Homeowners ask:
What is the difference between all these Protector systems?
Let's try to make this simple. The most common reason people need a backup sump pump system is to protect against power outage (there are other compelling reasons too, but let's stick with power outage right now). You can do one of 4 things: 1. power your existing AC (also known as "primary" or "electric") sump pump. 2. add an AC pump and power that. 3. add a DC pump and power that. 4. install a generator or water powered pump. If you power an AC pump you will need either a generator (either manual or automatic) OR a DC power source (the battery) with an inverter. For an inverter to turn DC power into AC power, a VERY large efficiency loss takes place. To power a DC pump, an inverter is not needed because the pump runs directly off the DC power of the battery.
A DC pump running directly off a battery makes much more efficient use of the battery power. If fact, it can run more than 4x longer off the same battery than an AC pump using an inverter. This makes a DC backup pump system much more efficient, and often DC systems are less money than the AC inverter systems. Inverter systems also do not have self testing, notification, and certainly not the remote access, internet connected features of The Protector iControl. So the next logical question is "Why would anyone buy an inverter system as a battery backup sump pump system?" One reason ist that in the past, DC pumps only pumped 12 gpm or so (like the home center brands), but these days DC pumps can pump as fast, and in case of The Protector line, FASTER, than AC pumps.
Another mistake people make when they buy an inverter system is that they simply plug their existing sump pump into the inverter. This will only cover them for power outage reasons. If they add an AC pump and plug it or both pumps (depending on the inverter's output) into the inverter system, they also have protection against pump failure. But again, they are limited by the inefficient running times, no self testing, no notification, and no remote access.
We aren't opposed to inverter systems; they have their place. In fact, our Protector HybridCore is an inverter system. But consumers must understand their limitations and appropriate use.
Another type of backup pump system, the water powered pump, has many of the same limitations as the inverter system. No self testing, no notification, no remote access, etc. How will you know it's working? Most of the water powered pumps are very low pumping capacity and frankly, cheaply made. Also be aware that there is a national movement to make water powered sump pumps illegal because of cross connections and waste.
Automatic generators are great, but they can be expensive if your main concern is the sump pump. Also, you do NOT get the benefit of self testing, notification, and remote access/control like you do with the Protector iControl or similar. See linked article below...
A high quality, high pumping capacity battery backup sump pump system that is smart enough to self test and warn you of things you need to know is the best all around protection against a flooded basement. Add the internet features of the iControl and you have almost zero chance of ever flooding.
Below is a very brief rundown of each Protector system, and all are linked to the left:
Industry Flagship DC pump system. 43 GPM at 10'. Fully self testing. Notification by email, text, phone, home security system. INTERNET CONNECTED for remote access and managment. See status, initiate testing, manage alarms, edit settings; anytime, from anywhere.
Same as iControl, but without internet features.
Middle of the line DC pump system (top of the line compared to home center systems). 43 and 30 GPM pump choices. Warning alarms and various LED indicators. Simple, quality, and cost effective.
Inverter system for AC pumps. Sold with a high efficiency EcoPower sump pump for the longest run time possible.
AC sump pumps. Same as "Primary" or "Electric" sump pumps.
Next “Homeowners Ask…”
My sump pump runs a LOT. Can I fix this?
Is an automatic generator or the Protector iControl a better choice for flood prevention?
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