Battery backup units – is your pump station protected?

August 5, 2022

What is a battery backup unit?

A battery backup unit is a device for powering a pump when mains power has failed. The PowerMaxx2 takes power from the mains to charge the internal battery. When the mains power is cut, the unit provides back up to the pump station until mains power returns.

Why are we talking about them at the moment?

A recent update to British Standards recommends that all basements that have a pump station should have a battery backup unit. If you’ve already got a basement pump but don’t have a battery backup unit then don’t worry, they’re really easy to fit to an existing pump station because they don’t need any additional electrical circuits. We can help you find the right one for your pump station and fit it for you.

When will a battery backup unit come in handy?

A battery backup unit will protect a pump in the event of a power failure. This could be down to either the National Grid Network or the electrics of the building where the pump station is installed.

In the event of a power cut, the battery back up unit will kick in. Furthermore, it’ll also protect the pump if a circuit is tripped in the building where it’s installed. Good electrical design can minimise risks, but a battery backup unit will provide peace of mind. 

What’s an intelligent battery backup unit?

Intelligent battery backup units are able to provide power for both high-intensity and low-intensity pump stations. They’re also able to run either the primary or secondary pumps depending on the circumstances.

Packaged Pumps Systems research has found that 88 percent of 700 remotely monitored basement pumps run less than 20 cycles a day. Intelligent battery backup units take advantage of these idle periods to reserve battery power.

What should I be looking out for when I’m purchasing a battery backup unit?

  • Does the unit go to sleep when the pump station isn’t operating during a power failure? If it does then this will massively increase the overall backup time when the mains power has failed.
  • Can the unit standby for 24 hours? This should be the minimal standby time.
  • Can the unit back up for over 5 days? This would be particularly useful if you’re on holiday.
  • Does the unit clearly display battery capacity? This will be useful to show how long it’ll keep backing up your pump station.
  • Does the unit produce simple error codes? These will help us check that the unit is operating properly.

Why should I purchase a battery backup unit from Packaged Pumps Systems?

We manufacture over 500 submersible pump battery backups each year. These products offer backup power to a range of pump stations. They’re truly market-leading products offering far superior standby and run times compared to others. Our battery backups are specifically designed for submersible pumps.

We’ve got over 25 years’ experience in the submersible pump industry and work alongside contractors, architects, engineers and domestic customers throughout the UK. Our highly trained team of field pump engineers are complemented by a dedicated customer support team.

If you’d like to find out more about the battery backups we offer then give us a call on 0330 9000 999.

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