How many watts does a sump pump use?
Every number here comes from a named source. Generator charts give a generous figure for sizing a generator or power station. Test data and manufacturer specs show what the appliance draws.
- Running
- 800 to 1,116 W
- Extra at startup
- 1,300 W
- Voltage
- 120 V
How long it runs on a battery
A sump pump only runs when it’s needed, so battery runtime depends on how often it starts. In the runtime calculator you can set the hours a day it runs.
What each source says
| Figure | Value | Source and basis |
|---|---|---|
| Running | 800 W | EWEB, Generator Sizing ConsiderationsGenerator sizing chart, 1/3 hp sump pump. |
| Extra at startup | 1,300 W | EWEB, Generator Sizing ConsiderationsGenerator sizing chart, 1/3 hp sump pump. |
| Running | 1,116 W | Zoeller, 50 Series sales sheet (Model M53)Zoeller M53 (3/10 hp), 9.7 A at 115 V. Amps times volts gives 1,116 VA, an upper bound on running watts. |
By size
| Size | Running |
|---|---|
| 1/2 hp | 1,050 W |
Generator sizing chart, 1/2 hp sump pump.
Good to know
- A sump pump only runs when water comes in, so how much it uses in a day depends on the weather.
- Each start pulls the surge again, so the inverter or generator has to cover it every time.