How many watts does a well 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
- 670 to 1,000 W
- Extra at startup
- 2,000 W
- Voltage
- 240 V
How long it runs on a battery
A well 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 | 670 (up to 960) W | Franklin Electric, 60 Hz AIM Manual (submersible motors)Franklin Electric 4-inch 1/2 hp 2-wire motor: 670 W at full load, 960 W at maximum service-factor load. |
| Running | 1,000 W | EWEB, Generator Sizing ConsiderationsGenerator sizing chart, 1/3 hp well pump. |
| Extra at startup | 2,000 W | EWEB, Generator Sizing ConsiderationsGenerator sizing chart, 1/3 hp well pump. |
By size
| Size | Running | Smallest generator, 2-wire | Smallest generator, 3-wire |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/2 hp submersible | 670 (up to 960) W | 3,000 W | 2,000 W |
| 3/4 hp submersible | 940 (up to 1,310) W | 4,500 W | 3,000 W |
| 1 hp submersible | 1,210 (up to 1,600) W | 6,000 W | 4,000 W |
| 1.5 hp submersible | 1,710 (up to 2,280) W | 7,500 W | 5,000 W |
Franklin Electric 4-inch 2-wire motors, 230 V: full load and maximum service-factor load.
Good to know
- Franklin Electric makes its 1/2 hp motors in 115 V and 230 V, and the larger ones only in 230 V. A power station with only 120 V outlets can't run a 230 V pump.
- Franklin Electric lists the smallest generator that will start each motor. For a 1/2 hp 2-wire pump it's 3 kW; 3-wire motors need less.
- The pump nameplate shows horsepower, volts and whether it's 2-wire or 3-wire.