gnuts

iTrader: (1)

We have a sump pump in our new addition basement. What I'd like to do is get a deep cell battery(s) and an inverter to be able to run the sump in case of a power outage. Last year we probably lost power twice from windy storms in the summer. The power is usually restored within a few hours max.

My sump pump is a Little Giant:So I understand I need an inverter capable of handling the surge amps. If the surge amps are 14.3 then the surge watts are 1716 correct? I've seen a few 1500 watt inverters that can handle a surge of over 2000. Would that suffice?

What size battery do I need to run this thing. I would say the pump goes off maybe 5 times an hour if it's raining like crazy. It probably takes the pump under ten second to drain.

I'm also thinking that down the road I could put another battery in series to run my fridge.

oo7spy

Why not a generator?

Also, your power calculation is based on a constant DC voltage/current. AC power depends on the voltage, current, and phase. A 120V outlet is RMS, so the peak is 170V.

gnuts

iTrader: (1)

No generator because I'd have to start it up and turn it off outside in a storm only to use it for 15 seconds to clear the pit.

also go easy on me with the terminology! I'm learning as I go here.

oo7spy

I wasn't trying to criticize you. I was just pointing out your calculation may be a little low of the current and voltage are in-phase. I think you have to account for the worst case of 2,380 W.

My technical specialty is microelectronics. Otherwise I would have better answers. Hopefully someone with some power knowledge can chime in.

If if you go the battery route, you may consider a solar panel to trickle charge it when it's off duty.