What size generator do i need for sump pump?
Check, uncheck or adjust the typical device list below — watts, startup surge and battery size update instantly. Numbers come from U.S. DOE, ENERGY STAR and manufacturer spec sheets, not marketing copy.
1. Check what you need to power
Refrigeration & Freezers
Kitchen
Heating, Cooling & Fans
Water & Pumps
- 1
Laundry & Cleaning
Electronics & Office
Medical Devices
Power Tools & Outdoor
Lighting
2. Your sizing
3. Best cross-brand matches
- EcoFlow DELTA 3~$599
- surge 3,600W covers your 3,300W start peak
- 3.1 days of your typical daily use (1,024Wh / 330Wh)
- EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus~$719
- surge 3,600W covers your 3,300W start peak
- 3.1 days of your typical daily use (1,024Wh / 330Wh)
- Goal Zero Yeti 1500X~$1,500
- surge 3,500W covers your 3,300W start peak
- 4.6 days of your typical daily use (1,516Wh / 330Wh)
Static answer (crawlable summary)
Typical device list: Sump Pump (1/3 HP)×1.
| Continuous load | 1,100 W |
|---|---|
| Startup peak | 3,300 W (driven by 1× Sump Pump (1/3 HP)) |
| Daily energy use | 330 Wh |
| Recommended capacity | 420 Wh (25% margin included) |
| Minimum inverter | 1,210 W continuous |
Frequently asked questions
What size generator do i need for sump pump?
For a typical setup (sump pump (1/3 hp)), you need at least 1,100W of continuous power. The single biggest moment is startup: when 1× sump pump (1/3 hp) kicks on, the momentary draw peaks at 3,300W. For overnight runtime we recommend at least 420Wh of battery capacity (your devices use about 330Wh per day, plus a 25% margin).
Which power stations can handle this?
Based on published specs, EcoFlow DELTA 3, EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus, Goal Zero Yeti 1500X all cover the 3,300W startup peak and give you 3.1 days / 3.1 days / 4.6 days of typical daily use. Check the comparison cards above for the full numbers.
Why is the startup surge higher than the running watts?
Motor-driven devices (fridge compressors, well pumps, air conditioners) draw 2-5× their running power for a split second at startup — measured as locked-rotor amps (LRA). A generator that only meets the running load will trip or stall when the biggest motor starts. Our data sources: U.S. DOE Energy Saver, ENERGY STAR certified product database, and manufacturer spec sheets (Franklin Electric, Goodman, Zoeller).