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O/T 240v inverters
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Rick
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Joined: 27 Apr 2005
Posts: 22429
Location: UK

PostPosted: Tue Feb 25, 2020 9:39 am    Post subject: O/T 240v inverters Reply with quote

In the cellar we have a sump set into the floor, into which water drips, it's about the size of a large bucket. There's a 240v pump (connected to the mains via a 3-pin plug) sat in it which kicks in when the water reaches a certain level, and pumps it outside. It operates on a fairly regular basis, much more so when the ground is very saturated, for a few seconds at a time.

This works fine, unless we have a power cut. I bought a petrol generator to cater for such purposes a few years ago, but obviously this is only effective if we're around.

Can anyone recommend a way of providing an independent 240v feed to the pump, to cater for power outages when we're away.

I've read a little about 240v inverters, but would welcome advice on how such a system might be put together, and what I'd need. Would small solar panels work, keeping a 12v battery topped up?

thanks, RJ
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Penman



Joined: 23 Nov 2007
Posts: 4751
Location: Swindon, Wilts.

PostPosted: Tue Feb 25, 2020 9:59 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hi
This is pure speculation, but could you rig up a float that when it reaches a particular point operates micro switches to turn the generator on and then operate the starter.

If it is a cord pull starter can an electric starter be fitted.

How do stand-by generators kick-in automatically?
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ukdave2002



Joined: 23 Nov 2007
Posts: 4100
Location: South Cheshire

PostPosted: Tue Feb 25, 2020 11:34 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

What you have to watch with inverters is the quality of the AC...AC should be a pure clean sine wave, some inverters chuck out square wave; whilst the voltage may be 240v motors in particular don't like the clunky change in voltage, with the voltage staying at peak for longer, and they tend to fail.

One option would be to convert the pump motor to 12v and run the whole thing off a battery that has a constant trickle charge. Bilge pumps on narrow boats are battery operated.

https://www.force4.co.uk/department/chandlery-below-deck/pumps-water-systems/bilge-pumps

And your trickle charger
https://www.aldi.co.uk/car-battery-charger-2019/p/099132311147100

Dave
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alanb



Joined: 10 Sep 2012
Posts: 516
Location: Berkshire.

PostPosted: Tue Feb 25, 2020 11:53 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

How much power does the pump draw when running? Most reasonably priced inverters have a fairly low output, if the inverter output is sufficient you could run the pump through the inverter and keep the battery topped up with a smart charger permanently connected.
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Kenham



Joined: 12 Mar 2012
Posts: 209
Location: Kent

PostPosted: Tue Feb 25, 2020 7:02 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I think the only thing to have would be a Lister Start O Matic diesel generator down in the cellar, it would be nice thumping away under the house.
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Farmer John



Joined: 18 Feb 2010
Posts: 181
Location: Manawatu NZ

PostPosted: Tue Feb 25, 2020 7:59 pm    Post subject: Sump pump Reply with quote

Hi Rick. Dave has it using equipment made for the job. Also good advice re inverters.
John
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