In order to choose a sump pump battery backup, the first thing you should do is assess your needs. Here are some of the biggest factors that will play a role in your decision:
There are many variables that determine how long battery backup can be maintained. An inverter-powered battery backup will provide AC power to a conventional submersible sump pump during a power outage. For an inverter-powered battery backup which will maintain the operation of your main sump pump there are 3 main factors to consider:
» READ MORE
48V is a telecommunications industry-standard operating voltage. It is considered a “compromise voltage” by being high enough to enable relatively low signal loss transmissions over large distances, and yet low enough to be a “safe low voltage”. (Most international safety regulations consider levels below 50V to be safe. )
An advantage of negative 48V is that four 12V batteries connected in series create 48V DC usable as a backup power source. Central telecom stations are known to have elaborate arrays of 48V battery banks.
One important aspect of telecom power installations is that the polarity of the 48V DC source is setup to be negative with respect to ground. This convention makes the entire telecom system more immune to corrosion and safer for individuals performing telecom maintenance. This negative polarity prevents metal ions from migrating from one metal element to another, which is the cause of rapid battery terminal and copper wire corrosion.
Although many new telecom stations have become very compact, they remain backwards compatible in terms of being powered by -48V. This feature will remain a standard into the foreseeable future.
There are installations where power demand is modest and there is no room to accommodate 4 batteries to provide 48V emergency power. Backup power is vital to maintain the operation of an entire sector served by such a station. A DC-DC converter provides the solution to enable the station’s operation on a single 12V battery for long periods. Figure #1 illustrates the hookup scheme with a 12V to 48V DC-DC conversion from a single battery.
There are many products and systems being sold on the market today called battery backup sump pumps. These are add-on, DC battery-operated pumps that work in conjunction with your primary pump. They serve as a backup in case the primary pump becomes inoperable because of mechanical or electrical failure.
Sump pump battery backups are power converter/control systems designed for wall mounting and used in tandem with a battery or battery bank. This type of system is not intended to replace the function of the main pump in case of failure, but allows the main pump to seamlessly continue functioning at full capacity in the event of a power failure. A battery backup system for your sump pump is extremely important for providing peace of mind that your home will be protected from water damage. The ruggedness and durability of today’s sump pumps paired with regular inspection and maintenance can make mechanical failure or physical breakdowns quite unlikely. In fact, your sump pump system should last about ten years with the proper maintenance. The more common culprit for sump pump failure is power outage. Battery backup systems can be depended on to operate your pump even when utility power isn’t available, such as losing power during a thunder storm.
To help understand the distinction between your two options — a battery-operated auxiliary pump and a battery backup for your existing pump — take a look at this comparison:
| DC-Powered Auxiliary Pump | AC-Powered Sump Pump Battery Backup |
| Second add-on pump | Operates with existing pump |
| Reduced pumping capacity on its own | Continues primary pump operation |
| 12 VDC | 100-128 VAC |
| Installed in the sump pit | Mounted to wall |
Sump pumps have been vastly improved over the years, and that has led to their increased reliability enhancing overall dependability when used in tandem with battery backup systems. With such an important topic as protecting your basement from water damage, you need all the facts before making a decision about what kind of system to use.
Click here to view a list of Pump Sentry Distributors
 |
 |
 |
| Instruction Manual | Product Brochure | Product Pamphlet |
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.
» READ MORE
