Emergency pump kit
Sump pumps are designed to reduce the risk of water ingress in basements and protect homes from damage caused by flooding. However, it’s important to bear in mind that since pumps require electricity to function, it’s essential to have a plan B for when the power goes out.
After reading this buyer’s guide, you’ll be able to make an informed decision as to how to protect your house should the unexpected happen.
Download the guide
How to choose a 12 V emergency pump
If you have a pump with over ½ HP, or a pipe exit that’s over 5 feet tall:
If you have a pump with over ½ HP, or a pipe exit that’s over 5 feet tall:
Consumption per hour : 8,4 A
A more powerful kit that includes:
- 2000 GPM pump
- Battery case
- Intelligent charger
- EWC12-148
- Connections
- check valve
Remember
This pump is a bit trickier to install than the FPDC20 but comes with a more powerful charger that will fully recharge your battery in the event of a long-lasting power cut.
Budget
$1,000 to $1,200
Depending on whether you need additional connections
*Installation not included. AGM WPHR battery included.
If you have a pump with over ½ HP, or a pipe exit that’s over 5 feet tall:
If you have a pump with over ½ HP, or a pipe exit that’s over 5 feet tall:
Consumption per hour: 15,5 A
A more powerful kit that includes:
- 4000 GPH pump
- Intelligent charger EWC12-148
- Battery case
- Connections
Remember
This pump is a bit trickier to install than the FPDC20 but comes with a more powerful charger that will fully recharge your battery in the event of a long-lasting power cut.
Budget
$1,125 to $1,225
Depending on whether you need additional connections.
*Installation not included. WPHR battery included.
Inverter / charger system
As previously mentioned, sump pumps are more powerful than 12 V emergency pumps. With this is mind, if your house is in an area where there’s a higher risk of flooding, it’s worth noting that you can add an inverter/charger system to your existing sump pump.
In addition to providing the same amount of power as a sump pump, this option also allows you to connect other devices in your house (lights, fridge, freezer, Wi-Fi, etc.) to your system in the event of a power cut.
Avantages
- The back-up system is just as powerful as your sump pump
- Can deal with a larger amount of water
- Speedy battery recharge when the electricity comes back on
- Often accepted by insurance companies in case of a claim (check with your insurer)
- Allows you to install a bigger battery bank for more reserve energy
- Ideal for confined spaces where you can’t install a second pump
- You can get the very most out of your system by connecting it to your electrical panel to power other devices in your house in the event of a power cut (lights, fridge, freezer, Wi-Fi, etc.).
Remember
The sump pump is more powerful but must convert power from DC to AC (120V), which requires more energy from the battery.
This system should be installed by a professional.
Equipment
Your current sump pump + inverter/charger system + batteries
- Perfect for those who want peace of mind and as much power as possible.
- Homeowners who want to back up other devices in the event of a power cut.
What elements make up an inverter / charger system?
Inverter / charger
In addition to converting the battery power to 120 V for your pump, the inverter/charger automatically switches between power sources in the event of a power cut and recharges your batteries when the electricity comes back on. We strongly recommend pure sine wave inverters for sump pumps.
Fuse and fuse holder
The fuse will protect your equipment in the event of a power surge. For your system to be ultra-safe, it’s important to install a fuse between the battery and the inverter.
Batteries
The batteries provide you with a supply of energy when the power goes out. It’s important to choose a battery bank that will provide you with the power you need for the right amount of time. There are a variety of different batteries available on the market, all of which are designed for different needs and budgets.
Samlex EVO-1212F
Connection and installation diagram of the emergency system with inverter / charger
If you have a sump pump with ½ HP (or less) and a pipe exit that’s 5 feet tall (max.):
A 1200 W inverter / charger is recommended
This easy-to-install kit includes:
- Electric connections
- Circuit breaker and protection
Average consumption
½ HP: 46 A on a 12 V battery bank
- 115 V x 4 A = 460 watts
- Maximum loss during voltage conversion = 20%
- Total consumption (including loss): 552 W/12 V = 46 A
Remember
This inverter / charger is designed with a connection plug that complies with the CSA standard (120V plug). This allows you to connect your sump pump directly to the unit
Budget
$1250 to $1500
Depending on whether you need additional connections
*Battery bank and installation not included
If you have a pump with more than ½ HP and a pipe exit that’s over 5 feet tall:
A 2200 W inverter / charger is recommended
This easy-to-install kit includes:
- Electrical connection
- Fuse and protection
Average consumption
70 A from 12 V batteries for ¾ HP pumps
- 115 V x 6 A = 690 watts
- Maximum loss during voltage conversion = 20%
- Total consumption (including loss): 828 W / 12 V = 70 A
Remember
Can be connected to a generator.
Can be connected to your electrical panel to power other 120 V devices in your house in the event of a power cut.
Since this product is a “hardwire” inverter, you must connect the sump pump to a junction box or an electrical panel.
Budget
$2000 to $2300
Depending on whether you need additional connections.
*Battery bank and installation not included
Here are a few tips to help you choose the right battery:
Average power cut
In Quebec, the average power cut lasts 6 hours. Of course, this can vary from one region to another, but this gives you a good idea of the amount of time you need to cover.
How to get the most out of your battery:
We strongly recommend that you avoid discharging your battery below 50% of its capacity. Not only will the battery charge better, but it will also last longer (increased lifetime) and will leave you with some leeway in extreme situations. The time calculations are based on someone who uses 50% of the capacity of their battery.
15-30 minutes
According to the amount of water, a pump doesn’t necessarily pump at the same rate throughout the power cut. For example, it may only pump for 15 to 30 minutes per hour. Keep this information in mind when choosing your batteries.
Calculation tableBattery life
This table will give you an idea of how long different batteries last according to the power of the battery and if the pump runs constantly, or for 15/30 minutes per hour.
- FormatStandard battery format
- ConstantApproximate number of hours if the pump runs constantly
- 30 min/hApproximate number of hours if the pump runs for 30 minutes an hour
- 15 min/hApproximate number of hours if the pump runs for 15 minutes an hour
Défiler pour consulter
| Format | CONSTANT | 30 min/h | 15 min/h |
Emergency pump 12 V 2000 GPH
| 24 | 5-6 h | 11-12 h | 23-24 h |
| 27 | 6-7 h | 13-14 h | 28-29 h |
| 31 | 7-8 h | 15-16 h | 31-32 h |
Emergency pump 12V 4000 GPH
| 24 | 1,5-2,5 h | 4-5 h | 8,5-9,5 h |
| 27 | 2-3 h | 4,5-5,5 h | 10,5-11,5 h |
| 31 | 2-3 h | 5,5-6,5 h | 12-13 h |
| 4D | 5-6 h | 11,5-12,5 h | 24-25 h |
| 8D | 7-8 h | 15-16 h | 31-32 h |
Inverter/charger ½ hp and less
| 2x 2GC | 1,5-2,5 h | 3,5-4,5 h | 8,5-9,5 h |
| 2x L16 | 3-4 h | 7-8,5 h | 16-17 h |
Inverter/charger ¾ hp
| 2x 2GC | 1,5-2,5 h | 2-3 h | 5,5-6,5 h |
| 2x L16 | 2-3 h | 4,5-5,5 h | 10-11 h |
Differences between different types of batteries
Technology: regular lead-acid
- Value for money
- Requires a ventilated area
- Reliable
- Watering maintenance not required
Maximum lifespan : 4 years*
Technology: AGM
- Watering maintenance not required
- Better discharge
- Very low hydrogen emissions
- Can be installed in a confined area
- Safer
- More reliable
Maximum lifespan: 5-7 years*
Technology: AGM
- Watering maintenance not required
- Better discharge
- Very low hydrogen emissions
- Can be installed in a confined area
- Safer
- More reliable
Maximum lifespan: 5-7 years*
Technology: AGM
- Watering maintenance not required
- Better discharge
- Very low hydrogen emissions
- Can be installed in a confined area
- Safer
- More reliable
Maximum lifespan: 6-8 years*
*If the battery is used and recharged correctly and not overused.
Other factors to consider when you purchase a battery:
Where is your pump located?
The liquid inside batteries requiring watering maintenance evaporates when the battery is used. You therefore have to check the level of liquid once a month and add distilled water, if necessary, to ensure the battery performs as it should. When it comes to emergency backup systems, we recommend batteries that don’t require watering maintenance.
With or without watering maintenance?
The liquid inside batteries requiring watering maintenance evaporates when the battery is used. You therefore have to check the level of liquid once a month and add distilled water, if necessary, to ensure the battery performs as it should. When it comes to emergency backup systems, we recommend batteries that don’t require watering maintenance.
Looking for total peace of mind?
In certain situations, not having electricity can cause serious problems. If this is the case, we recommend BOLT99 batteries. They’re known for their longevity and don’t require any watering maintenance.
Need your batteries to last longer?
Did you know that you can combine the power of several batteries together to make them last longer? It’s particularly useful to do this if you have an inverter/charger system.
Do you have any children?
If your pump is in an area that your children can access, we recommend you choose an AGM battery. AGM technology is safer as you don’t need to worry about acid spills.
Make your batteries last as long as possible:
It’s important to only discharge a regular lead-acid battery down to 50% of its capacity. Otherwise, the number of cycles and the durability of the battery may be impacted. Fun fact: AGM99 and lithium LiFePo4 batteries have an impressive lifespan, even if you discharge them down to 80% of their capacity.
How to charge your battery like a pro:
A conventional battery can take on between 10 and 15% of its capacity (Ah) in charging power (10-15 Amps to charge a 100Ah battery). Batteries that are designed using the latest technology (BOLT99 – between 10 and 30% and lithium LiFePo4 – between 5 and 50%) can be recharged faster with more powerful chargers. Fast charging can be really useful if you recharge your batteries with a generator or if the electricity only comes back on for a short while.
Installing your system
Please note that installation fees aren’t included and, depending on your set-up, you may need to get help from an electrician and/or a plumber.
We also suggest that you install your devices at least one foot above the ground to avoid them coming into contact with water in extreme flooding situations. Nature can be unpredictable after all!
And there you have it! To learn more about sump pump systems, get in touch with our experts at your local Batteries Expert store. We’ll be happy to help you keep your house safe.