French_guy
New Member
What would be your recommendation for a decent 12V inverter in the 1,200W range (to power a sump pump) that has a low power consumption at idle?
Thanks
Thanks
12V inverter with low consumption at idle
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chrisski
Solar Boondocker
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I also wonder because of surge draw from the motor what size inverter you would actually need for this sump pump.
I would think any inverter with a “ECO” mode would be awaken by a sump pump. Eco modes have a real low idle, but need a certain amount of amps to wake it up; LEDs might not wake it up, but a sump pump would.
I use the Phoenix series of inverters by Victron. If you’re looking for a surge to 1200 watts, I’d recommend the Phoenix 1200 inverter. I have the 350 VA version and the idle load is quite low. If you’re looking to run at 1200 watts constantly, I would not recomend this.
Recommend looking through this thread:
diysolarforum.com
Another option would be to wire any inverter that has a remote off switch to turn on through a sensor. This would draw less energy than any “ECO” mode.
I would think any inverter with a “ECO” mode would be awaken by a sump pump. Eco modes have a real low idle, but need a certain amount of amps to wake it up; LEDs might not wake it up, but a sump pump would.
I use the Phoenix series of inverters by Victron. If you’re looking for a surge to 1200 watts, I’d recommend the Phoenix 1200 inverter. I have the 350 VA version and the idle load is quite low. If you’re looking to run at 1200 watts constantly, I would not recomend this.
Recommend looking through this thread:
Idle 'no load' Consumption: Specs vs Your Personal Observation
In this thread, I hope to consolidate personal observations/measurements on inverter standby consumption. Specifically whether your observations are inline with what is stated on the datasheet, along with anything else you consider relevant, interesting, good or bad. With time--if this thread...
diysolarforum.com
Another option would be to wire any inverter that has a remote off switch to turn on through a sensor. This would draw less energy than any “ECO” mode.
French_guy
New Member
What would trigger that switch though?I also wonder because of surge draw from the motor what size inverter you would actually need for this sump pump.
I would think any inverter with a “ECO” mode would be awaken by a sump pump. Eco modes have a real low idle, but need a certain amount of amps to wake it up; LEDs might not wake it up, but a sump pump would.
I use the Phoenix series of inverters by Victron. If you’re looking for a surge to 1200 watts, I’d recommend the Phoenix 1200 inverter. I have the 350 VA version and the idle load is quite low. If you’re looking to run at 1200 watts constantly, I would not recomend this.
Recommend looking through this thread:
Idle 'no load' Consumption: Specs vs Your Personal Observation
In this thread, I hope to consolidate personal observations/measurements on inverter standby consumption. Specifically whether your observations are inline with what is stated on the datasheet, along with anything else you consider relevant, interesting, good or bad. With time--if this thread...
Another option would be to wire any inverter that has a remote off switch to turn on through a sensor. This would draw less energy than any “ECO” mode.
chrisski
Solar Boondocker
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- Aug 14, 2020
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I bet the sump pump already has a built in switch to turn on when the water floods to a certain level. If that’s the case, then wiring it would be more difficult.
French_guy
New Member
From the link in your previous answer, the Giandel PS-1200JCR Pure Sine seems a good choice with low consumption at idle
Will 4 AWG wires be ok?
Will 4 AWG wires be ok?
MaikaiLifeDIY
Solar Enthusiast
As @chrisski said the Victron is a decent inverter. I have the 24v version and I can easily start up my fridge and a small pump with it. The eco mode only pulls 1-2 watts and I think ? I used #4 for the wire from that batteries to the inverter. If you’re running 12v you probably need larger wire.
signaturesolar.com
Victron Phoenix Inverter 12/1200| VE.Direct | 1200VA Output| 12VDC Input | 120VAC Output
Signature Solar provides solar panels, off-grid solar systems, grid-tie, and hybrid systems. Quality solar inverters, bifacial solar panels, complete solar kits, solar batteries. Featuring brands such as EG4 Electronics with their solar battery, LifePower4 and EG4 LLifePower4 and EG4 LL
signaturesolar.com
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MaikaiLifeDIY
Solar Enthusiast
Im not familiar with these, they seem like a cool concept specifically for running pumps.
signaturesolar.com
Growatt 2.2kW 3HP Solar Pump Inverter l Water Pump Inverter | Grid-Assisted | SPI 2200TL2-HV
Signature Solar provides solar panels, off-grid solar systems, grid-tie, and hybrid systems. Quality solar inverters, bifacial solar panels, complete solar kits, solar batteries. Featuring brands such as EG4 Electronics with their solar battery, LifePower4 and EG4 LLifePower4 and EG4 LL
signaturesolar.com
chrisski
Solar Boondocker
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No. I would use 2/0 from the battery to the inverter.
This is the ampacity chart I use:
The formaula I use from here is:
Amps=Inverter wattage / Low Voltage Cutoff / inverter Efficiency x 1.25
176 amps =1200/10/.85x1.25
I get 176 amps, so 2/0 with 75 Degree Celsius wire
This is the ampacity chart I use:
The formaula I use from here is:
Amps=Inverter wattage / Low Voltage Cutoff / inverter Efficiency x 1.25
176 amps =1200/10/.85x1.25
I get 176 amps, so 2/0 with 75 Degree Celsius wire
Last edited:
400bird
Solar Wizard
What triggers the pump? I'll bet it's a level switch. Either repurpose that level switch or add a second.
French_guy
New Member
Yes, but when the pump kicks in, the sensor will re-open quickly, and the pump will run on a timer
French_guy
New Member
Any idea why Giandel includes a 6 AWG set of wires? It's also the size they specify in their manual .....! I understand the math you provided, but if 2/0 is what I should use, it seems very weird the manufacturer talks about 6 AWG
Last edited:
yodamota
Solar Enthusiast
this is what I look at when I want to know which wire size to use.
French_guy
New Member
When I put 12vdc, 120A and 3 feet, I get 4 AWG
4 AWG is the recommendation up to 160A
For 165A, it shows 2 AWG
So...................2/0 seems huge. Am I missing something?
Last edited:
ShaneC
New Member
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About 6 pages into that thread that's already been posted I took all the results and put them in this spreadsheet for easier reading:
docs.google.com
I don't know if anyone has updated it with further results since but when I bought a 2kw inverter it helped me pick the Giandel.
Inverter Idle Powers
Inverters Dynamote,Brutus,120V,3,200W,88.0W,36 MPP Solar,lvx6048 (AIO),120/240V,6,000W,140.0W,No,42 EG4,3000ehv,12V,3,000W,68.9W,43 Growatt,SPF 3000TL LVM-24P,12V,120V,3,000W,58.0W,Yes,11.5W,51 Easun,Phoenix VE.Direct,24V,230V,1,000W,20W,18.4W,54 Exeltech,XP 1100-124,24V,120V,1,100W,20W,20.0W,5...
French_guy
New Member
Nice file......thank you for creating it and sharing itAbout 6 pages into that thread that's already been posted I took all the results and put them in this spreadsheet for easier reading:
I don't know if anyone has updated it with further results since but when I bought a 2kw inverter it helped me pick the Giandel.Inverter Idle Powers
Inverters Dynamote,Brutus,120V,3,200W,88.0W,36 MPP Solar,lvx6048 (AIO),120/240V,6,000W,140.0W,No,42 EG4,3000ehv,12V,3,000W,68.9W,43 Growatt,SPF 3000TL LVM-24P,12V,120V,3,000W,58.0W,Yes,11.5W,51 Easun,Phoenix VE.Direct,24V,230V,1,000W,20W,18.4W,54 Exeltech,XP 1100-124,24V,120V,1,100W,20W,20.0W,5...
The Giandel pure sine wave 1200W is apparently cheaper on the Giandel site than on Amazon.......
Ampster
Renewable Energy Hobbyist
You could use relays to trigger the switch from the same device that triggers the sump pump. Put it on the same circuit with the timer that keeps the pump going.
French_guy
New Member
Once the inverter's remote is activated by the sump pump switch......will it always stays ON?
Tomthumb62
Solar Wizard
- Joined
- Sep 25, 2022
- Messages
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Victron Phoenix 12/1200VA.
Turn on ECO mode, setup the ECO mode settings to match your use case. Idle draw is 1-3w in ECO mode.
Ampster
Renewable Energy Hobbyist
I am sure it depends on the inverter. Some just use a signal to turn on and when tha signal stops it turns off. That would be the easiest. If it took a pulse to turn on and another pulse to turn off, relays could do that too but it would be more complicated.
MaikaiLifeDIY
Solar Enthusiast
That tool/site looks at the distance which many amp rating charts do not. Having oversized conductors isn't a bad thing, it might cost a little more, and in some cases is preference. Thicker wire will run a little cooler even at short distances with constant amperage flowing.
If you want some affordable nice pre-made wires I have used Spartan a couple of times now.
Spartan Power Custom Heavy Duty Terminated Battery Cables
Spartan Power Custom Heavy Duty Terminated Battery Cables are Made in the USA and are the highest quality 600V hook up cables you buy today.
spartanpower.com
