PumpSpy BU-1500 - User Manual

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Overview

Function Description
Important Technical Specifications
Usage Features
Maintenance Features

This document is a manual for the PumpSpy Primary Sump Pump Battery Backup Power System, model BU-1500. It provides instructions for installation, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of the device.

Function Description

The PumpSpy Primary Sump Pump Battery Backup Power System is designed to provide backup power to a sump pump in the event of a power outage, ensuring continuous operation and preventing basement flooding. The system includes a power unit that charges a deep cycle battery and converts the battery's 12VDC power to 120VAC Pure Sine Wave output for the sump pump. It features a charger switch to activate the charging process and a power switch to activate the 120VAC output. The system is intended for use with a 120VAC household power supply.

Important Technical Specifications

The system operates with a 120VAC household power supply for charging and output. It is designed to work with a 12VDC deep cycle battery, which is charged by the power unit. The output is 120VAC Pure Sine Wave, suitable for powering sump pumps. The manual emphasizes the importance of using an approved 3-conductor cord and 3-prong, grounding-type plug for electrical connections to ensure safety and proper grounding. The operating temperature range for the unit is specified as 40°F to 120°F (4°C to 49°C).

The system includes several indicators:

STATUS INDICATOR (RED): This LED illuminates when the power unit is overloaded, overheating, receiving low household voltage, or has a short circuit.
CHARGING INDICATOR (GREEN): This LED indicates that the battery is charging.
POWER INDICATOR (GREEN): This LED indicates that the unit is powered ON and providing 120VAC output.

The unit features two 120VAC output outlets, a charger switch, and a power switch. It also has a fuse for protection and cooling fans to manage internal temperature. The battery connections are clearly marked as positive (RED) and negative (BLACK) battery terminals.

Usage Features

Installation: Installation involves mounting the power unit on a wall at least 36 inches off the floor and within 3 feet of a 120VAC electrical outlet. It's crucial to securely attach the unit to wall studs or anchor it to a block wall. The manual explicitly states "DO NOT PLUG THE POWER UNIT INTO THE 120VAC OUTLET AT THIS TIME" during the initial mounting steps.

Connecting the battery involves attaching the BLACK terminal lead to the BLACK terminal on the power unit and the RED terminal lead to the RED terminal on the power unit. The terminal retention knobs should be securely tightened by hand.

To power up the unit, the charger switch should be in the "OFF" position. The sump pump should be plugged into either of the two 120VAC output power outlets. The charger switch is then turned to the "ON" position, which will initiate battery charging. The power switch should be in the "OFF" position.

Operation: Once the unit is installed and connected, the charger switch should be in the "ON" position to charge the deep cycle battery. The "GREEN" charging indicator will illuminate when the battery is charging. The power switch should be in the "ON" position to provide 120VAC output to the sump pump. The "GREEN" power indicator will illuminate when the unit is powered ON.

In the event of a power failure, the unit will automatically switch to battery power. The STATUS INDICATOR (RED) will illuminate if the unit experiences an overload, overheating, low household voltage, or a short circuit.

Troubleshooting: The manual provides extensive troubleshooting steps for common issues:

Pump does not run or hum: Checks include fuse/overload protection, water level, plug connection, float obstruction, and motor winding.
Pump runs or hums but does not deliver water: Checks include impeller blockage, discharge line obstruction, vertical lift, and air in the system.
Pump runs and removes water but does not shut off: Checks include float position and switch defects.
Pump runs but delivers very little water: Checks include vertical lift, pump's inlet, discharge line, and check valve.
Pump cycles too often or runs constantly: Checks include check valve, pump size, and inlet.
System Status LED is red: Indicates overload, overheating, low household voltage, or a short circuit. The manual advises checking for clear cooling fans, sufficient wattage, and proper voltage.
Low voltage alarm: Indicates the battery voltage is below 10.4VDC.

Maintenance Features

General Maintenance: The power unit should be checked frequently for debris and/or buildup on the cooling fans, which may interfere with proper flow. The cooling fans should be cleaned with a vacuum to remove any buildup at least every 3 months or more frequently if the unit is mounted in an area where excess dust or debris may be present.

Battery Maintenance: Deep Cycle Batteries generally last between 3 to 5 years in a sump pump backup installation. It is recommended that the battery is tested every 6 months to ensure it is ready for service.

Warranty: The product comes with a Limited Three-Year Warranty. This warranty covers defects in material and workmanship for three years from the date of purchase. It does not cover damages due to misuse, abuse, acts of God, nature, vandalism, or other acts beyond the control of PumpSpy. The warranty is non-transferable and requires the original purchase receipt.

Records: The manual includes a section for recording the model number, serial number, date of purchase, place of purchase, and installation details, along with a reminder to retain the original purchase receipt for warranty claims.