1
Voltage Gate
PASSDevice output type must match generator output.
120V required -> 120V available
Can the SOLIX C800 Plus Run a Sump Pump? It Depends on Your Model
0 of 3 models are compatible with this generator.
Jump to model-specific results ↓Power Margin Analysis
1200W / 1600W Capacity Running Up to 142W headroom on lighter models; 97W short on demanding models
1058W to 1297W required
Surge 1442W to 2289W 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.
2
Running Gate
PARTIALContinuous draw with safety buffer applied.
1,058W to 1,297W required -> 1,200W available (142W headroom on lighter models)
Required 1,058W to 1,297W required
Available 1,200W
3
Surge Gate
FAILStartup peak with safety buffer applied.
3,042W to 3,889W required -> 1,600W available (1,442W to 2,289W short)
Required 3,042W to 3,889W required
Available 1,600W
3b
With Soft-Start
FAILAlternative startup path with reduced inrush.
1,750W required -> 1,600W available (150W short)
Required 1,750W
Available 1,600W
4
Runtime Insight
INFORuntime context only. It does not change the electrical compatibility verdict.
Continuous estimate: 0.5h
Device profile reference: up to 2h per day.
Power bars show required versus available output for each gate.
See soft-start optionsDecision Snapshot
Quick compatibility, required headroom, and model-specific context at a glance.
⚡
1200W
Running Power
🔋
768Wh
Capacity
⏱️
~0.5h
Est. Runtime
☀️
300W
Solar Input
Quick Compatibility Check
- 1 0 of 3 models are compatible with the SOLIX C800 Plus.
- 2 Model requirements range from 920W to 1127W running watts.
- 3 See the model-specific results table for per-model verdicts.
What To Do Instead
- 1 Install a soft-starter: Reduces the Sump Pump (1/2 HP)'s startup surge from 3381W to ~1522W, within the SOLIX C800 Plus's 1600W surge capacity.
- 2 Or size up: Without a soft-starter, you need at least 3889W surge capacity (3381W × 15% buffer).
- 3 No-install alternative: The Explorer 2000 Plus (6000W surge) handles the full 3381W startup natively — no soft-starter needed.
Model-Specific Results
0 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 | Fail | — | NEC Standard |
Show expert analysisTechnical: **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 — 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 | Fail | — | NEC Standard |
Show expert analysisTechnical: **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 — 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 — most small power stations cannot handle it. | |||||
| Liberty Pumps 287 VMF (1/2 HP) | 920W | 2,645W | Soft Start | ~0.6h | OEM Manual |
Show expert analysisTechnical: **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 — 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 outside the compatible set; 17 of 33 generators pass SAFE/TIGHT 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: Anker SOLIX C800 Plus vs Top Alternatives for Sump Pump (1/2 HP)
Anker SOLIX C800 Plus Fail
Current unit
Running 1,200W
Surge 1,600W
Fit class uses buffered needs (running and surge) for this device.
Specs & Surge Analysis
Emergency
Sump Pump (1/2 HP)
Storm Flood Prevention
Select Your Model:
1127W
Running
3381W
Surge
120V
Required
True Surge™ Analysis
Safety Buffer: +15% Running Power Usage 88% to 108% Utilization
1058W to 1297W required 1200W Capacity
Up to 142W headroom on lighter models; 97W short on demanding models
Surge/Startup Peak 190% to 243% Utilization
3042W to 3889W required 1600W Capacity
1442W to 2289W short by model
Voltage Match 120V ↔ 120V ✓
Startup Surge Visual
Startup Surge
Sump Pump (1/2 HP) vs SOLIX C800 Plus
Startup surge exceeds the power station limit. A soft starter may resolve the surge gap.
With Soft Starter
Sump Pump (1/2 HP) vs SOLIX C800 Plus
Soft start reduces the startup spike and can bring the load under the surge limit.
⚡ Soft-Starter Required
The Sump Pump (1/2 HP)'s startup surge (3381W) exceeds this generator's capacity. A soft-starter can reduce inrush current by ~55%, bringing surge down to approximately 1522W.
Original Surge:
3381W
→
With Soft-Start:
~1522W
⚠️
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.
No-Install Alternatives to SOLIX C800 Plus
Prefer not to install a soft starter on Sump Pump (1/2 HP)? These generators can start this load natively.
Best Value 
Explorer 2000 Plus
3000W • 2042Wh
Runtime at your load
~1.3h
Capacity Fit Expandable to 12000Wh
Lowest capacity that still clears surge + running load.
Max Runtime 
Delta Pro
3600W • 3600Wh
Runtime at your load
~2.2h
Longest Runtime Expandable to 25000Wh
Expandable to 25000Wh.
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Generator Insights
The 1600W surge rating can support startup sequences for refrigerator compressors, well pumps, and similar inductive motor loads that draw 25 to 33 percent over running current during initial engagement. Once running, the 1200W continuous output can handle typical kitchen appliances, electronics, and power tools within rated limits. This combination addresses both inrush events and sustained runtime needs in backup scenarios.
This unit uses LFP chemistry, a battery architecture chosen for thermal stability in consumer power stations. The 768Wh capacity and 1200W continuous output allow sustained operation without thermal stress under typical residential loads. Source: Anker SOLIX C800 Plus Tech Specs (manufacturer documentation).
Extend Runtime with Solar
Keep your Sump Pump (1/2 HP) running with solar • MPPT: 11– 60V • Max: 300W
Official Anker
100W Panel
1 Hour Sun =
+0.1h per sun hour
MC4 -> XT60
Full in ~11h Adapter required: MC4 -> XT60.
Smart Value Bluetti
200W Panel
1 Hour Sun =
+0.1h per sun hour
MC4 -> XT60
Full in ~5.5h Adapter required: MC4 -> XT60.
Smart Value BougeRV
200W Panel
1 Hour Sun =
+0.1h per sun hour
MC4 -> XT60
Full in ~5.5h Adapter required: MC4 -> XT60.
Technical Analysis
Spec-Based • No GuaranteesTechnical Breakdown
Running load: 920–1,127W depending on model. Surge: 2,645–3,381W at motor startup. Voltage: 120V AC required. All 1/2 HP sump pumps use PSC induction motors with significant startup inrush — the surge is the critical sizing factor for battery backup.
Expected Behavior
Estimated runtime: ~0.5h. 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: 1,840–2,254 Wh.
Field Note
Sump pump backup is the #1 emergency use case for portable power stations. The motor startup surge — not the running watts — determines whether your power station can handle it. Check the surge rating, not just the wattage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Anker SOLIX C800 Plus power a Sump Pump?
It depends on the model. 0 of 3 Sump Pump (1/2 HP) models are compatible with the Anker SOLIX C800 Plus. See the model-specific results table for exact verdicts per model.
How long will the SOLIX C800 Plus run a Sump Pump?
It depends on the model. Compatible models run approximately 0.6–0.6 hours on the SOLIX C800 Plus. 2 of 3 models are not compatible. See the model-specific results for details.
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 SOLIX C800 Plus 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.
Technical Sourcing & Verification
ID: anker-solix-c800-plus-sump-pump-half-hp 🏛️ Device Data Source
Engineering Est. Safety Factor Applied
Derived from variant list (max of variants). Worst case = Wayne CDU800 (1127W running, 3381W surge).
⚡ Generator Specs Source
OEM Verified
Anker SOLIX C800 Plus User Manual (EN-US)
Methodology informed by US Department of Energy (DOE) & EIA references where applicable.
Our methodology →
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