Wayne ESP25 - - ESP25 - Battery Backup Sump Pump (2300 GPH @ 10')

5 Questions

Q: Jim,

I've seen some reviews on Wayne sump pumps that indicate they are timer operated instead of float switch operated. Is this true and what are the advantages and disadvantages of either system?
by Joe from Delaware on July 15, 2012

A: The Wayne primary pumps operate using a vertical float switch that will activate the pump and shut it off at a set level. There are no other options that I am aware of. The battery backup systems will also use a vertical float switch but do incorporate a timing system into their operation as a safety and this may be the source of your confusion. The control box has a time delay which keeps the pump from repeated, short cycles when it shuts off. This time delay feature will allow the pump to run 20-25 seconds after the switch reaches the off position.
by Jim, Product Expert

Q: Hi Jim,

I have an off-grid solar panel system that constantly charges a 12V deep cycle battery bank. The battery bank is capable of storing over 200 amp hours, well above the Wayne 75 amp battery. My question is: if I were to connect this backup pump to the current solar battery bank and leave it unplugged from the wall (solar is capable of maintaining the load and keeping the batteries charged), would the controller run properly without ever being plugged into the wall? I don't want a constant alarm eating my batteries and the pump itself would be used only in emergencies when typical grid power is out. Is there a way to shut off the need for grid power? I prefer to keep the solar array seperate from the grid because it also supplies electricity for our sensitive elecronics, and it's more reliable in the event that I'm not home that the solar panels can theoretically power the pump endlessly. What are your thoughts?

Thanks,

Joe
by Joe J. from Michigan on March 14, 2012

A: Per the engineers at Wayne:

In theory this should work. In fact, one of the features that we built into the new ESP-25 is the elimination of the constant annoying alarm for lack of AC while installing the system. That alarm now only sounds if the power has established an AC connection and then it is removed either physically or by power outage. So if it is never hooked up to AC this alarm will be forever disabled. The rest of the board will not see the difference from a regular battery. The solar cells should work just fine assuming they are regulated and feeding a battery bank. The normal alarms when the pump kicks on and if the available voltage drops below the required threshold cannot be silenced. Just to be safe, if this type of application is going to be more than one or two units, I would try it out before committing to large quantities. There could be something in the circuitry I am overlooking that needs to see that AC signal, but my initial read is that the AC is only used for charging the battery. If you have any additional questions, don’t hesitate to ask.
p.s. This will only work on the new digital version of the ESP-25, not an old version or the ESP-15.
by Jim, Product Expert

Q: for the esp25, how large Ah battery is needed to run pump for 1 hour continuous with 10 ft of head?
by Dave from Wisconsin on April 17, 2011

A: The system is designed to operate most efficiently with sealed lead acid (SLA) batteries. Deep cycle marine batteries or automotive style batteries can also be used.
Sealed lead acid batteries cost slightly more, but they can last longer. Among
the manufacturers of sealed lead acid batteries are Hawker, Panasonic,
PowerSonic, Yuasa and Eagle Picher.
The oversize battery case (included) will accommodate a 12-volt SLA battery or
a 12-volt deep cycle marine battery (up to a 27-frame size).

The Wayne 75 amp battery model# WSB1275 will operate this pump for up to 8 hours of continuous operation.
by Jim, Product Expert

Q: Do I need to leave my battery backup system charging at all times?
by Patrick Mcclone from Wisconsin on January 03, 2011

A: To be completely sure your backup system is fully functional during a power outage or weather event, these systems need to stay plugged in at all times.

by Jim, Product Expert

Q: how many hours backup does this provide in case the power goes out. we are looking for a 24 hour back up pump.
by Diana from New Jersey on January 03, 2011

A: This system does not include a battery, and that is what determines the hours of backup a system can provide. There is also the factor of how often a system is running that determines the amount of backup time.

by Jim, Product Expert