at the smart display.
• Cause: The power station is short-circuited. This happens when there is a direct connection between the positive and negative terminals of the power station or the devices that are connected to it. You may hear a loud pop sound or see sparks or smoke from the power station.
• Solution: Disconnect all the devices from the power station and check if there is any damage or foreign object on the ports or cables. If you see any signs of fire, explosion, or leakage, stop using the power station immediately and contact Anker customer service for assistance.
• Cause: The power station is defective or damaged. This may happen due to manufacturing defects, improper use, or external factors such as water, dust, or impact.
• Solution: Stop using the power station immediately and contact Anker customer service for assistance. Do not attempt to open, repair, or modify the power station by yourself.

The power station does not work with my solar panel

If your power station does not work with your solar panel, there are several possible causes and solutions:

• Cause: The solar panel is not connected properly. This may happen if the solar panel cable is loose, broken, or incompatible with the power station.
• Solution: Check if the solar panel cable is securely plugged into the DC input port on the power station and the MC4 connector on the solar panel. Make sure there is no damage or dirt on the cable or the connector. If you are using a different cable or connector, make sure they have compatible specifications and polarity.
• Cause: The solar panel is not receiving enough sunlight. This may happen if the solar panel is shaded, dirty, or facing the wrong direction.
• Solution: Place the solar panel in a sunny location and adjust its angle to face directly towards the sun. Clean any dust or debris on the surface of the solar panel. Avoid placing any objects that may block or reflect sunlight near the solar panel.
• Cause: The solar panel is not compatible with the power station. This may happen if the solar panel has an output voltage or current that is too high or too low for the power station.
• Solution: Check if the solar panel has an output voltage of 18V and an output current of 5A (max). If you are using a different solar panel, make sure it has compatible outputs and connectors.

The smart display shows an error code

If your smart display shows an error code, it means that there is a problem with your power station or its operation. Here are some of the common error codes and what they mean:

• E01: Input overvoltage protection. This means that the input voltage of the DC adapter or the solar panel is too high for the power station.
• E02: Input undervoltage protection. This means that the input voltage of the DC adapter or the solar panel is too low for the power station.
• E03: Input overcurrent protection. This means that the input current of the DC adapter or the solar panel is too high for the power station.
• E04: Output overvoltage protection. This means that the output voltage of one of the ports on the power station is too high for your devices.
• E05: Output undervoltage protection. This means that the output voltage of one of the ports on the power station is too low for your devices.
• E06: Output overcurrent protection. This means that the output current of one of the ports on the power station is too high for your devices.
• E07: Output short-circuit protection. This means that there is a direct connection between the positive and negative terminals of one of the ports on the power station or your devices.
• E08: Output overload protection. This means that the total output power of the power station exceeds 200W.
• E09: Battery overcharge protection. This means that the battery level of the power station exceeds 100%.
• E10: Battery overdischarge protection. This means that the battery level of the power station drops below 10%.