1
Voltage Gate
PASSDevice output type must match generator output.
120V required -> 120V available
Yes, the Explorer 3000 Pro can run a Sump Pump
Yes - Explorer 3000 Pro has enough running and surge power for the Sump Pump (1/2 HP). Target ~1297W running / 3889W surge; the generator provides 3000W / 6000W.
Power Margin Analysis
3000W / 6000W Capacity Running 1703W headroom
1297W required
Surge 2111W headroom
3889W required
Decision Gate Waterfall
Same decision gates as the engine: voltage, running, surge. Runtime is shown as operational context.
2
Running Gate
PASSContinuous draw with safety buffer applied.
1,297W required -> 3,000W available (1,703W headroom)
Required 1,297W required
Available 3,000W
3
Surge Gate
PASSStartup peak with safety buffer applied.
3,889W required -> 6,000W available (2,111W headroom)
Required 3,889W required
Available 6,000W
3b
With Soft-Start
PASSAlternative startup path with reduced inrush.
1,750W required -> 6,000W available (4,250W headroom)
Required 1,750W
Available 6,000W
4
Runtime Insight
INFORuntime context only. It does not change the electrical compatibility verdict.
Continuous estimate: 1.9h
Device profile reference: up to 2h per day.
Power bars show required versus available output for each gate.
View full compatibility reportDecision Snapshot
Quick compatibility, required headroom, and model-specific context at a glance.
⚡
3000W
Running Power
🔋
3024Wh
Capacity
⏱️
~1.9h
Est. Runtime
☀️
1400W
Solar Input
Quick Compatibility Check
- 1 Running headroom: target 1297W; generator provides 3000W.
- 2 Surge headroom: target 3889W; generator provides 6000W.
- 3 Tip: leave headroom for startup spikes and warm conditions.
Model-Specific Results
3 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 | Safe | ~2.0h | 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 | Safe | ~1.9h | 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 | Safe | ~2.3h | 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 ranks #10 of 17 compatible generators for this device by buffered margin (Overkill class).
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: Jackery Explorer 3000 Pro vs Top Alternatives for Sump Pump (1/2 HP)
Jackery Explorer 3000 Pro Safe Overkill
Current unit
Running 3,000W
Surge 6,000W
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 43% Utilization
1297W required 3000W Capacity
1703W headroom
Surge/Startup Peak 65% Utilization
3889W required 6000W Capacity
2111W headroom
Voltage Match 120V ↔ 120V ✓
⚠️
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.
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Generator Insights
The 6000-watt surge capacity can handle typical compressor startup loads found in central AC units, well pumps, and refrigeration equipment. The 3000-watt continuous rating can support multiple simultaneous circuits during outages. This power profile suits households requiring reliable backup for motor-driven and resistive loads without relying on fuel-based generators.
This unit uses NMC chemistry and provides 3024 watt-hours of stored energy. Source: Market Data (January 2026), not OEM-listed (listed source reference). Consumers should follow all manufacturer operating instructions and confirm compatibility with their specific appliances before deployment.
Extend Runtime with Solar
Keep your Sump Pump (1/2 HP) running with solar • MPPT: 17.5– 60V • Max: 1400W
Official Jackery
200W Panel
1 Hour Sun =
+0.1h per sun hour
Plug & Play
Full in ~21.6h 
Smart Value EcoFlow
400W Panel
1 Hour Sun =
+0.2h per sun hour
MC4 -> DC8020
Full in ~10.8h Adapter required: MC4 -> DC8020.
Smart Value Bluetti
350W Panel
1 Hour Sun =
+0.2h per sun hour
MC4 -> DC8020
Full in ~12.3h Adapter required: MC4 -> DC8020.
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: ~1.9h. 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 Jackery Explorer 3000 Pro power a Sump Pump?
Yes. The Jackery Explorer 3000 Pro provides 3000W running / 6000W surge. The Sump Pump (1/2 HP) needs 1297W / 3889W (including 15% buffer). That leaves 1703W of running headroom and 2111W of surge margin.
How long will the Explorer 3000 Pro run a Sump Pump?
Approximately 1.9 hours, based on the Sump Pump (1/2 HP)'s 1127W draw and the Explorer 3000 Pro's 3024Wh capacity (70% usable after real-world losses).
What Else Can You Run?
With 1025W allocated to the Sump Pump (1/2 HP), the Explorer 3000 Pro still has ~248W of margin. These devices could run simultaneously:
💡
LED Lamp
10W
🌀
Box Fan (Medium)
60W
📺
55' LED TV
80W
🔥
Space Heater (Eco)
750W
🌬️
Nebulizer
60W
💻
MacBook Air/Pro
65W
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 Explorer 3000 Pro 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: jackery-explorer-3000-pro-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
Jackery Explorer 3000 Pro User Manual
Methodology informed by US Department of Energy (DOE) & EIA references where applicable.
Our methodology →
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