backuppump

A backuppump, sometimes written backup pump, is a secondary pumping device intended to provide continued pumping capacity when the primary pump is unavailable or insufficient. It is used to maintain flow and pressure in critical water, wastewater, fire protection, and other fluid-handling systems.

Backuppumps are used in a range of settings, including basements and facilities prone to flooding, municipal water and sewer systems, commercial buildings such as data centers and hospitals, and fire-protection or irrigation installations where uninterrupted operation is essential. They can be part of a dedicated backup system or integrated with the building’s main pump arrangement.

A backuppump may be electric with its own independent power source (such as a battery bank or a generator), or a separate electric pump that starts automatically via a sensing/control system with an automatic transfer switch (ATS). Common configurations include submersible sump pumps with float switches, surface pumps with external controls, and generator-driven backup units.

Operation typically involves monitoring the primary pump output or fluid level. When the water level rises above a threshold or the main pump fails, the backup pump starts automatically and delivers flow through a common discharge line, with a check valve to prevent backflow.

Design and installation considerations include sizing to meet worst-case inflow and discharge head, placement in a suitable pump room, and integration with control panels, alarms, and discharge piping. Regular testing, venting and drainage considerations, and fuel and battery management are important for reliability.

Maintenance and testing should be performed per manufacturer guidelines and local codes. Systems are commonly tested monthly or quarterly, with checks of battery state-of-charge, fuel quality, pump condition, electrical connections, and alarms or remote monitoring.

Standards and safety: Backup pumping systems may be subject to local codes and industry standards. In fire protection contexts, references such as NFPA 20 for fire pumps and NFPA 25 for inspection, testing, and maintenance may apply, alongside manufacturer instructions.

See also: sump pump, fire pump.