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Can the DELTA 2 Run a Sump Pump? It Depends on Your Model

1 of 3 models are compatible with this generator.

Jump to model-specific results โ†“

Power Margin Analysis

1800W / 2700W Capacity
Running 503W to 742W headroom by model
1058W to 1297W required
Surge 342W to 1189W short by model
3042W to 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 available

2

Running Gate

PASS

Continuous draw with safety buffer applied.

1,058W to 1,297W required -> 1,800W available (503W to 742W headroom)

Required 1,058W to 1,297W required
Available 1,800W
3

Surge Gate

FAIL

Startup peak with safety buffer applied.

3,042W to 3,889W required -> 2,700W available (342W to 1,189W short)

Required 3,042W to 3,889W required
Available 2,700W
3b

With Soft-Start

PASS

Alternative startup path with reduced inrush.

1,750W required -> 2,700W available (950W headroom)

Required 1,750W
Available 2,700W
4

Runtime Insight

INFO

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

Continuous estimate: 0.6h

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
1800W
Running Power
๐Ÿ”‹
1024Wh
Capacity
โฑ๏ธ
~0.6h
Est. Runtime
โ˜€๏ธ
500W
Solar Input

Quick Compatibility Check

  1. 1 1 of 3 models are compatible with the DELTA 2.
  2. 2 Model requirements range from 920W to 1127W running watts.
  3. 3 See the model-specific results table for per-model verdicts.

Model-Specific Results

1 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 Soft Start ~0.7h 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 Soft Start ~0.6h 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 Tight ~0.8h OEM Manual
Show expert analysis

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 is borderline without mitigation; 17 of 33 generators meet SAFE/TIGHT margins for this device.

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: EcoFlow DELTA 2 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 59% to 72% Utilization
1058W to 1297W required 1800W Capacity
503W to 742W headroom by model
Surge/Startup Peak 113% to 144% Utilization
3042W to 3889W required 2700W Capacity
342W to 1189W short by model
Voltage Match 120V โ†” 120V โœ“

Startup Surge Visual

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 2700W surge rating can support typical motor-driven appliances during startup, including residential refrigerators, sump pumps, and air compressor loads. The 1800W running capacity can handle simultaneous operation of multiple mid-range devices. This configuration addresses intermittent high-draw scenarios common in backup power applications.

LFP chemistry provides inherent thermal stability advantages over conventional lithium-ion chemistries. The 1024Wh capacity and dual output ratings reflect design margins for sustained and transient loads. Source: EcoFlow DELTA 2 User Manual v1.0 (manufacturer documentation).

Extend Runtime with Solar

Keep your Sump Pump (1/2 HP) running with solar โ€ข MPPT: 11โ€“ 60V โ€ข Max: 500W

EcoFlow undefined Official

EcoFlow

400W Panel

1 Hour Sun =
+0.2h per sun hour
MC4 -> XT60i
Full in ~3.7h

Adapter required: MC4 -> XT60i.

Bluetti undefined Smart Value

Bluetti

350W Panel

1 Hour Sun =
+0.2h per sun hour
MC4 -> XT60i
Full in ~4.2h

Adapter required: MC4 -> XT60i.

Bluetti undefined Smart Value

Bluetti

200W Panel

1 Hour Sun =
+0.1h per sun hour
MC4 -> XT60i
Full in ~7.3h

Adapter required: MC4 -> XT60i.

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: ~0.6h. 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 EcoFlow DELTA 2 power a Sump Pump?

It depends on the model. 1 of 3 Sump Pump (1/2 HP) models are compatible with the EcoFlow DELTA 2. See the model-specific results table for exact verdicts per model.

How long will the DELTA 2 run a Sump Pump?

It depends on the model. Compatible models run approximately 0.6โ€“0.8 hours on the DELTA 2. 0 of 3 models are not compatible. See the model-specific results for details.

What Else Can You Run?

With 275W allocated to the Sump Pump (1/2 HP), the DELTA 2 still has ~38W of margin. These devices could run simultaneously:

๐Ÿ’ก
LED Lamp
10W
๐ŸŒ€
Box Fan (Medium)
60W
๐Ÿ“บ
55' LED TV
80W
๐Ÿ–ฅ๏ธ
24' Monitor
30W
โ„๏ธ
Medical Fridge
80W
๐Ÿ“ก
Wifi Router
15W

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 DELTA 2 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: ecoflow-delta-2-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

EcoFlow DELTA 2 User Manual v1.0

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

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