SEC America Blog

One of the most frequently asked questions about sump pumps is, “Can I add a battery backup to an existing sump pump?” People are looking for a better alternative to cumbersome battery-operated backup sump pump kits that require the installation and setup of an entire secondary pump. These kits usually come with at least six independent components and require the purchase of additional supplies, including PVC pipe, check valves, and cement, in order to complete the installation.

With a given sump pump the only option is to increase battery capacity. This can be done in one of 2 methods:

Pump Sentry™ for sump pumps comes in two sizes (power ratings). The 822PS is the smaller of the two, good for pumps drawing up to 9A of current, and the 1622PS will work for pumps drawing up to 14A. In order to make a proper selection, it is important to ascertain the electrical ratings of your sump pump, or at least determine its make and model number which would lead to establishing its ratings.

One of the most readily available chemistries of Lithium batteries is the Lithium Iron Phosphate type (FeLiPO4). This is because they have become recognized as the safest of the Lithium varieties and are very compact and light when compared to lead acid batteries of comparable capacity.

Why is 48V a telecommunications industry standard operating voltage? There are several reasons why this is the case. First, it is considered a “compromise voltage” because this voltage level is high enough to enable relatively low signal loss for transmissions over large distances and yet low enough to be considered a “safe low voltage.”  Most common safety regulations internationally consider levels below 50V to be safe. 

Another advantage of this voltage level is that four 12V batteries connected in series create a 48V DC backup power source, usable in the event of electrical power outage. Many central stations have elaborate arrays of 48V battery banks which may occupy even an entire room.