Sump pump selection depends on the application in which it will be used.
For appropriate sump pump selection, consider the following:
(1) – Automatic or manual operation ?
A manual sump pump selection refers that one will turn the pump on and off when appropriate.
An automatic sump pump selection refers that a switch is wired to the sump pump to turn it on or off at appropriate water levels. Automatic switches include pressure switches, float switches and low level pressure switches.
(2) – power
Sump pump motive power varies from 1/4 horsepower to multiple horsepower.
(3) – Head pressure
For sump pumps, the head pressure indicates to the maximum height that the pump will move water.
For example, a sump pump with a 20 ft. maximum head (called shutoff head) will raise water up 20 ft. before it loses flow. Other considerations may be added to overall head pressure are losses from elbows/bends and friction loss from long horizontal runs.
(3) – Power cord length
If you need to run a more powerful electrical motor a long distance from the main service panel ,it will require a heavier gauge wires to assure sufficient voltage at the motor for proper pump performance.
(4) – Phase and voltage
AC powered sump pumps are available with single-phase and three-phase motors. Rated for 110-120, 220-240, or 460 volts.
Three-phase power is typically not available in residential locations.
(5) – Water level sensing switch type
(A) - Pressure switches:
They are fully enclosed, usually inside the pump body, protecting them from obstructions or floating debris in the sump basin. Pressure switches are typically not adjustable ‘’ typical factory set”.
(B) - Float switches:
float switches can be adjusted to set the low and high water levels in the sump basin.
(6) – Backup system and alarm
If redundancy and an alert system are essential for sump pump operation, consider a backup system and/or alarm.
