Do Bouncy Castles Need Electricity?
A Straightforward Guide for Parties & Events
Yes — bouncy castles and inflatables do need electricity, and they need it the whole time they’re in use. They stay inflated through a constant-airflow blower that keeps fresh air moving into the castle every second. Switch the blower off, and the inflatable will start to collapse within minutes.
The reassuring bit?
Running a blower costs very little, usually only a couple of pounds for an afternoon party.
How Much Electricity Does a Bouncy Castle Use?
All of our bouncy castles and inflatables run on 1.5 horsepower electric blowers.
These typically draw around 1.1–1.5 kW while running — similar to:
• a hairdryer on low–medium
• a small electric heater
• a vacuum cleaner
Despite sounding powerful, they’re very efficient.
Real Running Costs (UK Example)
Based on an average electricity rate of around 30p per kWh:
• 1.1–1.5 kW blower = around 33p–45p per hour
• A typical 4–6 hour party = £1.50–£2.50 total
Most households won’t notice this on their electric bill.
Do Bouncy Castles Need to Stay Plugged In?
Yes.
Inflatables use constant airflow — they don’t store air like a balloon. The blower must stay plugged in and running the entire time the castle is in use.
This is normal, safe, and the way all professional inflatables work.
What Power Do You Need at Your Home or Venue?
You only need:
• A standard UK 3-pin plug socket
• One socket per blower (no extension multi-adapters)
• A safe place for the cable to run
We supply up to 50 metres of professional-grade extension cable, allowing us to reach most gardens, community centres, play areas, and village halls without any issues.
If you’re unsure about the distance or socket location, we’ll advise you before setup.
What If You Don’t Have Access to Electricity?
If you’re hiring in a field, park, or an area without power, our inflatables can run from a petrol generator.
Let us know during booking and we’ll guide you on the right generator size and safe placement.
Are Bouncy Castles Expensive to Run?
Not at all.
Even long sessions stay inexpensive — usually £1–£4 depending on blower size and electricity rates.
The more important factors are:
• A safe, reliable power source
• Avoiding overloaded sockets
• Keeping cables fully uncoiled and free from pinch points
• Ensuring the blower has airflow around it
We check all of this on arrival so everything runs safely and smoothly.
Quick Summary
• Yes, bouncy castles need electricity
• Blower must stay on for the whole hire
• Our 1.5hp blowers use ~1.1–1.5 kW
• Running cost is typically £1.50–£2.50 for a standard party
• We supply up to 50m of extension cable
• A standard UK 3-pin plug is all you need
• Generators work when no mains power is available
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