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Yes, the Anker SOLIX F3800 can run a Sump Pump

Yes - Anker SOLIX F3800 has enough running and surge power for the Sump Pump (1/2 HP). Target ~1297W running / 3889W surge; the generator provides 6000W / 9000W.

Power Margin Analysis

6000W / 9000W Capacity
Running 4703W headroom
1297W required
Surge 5111W headroom
3889W required

Decision Gate Waterfall

Same decision gates as the engine: voltage, running, surge. Runtime is shown as operational context.

1

Voltage Gate

PASS

Device output type must match generator output.

120V required -> 120V/240V available

2

Running Gate

PASS

Continuous draw with safety buffer applied.

1,297W required -> 6,000W available (4,703W headroom)

Required 1,297W required
Available 6,000W
3

Surge Gate

PASS

Startup peak with safety buffer applied.

3,889W required -> 9,000W available (5,111W headroom)

Required 3,889W required
Available 9,000W
3b

With Soft-Start

PASS

Alternative startup path with reduced inrush.

1,750W required -> 9,000W available (7,250W headroom)

Required 1,750W
Available 9,000W
4

Runtime Insight

INFO

Runtime context only. It does not change the electrical compatibility verdict.

Continuous estimate: 2.4h

Device profile reference: up to 2h per day.

Power bars show required versus available output for each gate.

View full compatibility report

Decision Snapshot

Quick compatibility, required headroom, and model-specific context at a glance.

โšก
6000W
Running Power
๐Ÿ”‹
3840Wh
Capacity
โฑ๏ธ
~2.4h
Est. Runtime
โ˜€๏ธ
2400W
Solar Input

Quick Compatibility Check

  1. 1 Running headroom: target 1297W; generator provides 6000W.
  2. 2 Surge headroom: target 3889W; generator provides 9000W.
  3. 3 Tip: leave headroom for startup spikes and warm conditions.

Model-Specific Results

3 of 3 models are SAFE or TIGHT. Most demanding model: Wayne CDU800 (1/2 HP) (3,381W surge).

Model Running Surge Verdict Runtime Source
Zoeller M98 Flow-Mate (1/2 HP) 1,081W 3,243W Safe ~2.5h NEC Standard
Show expert analysis

Technical: **Running load:** 1,081W (115V x 9.4A OEM rated). **Surge:** 3,243W at motor startup (3x NEC estimate). **Voltage:** 120V AC. The cast iron PSC motor draws heavy inrush current on every pump cycle.

Field note: The Zoeller M98 is the industry reference in cast iron sump pumps. Its PSC motor has no built-in soft-start โ€” the full inrush hits the power station instantly. An external soft-start device can reduce this surge, but size the inverter for the full 3,243W if running without one.

Can I run a Zoeller M98 sump pump on a portable power station during a flood?

Only if your power source can supply at least 1,081W continuous and 3,243W surge at 120V. The PSC motor creates a hard startup spike that will trip undersized inverters.

Wayne CDU800 (1/2 HP) 1,127W 3,381W Safe ~2.4h NEC Standard
Show expert analysis

Technical: **Running load:** 1,127W (NEC 430.248 rated). **Surge:** 3,381W at motor startup (3x NEC estimate). **Voltage:** 120V AC. The coated steel PSC motor draws the highest inrush in this class due to its conservative NEC-rated amperage.

Field note: The Wayne CDU800 is the Home Depot best-seller for suburban basements. Without OEM amperage data, specs are derived from NEC tables โ€” the actual draw may be slightly lower, but sizing to NEC ensures safe headroom.

Can I keep my Wayne sump pump running on battery backup during a storm?

Only if your power source can supply at least 1,127W continuous and 3,381W surge at 120V. The motor startup surge is the critical factor โ€” most small power stations cannot handle it.

Liberty Pumps 287 VMF (1/2 HP) 920W 2,645W Safe ~2.9h OEM Manual
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Technical: **Running load:** 920W (115V x 8.0A OEM rated). **Surge:** 2,645W at motor startup (115V x 23A LRA, OEM verified). **Voltage:** 120V AC. The 3450 RPM PSC motor with OEM-documented LRA provides the most precise surge data in this class.

Field note: The Liberty 287 is the plumber's choice and the most battery-friendly 1/2 HP sump pump in this comparison. With OEM-verified LRA data, the 2,645W surge is a confirmed number โ€” not an estimate. A 3,000W power station can handle this reliably.

Is the Liberty 287 easier to run on a power station than other sump pumps?

Only if your power source can supply at least 920W continuous and 2,645W surge at 120V. Its OEM-documented 23A locked rotor current is lower than NEC estimates for competing 1/2 HP pumps, making it more generator-friendly.

How This Pairing Performs Across Our Database

This unit ranks #15 of 17 compatible generators for this device by buffered margin (Overkill class).

How Sump Pump (1/2 HP) Performs Across 33 Tested Generators

17 of 33 generators are SAFE+TIGHT for Sump Pump (1/2 HP).

17 Safe+Tight
Safe 12 (36%)
Tight 5 (15%)
Soft Start 6 (18%)
Fail 10 (30%)

Power Comparison: Anker SOLIX F3800 vs Top Alternatives for Sump Pump (1/2 HP)

Fit class uses buffered needs (running and surge) for this device.

Specs & Surge Analysis

Sump Pump (1/2 HP)
Emergency

Sump Pump (1/2 HP)

Storm Flood Prevention

1127W
Running
3381W
Surge
120V
Required

True Surgeโ„ข Analysis

Safety Buffer: +15%
Running Power Usage 22% Utilization
1297W required 6000W Capacity
4703W headroom
Surge/Startup Peak 43% Utilization
3889W required 9000W Capacity
5111W headroom
Voltage Match 120V โ†” 120V/240V โœ“
โš ๏ธ Before You Buy: Connection Check
Installation warning

These systems are often hardwired to a home panel. To run them from a portable station, you may need a transfer switch installed by an electrician. You cannot just plug it in.

Generator Insights

The 9000W surge rating can handle typical compressor-based appliances like central air conditioners, well pumps, and refrigerators during startup. This capacity can support multiple simultaneous high-draw devices once running loads stabilize. Expect reliable operation for tools, HVAC systems, and other inductive loads that demand short-duration power spikes.

This unit employs LFP chemistry with a 3840Wh capacity, designed for stable discharge under high-demand conditions. The architecture supports both sustained and transient loads within rated limits. Source: Anker SOLIX F3800 User Manual v1.1 (Specifications) (OEM documentation).

Extend Runtime with Solar

Keep your Sump Pump (1/2 HP) running with solar โ€ข MPPT: 11โ€“ 60V โ€ข Max: 2400W

Anker undefined Official

Anker

100W Panel

1 Hour Sun =
+0.1h per sun hour
MC4 -> XT60
Full in ~54.9h

Adapter required: MC4 -> XT60.

EcoFlow undefined Smart Value

EcoFlow

400W Panel

1 Hour Sun =
+0.2h per sun hour
MC4 -> XT60
Full in ~13.7h

Adapter required: MC4 -> XT60.

EcoFlow undefined Smart Value

EcoFlow

400W Panel

1 Hour Sun =
+0.2h per sun hour
MC4 -> XT60
Full in ~13.7h

Adapter required: MC4 -> XT60.

Technical Analysis

Spec-Based โ€ข No Guarantees

Technical Breakdown

Running load: 920โ€“1,127W depending on model. Surge: 2,645โ€“3,381W at motor startup. Voltage: 120V AC required. All 1/2 HP sump pumps use PSC induction motors with significant startup inrush โ€” the surge is the critical sizing factor for battery backup.

Expected Behavior

Estimated runtime: ~2.4h. Sump pumps activate automatically via float switch during flooding. Each motor start produces a surge lasting 1-3 seconds. Typical storm usage: 2 hours/day with intermittent cycling. Daily energy: 1,840โ€“2,254 Wh.

Field Note

Sump pump backup is the #1 emergency use case for portable power stations. The motor startup surge โ€” not the running watts โ€” determines whether your power station can handle it. Check the surge rating, not just the wattage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Anker SOLIX F3800 power a Sump Pump?

Yes. The Anker SOLIX F3800 provides 6000W running / 9000W surge. The Sump Pump (1/2 HP) needs 1297W / 3889W (including 15% buffer). That leaves 4703W of running headroom and 5111W of surge margin.

How long will the Anker SOLIX F3800 run a Sump Pump?

Approximately 2.4 hours, based on the Sump Pump (1/2 HP)'s 1127W draw and the Anker SOLIX F3800's 3840Wh capacity (70% usable after real-world losses).

What Else Can You Run?

With 1740W allocated to the Sump Pump (1/2 HP), the Anker SOLIX F3800 still has ~1933W of margin. These devices could run simultaneously:

๐Ÿ“บ
55' LED TV
80W
๐ŸŒ€
Box Fan (Medium)
60W
๐Ÿ”ฅ
Space Heater (Eco)
750W
๐Ÿ’ก
LED Lamp
10W
๐Ÿฉบ
CPAP (No Humidifier)
40W
โ˜•
Coffee Maker (Brew)
800W

Storm Safety: Since the Sump Pump (1/2 HP) is critical for preventing flooding, we recommend testing this setup specifically before the storm season. Ensure the Anker SOLIX F3800 is fully charged to 100% as storms approach.

Compare all 33 generators for the Sump Pump (1/2 HP)

Ranked by budget, runtime, and overall compatibility.

See full ranking
Technical Sourcing & Verification
ID: anker-solix-f3800-sump-pump-half-hp
๐Ÿ›๏ธ Device Data Source
Engineering Est. Safety Factor Applied

Derived from variant list (max of variants). Worst case = Wayne CDU800 (1127W running, 3381W surge).

โšก Generator Specs Source
OEM Verified

Anker SOLIX F3800 User Manual v1.1 (Specifications)

Methodology informed by US Department of Energy (DOE) & EIA references where applicable. Our methodology โ†’

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