What Size Generator to Run a Sump Pump

Sump pumps protect the basement from flooding. However, they will not operate during power outages. Many people wonder what size generator is needed to run a sump pump. The exact size of the generator required depends on the appliance's wattage consumption and how long it needs to run. For example, a standard sump pump needs 1000W to run and 2000 - 4000W to start. 

A 2500-watt generator with a rated output of 2500W and surge output of 5000W is enough to handle the power requirements of a standard sump pump. Jackery Solar Generators are powerful, essential home backup solutions with large capacities that can safely power sump pumps of different sizes during outages. The solar-powered generators are built with ergonomic design to ensure easy transportation whenever needed.

Key Takeaways

• A ½ hp sump pump consumes around 1050W of running power (and 2150 - 4100W of starting power).
• A ⅓ hp sump pump needs 800W to run and 1300W - 2900W to start. A 2500-watt generator can run the appliance safely for hours.
• Running a ½ hp sump pump (1050W) for 8 hours per day can consume around 8.4kWh daily.
• Jackery Solar Generators are essential home backup solutions for powering critical household appliances, such as sump pumps and refrigerators.

How Many Watts Does a Sump Pump Use?

Sump pumps, responsible for pumping out the water from the basement, have a horsepower rating of ⅓ hp or ½ hp. The ½ hp typically consumes around 1050W of electricity per hour with a starting wattage of 2150 - 4100W. On the other hand, ⅓ hp sump pumps need around 800W to run continuously and 1300W—2900W to start up.

How Many Starting and Running Watts Sump Pumps Use?

Sump pumps require a significant surge of power to start, which is why the starting wattage is higher than the running wattage. The appliance often requires up to two to three times its running watts to start up. Therefore, a sump pump generator should be able to supply sufficient starting and running watts for efficient functioning. Here's how many starting and running watts a sump pump consumes: 

Note: Factors like the size of the sump pump, the rate at which the appliance runs, and its effectiveness at handling the volume of water may affect its wattage consumption.

How Much Energy is Needed to Run a Space Heater

Calculating the sump pump's wattage consumption requires a clear understanding of the appliance's wattage consumption and the duration it typically runs. The formula to calculate the sump pump's energy consumption is the wattage multiplied by the number of hours it will be used. For example, a ½ hp sump pump (1050W) typically runs for 8 hours a day and would consume 8.4kWh daily.

Types of Generators Suitable for Sump Pumps

There are multiple types of sump pump generators available, each offering different portability and power. Let's explain each option briefly: 

Fuel-Powered Generators: Fuel-powered generators run on gasoline, propane, or diesel. They offer a reliable backup source for sump pumps during outages. However, they need regular maintenance, emit noise, and are not safe to operate indoors. 

Inverter Generators: These types of portable sump pump generators produce clean and more stable power output. They are quieter and more fuel efficient compared to standard gas generators. However, they still require fuel and must be operated outside in a well-ventilated area. 

Standby Generators: These are permanently installed generators that automatically kick in during the event of power outages. They offer peace of mind and ensure essential appliances such as sump pumps continue to operate. However, the standby generators are more expensive and require professional installation. 

Solar Generators: Unlike fuel-powered generators, solar generators are a silent, emission-free alternative that produces electricity from sunlight. They are silent, produce no emissions, and need minimal maintenance. Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus is an essential home backup solution that can power essential household appliances, including sump pumps. 

What Size Generator to Run a Sump Pump

A 2000-watt generator can run most sump pumps operating at normal horsepower (⅓ hp or ¼ hp). On the other hand, a 4000-watt generator is enough to handle the running and starting wattage of ½ hp or 1 hp sump pump. The larger sump pump battery backup can handle the wattage consumption of sump pumps and other essential household appliances like refrigerators and fans. Here's how big of a generator is needed to run a sump pump:

Step 1: Determine the Power Consumption of Sump Pump

The wattage/power ratings of the sump pumps are typically available on the energy label. If the wattage information is not available, you can multiply the volts and amps of the sump pump to get the running watts. 

Running Watts = Amps × Volts = 8A × 120V = 960W 

As mentioned above, the starting watts are typically equal to two to three times the running watts. 

In this case,

Starting Watts = 960W × 3 = 2880W

Step 2: Add a Small Safety Buffer

Sump pump generators do not operate at 100% capacity because of power losses, which is why it is essential to include a 20% safety buffer. 

Minimum Generator Size = Running Wattage + (Running Wattage × 0.2) = 960W + (960W × 0.2) = 1152W 

In this case, you will need a 2000-watt generator with a surge output of 4000W to safely handle the sump pump's running wattage of 1152W and starting wattage of 2880W.

Step 3: Account for Additional Loads

If you are going to operate multiple other appliances with the sump pumps, you need to account for their wattages when calculating the size generator needed to run them. 

Let's assume you are powering a refrigerator (600W), lights (30W), and TV (150W) simultaneously with a sump pump (1152W). 

Total Generator's Rated Output = 1152W + 600W + 30W + 150W = 1932W 

In this case, you will need a 3500-watt generator with a rated output of 3500W and surge output of 7000W to safely run a sump pump and other appliances.

How to Calculate the Cost Per Hour Usage of Sump Pumps

The cost per hour of sump pump usage will depend on the pump's wattage, electricity rate/fuel cost, and how many hours the appliance runs per day or month. Here's a breakdown of running a sump pump on grid electricity, a diesel generator, and a solar power station: 

Note: We assume the electricity rate per kWh in the USA is $0.1595, and a 10kW diesel generator operating at 50% load consumes 0.53 gallons per hour. 

Using a diesel generator to run a 1500W sump pump will cost $23.40, excluding the expenses to purchase the generator, maintenance costs, etc. However, if you choose a solar-powered generator for sump pumps, you can reduce this cost to $0 with only an initial investment.

Best Jackery Solar Generators for Sump Pumps

When heavy rains hit, or power outages occur, your sump pump is your first line of defense against basement flooding. Jackery  Solar Generator can power water pumps and sump pumps and keeps running even when the grid fails. They also offer a renewable energy solution, which can be especially useful during extended outages. Choosing the right solar generator for your sump pump ensures peace of mind, knowing your home is protected against water damage.

Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus

The Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus is an essential home backup solution for homeowners looking for a long-lasting, dependable power solution. It provides enough power to keep your sump pump running through prolonged outages, making it ideal for areas prone to severe storms. Its expandable battery capacity can handle multiple devices simultaneously, so you can power other essential appliances along with your sump pump. 

Appliances Running Time

• ¼ HP (500W) = 7.8H
• ⅓ HP (800W) = 5.0H
• ½ HP (1050W) = 3.9H
• ¾ HP (1500W) = 2.8H
• 1 HP (1800W) = 2.3H

Customer Review

"This is awesome. I am able to power my entire house for up to 15 hours. Great for power outages." — Ivan.

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus

The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus is a great choice if you need a powerful yet portable backup option. It balances high energy capacity with easy mobility, making it ideal for homeowners who may need to move their solar generators between locations. The compact design with foldable handles offers effortless transport. This portability makes it especially useful if you experience short-term power outages and don't want a bulky generator taking up permanent space.  

Appliances Running Time

• ¼ HP (500W) = 3.3H
• ⅓ HP (800W) = 2.1H
• ½ HP (1050W) = 1.6H
• ¾ HP (1500W) = 1.1H
• 1 HP (1800W) = 1.0H

Customer Review

"Plan is to use it at my home for emergency situations if/when the power goes out, which is thankfully not typically very often. Have not had to use it during a power outage yet, but during a day of testing, it performed well running our kitchen refrigerator, home Wi-Fi, lamp, and fan." — Frederick R.

How Loud Are Different Generators When Running Sump Pumps

When a generator powers a sump pump, the noise level can vary significantly depending on the generator and its size. Gas-powered generators, especially the larger ones, are loud, whereas solar-powered generators are generally quieter. For example, Jackery Solar Generators operate by emitting only 30dB of noise, which is similar to a quiet library. 

FAQs About Generators for Sump Pumps

What size generator to run a sump pump and refrigerator?

The answer to the question of what size of generator is needed to run a sump pump and refrigerator will depend on the appliances' wattage consumption and how long you want to run them. For example, if you are powering a ⅓ hp (800W) and a refrigerator (600W) at the same time, you will need a 1500-watt generator or higher. Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus can run a ⅓ hp (800W) and a refrigerator (600W) simultaneously for approximately 3 hours.

What size generator do I need to run a 1/2 hp sump pump?

A ½ hp sump pump consumes around 1050W running and 2150 - 4100W starting wattage. A 2000-watt generator with a rated output of 2000W and surge power of 4000W will be able to safely run a ½ hp sump pump.

Can a 1000-watt generator run a sump pump?

Yes. A 1000-watt generator can safely run a small sump pump consuming 800W of running wattage and 1600W of surge wattage. However, this generator won't be able to run midsize to large sump pumps consuming more than 1000W.

Can a battery-powered generator run a sump pump?

Yes, a battery-powered generator can safely run a sump pump as long as it has enough capacity to handle the appliance's wattage requirements. Most residential sump pumps operating at 120V require 800W - 2000W and can be powered with a battery backup system. 

Conclusion

If you live in a flood-prone area, you will need a sump pump with a battery backup system. The solar-powered generator can protect your home from water damage during power outages and storms. However, the answer to the question of what size of generator is needed to run a sump pump will be directly influenced by the appliance's wattage and running time. Jackery Solar Generators are available in different sizes and can seamlessly power different types of sump pumps to keep the basement dry.