G
INTRODUCTION
The Little Giant Model SPBS Sump Pump Battery Backup System is designed to provide a
backup system to the primary sump pump during temporary power outages or other primary
pump failures. It is a self-monitoring and self-charging system which is powered by a 12 Volt
DC, deep cycle battery (not included). The system monitors the battery voltage, pump
operation and the condition of the control unit’s fuse. The battery is kept fully charged by the
unit’s battery charger. The system contains an audible alarm function which activates when the
backup pump is operated, thus alerting the user that the primary sump pump system has failed
and a high water condition has caused the backup system to engage. This system has not
been designed for use as a primary sump pump system.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
READ AND SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS. THIS MANUAL CONTAINS IMPORTANT
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS HEREIN BEFORE STARTING INSTALLATION/OPERATION
OF THE SPBS BATTERY BACKUP UNIT.
1. Follow the National Electrical Code (N.E.C.) and all state or provincial and local
building/electrical/plumbing codes.
2. In any installation where property damage and/or personal injury might result from an
inoperative or leaking pump, due to long term power outages, discharge line blockage or
any other reason, a backup system with an alarm should be installed.
3. Always make sure the battery charger is unplugged prior to making connections or
disconnections to the battery.
4. Never operate the system in an explosive atmosphere or other locations classified as
hazardous, per N.E.C., ANSI/NFPA 70-1984.
5. Do not disassemble the control unit.
6. Do not lift or carry the pump by its power cord.
7. Do not handle the battery, control unit or charger with wet hands or when standing in
water or on a wet or damp surface.
8. Do not smoke, use sparkable electrical devices or open flame when working on this unit.
9. Do not install unit in a location where liquid or moisture will come in contact with, splash
on or drip on the control unit, battery or battery charger.
10.A battery can present a risk of high short circuit current and electrical shock. Observe the
following precautions when working with batteries: remove watches, rings or other metal
objects; use tools with insulated handles; do not lay tools or metal objects on top of
batteries; wear safety goggles and/or a face shield.
11.Do not open or damage the battery. Released electrolyte is harmful to the skin and eyes.
12.Typically, the electrolyte is a dilute sulfuric acid solution that is electrically conductive
and corrosive. Observe the following procedures when working with batteries: wear full
eye protection and clothing; if the electrolyte comes in contact with the skin, wash it off
immediately; if the electrolyte contacts the eyes, flush immediately and thoroughly with
water and seek medical attention.
13.Spilled electrolyte should be washed thoroughly with a suitable acid neutralizing agent. A
common practice is to use a solution of approximately one pound (500 grams) of
bicarbonate of soda mixed with approximately one gallon (4 liters) of water.
The
bicarbonate of soda can be added until the evidence of reaction (i.e., foaming) has ceased.
The resulting liquid should be flushed with water and the area dried.
14.Lead acid batteries can present a risk of fire because they generate hydrogen and
oxygen gases. Always discharge static electricity from the body by first touching a
metal object before working with batteries.
15.Read and follow the battery manufacturer’s directions and safety instructions before
handling, installing or otherwise using the battery.
16.Locate the battery in a cool, dry, well ventilated area. Do not install or store the battery or
pump where they will be exposed to the weather or freezing temperatures.
17.The battery should be checked and battery maintenance should be performed at least every
three months. ALWAYS UNPLUG THE BATTERY CHARGER BEFORE INSPECTING OR
MAINTAINING THE BATTERY. See the maintenance section for additional information.
18.Always cover the battery with the battery enclosure top. The top should be held tightly in
place using the provided safety closure strap.
19.Extended backup pump operation can completely discharge the battery. The battery may
need to be replaced if the backup pump operates for an extended time period. Battery
replacement is recommended every three years, regardless of system usage.
20.Do not use the system to pump flammable or explosive liquids, such as gasoline, fuel oil,
kerosene, etc. The backup pump is designed to handle water only.
21.If service is required, first disconnect the power at the main electrical service box by
switching off the circuit breaker or removing the fuse. Unplug the charger and remove the
battery terminals. Reconnect the system after service is completed.
OPERATION
1.
NOTE:
The 12 Volt DC battery required for the SPBS Sump Pump Battery Backup System is
not included with the packaged system. It is recommended that the battery used in this
application be new and fully charged. For best results, a good quality deep cycle
(marine-type), 12 Volt, 105 Amp-Hour (approximately 175 reserve capacity, RC) or larger
battery should be used. An automotive battery can be used, though a slight decrease in
pumping performance and/or life should be expected. If an automotive battery is used, it
should have a rating of 650 minimum cold cranking amps (CCA). The supplied battery
enclosure is capable of holding a Group 24 or a Group 27 battery, as defined by Battery
Council International (BCI). The maximum battery dimensions are 12-1/2 inches Long X 7-1/2
inches Wide X 9-1/2 inches High (to the tops of the battery posts).
2. Refer to the control unit shown in Figure 1 for the locations of the indicator lights,
switches, fuse and sockets.
3. Once properly installed and when the primary pump is operating normally, the backup
system will remain in the standby mode. A high water condition, whether due to primary
pump failure, power outage, blocked discharge line or other reasons, will activate the
backup pump system. When the backup pump is activated by the raised float switch, the
alarm buzzer will sound, the ALARM indicator light will illuminate and the backup pump
begins pumping. When the float switch drops and stops the backup pump, the alarm
continues until the ALARM switch is turned to the OFF (QUIET) position. The alarm can be
turned off whether or not the backup pump is operating. The ALARM light will stay on until
the RESET button is pushed. After the high water condition has been corrected, the RESET
button should be pressed and the alarm switch left in the ON position.
4. The control unit has a battery monitoring system. When the battery is undercharged, the
battery CHARGING light will illuminate. The battery charger will continue to supply a trickle
charge to the battery until the battery voltage is approximately 13 VDC. At that level, the
CHARGING light will go off and the battery CHARGED indicator light will illuminate. At this
fully charged state, the battery charger will stop charging. The CHARGED light will stay on
until the DC voltage drops. In that case, the battery will start charging again and the
CHARGING light will turn on. Near the end of the charging cycle, the “CHARGED” and
“CHARGING” lights may alternately illuminate. If, at any time, neither the CHARGED nor
CHARGING light is illuminated, the battery charger should be checked for proper
connection. If the lights blink continuously, check the battery leads for proper polarity.
5. If the voltage drops below 11 Volts DC the BATTERY LOW indicator light will turn on and the
alarm buzzer will sound. The low voltage condition of the battery must be checked and the
battery serviced or replaced. Proper battery testing requires a load meter and should be
conducted by a qualified technician. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for a low battery
condition or return the battery to the place of purchase.
6. The system may be checked at any time by pressing and holding the PUMP TEST
switch. This will activate the pump, the alarm buzzer and the alarm light. Releasing the
PUMP TEST switch will turn the pump off, but the alarm (buzzer and light) will remain
activated. Press the RESET button to silence the buzzer and turn off the alarm light. The
backup pump should never run dry for more than a few seconds. Dry operation can
result in overheating and pump seal damage. For initial system testing after installation,
refer to the Testing section of these instructions.
INSTALLATION
The installation and the checking of electrical circuits should be performed by a licensed
electrician or a qualified technician. The sump should be at least 18 inches in diameter to
accommodate the primary pump and the backup pump.
Prior to beginning the installation, verify that the system includes all of the supplied
components.
These are:
A) One control unit with red and black battery leads attached,
B) One 12 Volt DC pump with 6 foot long cord and built-in check valve,
C) One battery charger (also serves as transformer and AC-DC adapter),
D) One PVC tee adapter,
E) One polyvinyl bag containing four mounting screws, two battery terminals and one 12 Amp
pump fuse, three ty-rap fasteners and one small bag containing two plastic battery box
closure strap hold-down brackets and four screws.
F) One plastic battery box and a nylon battery box closure strap.
G)
One mechanical float switch.
The tools necessary to perform the installation include 3/8-inch and 1/2-inch wrenches or an
adjustable wrench, Philips screwdriver and hacksaw or other pipe cutting tools.
Step-by-step installation instructions are as follows:
1. Attach the control unit to the battery enclosure, using the four provided sheet metal
screws, as shown in Figure 2.
2. Position the 12 Volt battery (not included) inside the battery enclosure.
Sump Pump
Battery Backup System
Model SPBS
Modèles SPBS
Modelos SPBS
