The backup sump pump system should operate by another power source rather than electricity.the standby source keep the backup sump pump running in the absence of electricity.
The different types of power sources.
(A) - The Battery:
The backup battery provides the power through the use of a wired housing case to perform the pumping cycle for the removal of the water from the sump pit .12 or 24 volt battery power is used. The specifications of battery required varies by manufacturer.
Features:
- Rechargeable.
- The batteries require monitoring to make sure they will operate in the time of need. Most battery backup sump pump systems have an alarm that lets the homeowner know when a battery is being used by the backup pump, requires maintenance or replacement.
- The higher the charger strength value, the faster the battery recharging after usage.Charger strength varies from .4 to 20.
- Trigger “ activates the non electrical power source to start operation”.For battery powered backup sump pumps, battery is activated when the water level raises the float. The backup system is not activated until the water collected in the sump pit and rises to the height of the float.
(B) - Water Pressure:
In the water powered sump pump, the water pressure provides the power to keep a backup sump pump running. The water used must come from a municipal source and have a pressure larger than 40 PSI .
Features:
- Water powered backup system requires no batteries and has no moving parts.
- It depends on its operation on a PSI water pressure between 40 and 100 PSI.
- Water powered sump pump can be costly to operate takes as it takes 1 gallon of municipal water to remove 2 gallons of sump pit water .
- Private well water can’t be used and the municipal provided water must have reliable water pressure.
- A valve allows pressured water to flow down to the sump pump when the float raises.water powered backup system is activated by The flowing of the pressured water.The backup system is not activated until the water collected in the sump pit and rises to the height of the float.
(C) - A portable generator:
Convert the gas or propane into energy. The backup sum pump must be plugged into the generator.
Features:
- The portable generator must be placed outside.
- It must be started manually.
- The majority operates from propane tank.
- A portable generator becomes activated when a human starts it.
(D) - Automatic start standby generator:
Supplies the backup system with power when the sump pump is plugged into it.
Features:
- Expensive to purchase and install (4 to 10 times more expensive than battery) .
- They are very reliable.
- Run off of natural gas or propane tanks.
- Can provide power to multiple household appliances during power failure.
- The generator is activated when the transfer switch senses a power interruption.
- The transfer switch is the most reliable and quickest way to activate the backup sump pump system.
