Will the BLUETTI AC180 run a sump pump (1/3 hp to 1/2 hp)?
Check your pump. The AC180 covers a 1/3 to 1/2 HP sump pump's running draw, and a 1/3 HP start at 1300 W, but not the 3200 W start Generac's chart gives a 1/2 HP pump.
Check: 49 min to 1.2 h
At 800 to 1,200 W running. Formula: 1,152 Wh x 0.85 / load W.
The checks
| Check | Station | Sump pump (1/3 HP to 1/2 HP) | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Running watts | 1,800 W rated[1] | 800 to 1,200 W[3][4][5][6][7] | OK |
| Starting surge | 2,700 W[1] | 1,300 to 3,200 W[3][4] | Depends on model |
| Energy | 1,152 Wh[1], about 979 Wh usable | 1,200 W at the high end[3][4][5][6][7] | 49 min to 1.2 h |
Wattage figures we used
| Figure | Watts | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Running | 800 W | 1/3 HP sump pump | [3] |
| Running | 1,050 W | 1/2 HP sump pump | [4] |
| Running | 1,164 W | Zoeller M53, 3/10 HP. Derived: 9.7 A x 120 V | [5] |
| Running | 1,128 W | Zoeller M98, 1/2 HP. Derived: 9.4 A x 120 V | [6] |
| Running | 1,140 W | Wayne CDU790, 1/3 HP. Derived: 9.5 A x 120 V | [7] |
| Running | 1,200 W | Wayne CDU800, 1/2 HP. Derived: 10 A x 120 V | [7] |
| Starting | 1,300 W | 1/3 HP sump pump, starting watts | [3] |
| Starting | 3,200 W | 1/2 HP sump pump. Derived: 1050 running + 2150 additional starting watts in Generac's chart | [4] |
The AC180's 1800 W rated output covers a sump pump's running draw, which our sources put at 800 to 1200 W. The question is the start.
BLUETTI lists the AC180's surge at 2700 W. Champion's chart puts a 1/3 HP sump pump at 1300 W starting, which fits. Generac's chart lists a 1/2 HP pump at 1050 W running plus 2150 W additional starting watts, 3200 W in total, which does not. A station that trips each time the float switch kicks on can't keep a basement dry, so test it with your pump before a storm.
If the pump starts, the 1152 Wh battery lasts about 49 minutes at 1200 W to about 1.2 hours at 800 W running nonstop. Pumps cycle with the water level, so in most storms it lasts longer. The sump pump storm page works out the runtime for a pump that runs part of each hour.
Power Lifting Mode does not help here: it is for heating devices, not motor starts. Check the label on your pump and try your numbers in the calculator.
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Questions
Can the BLUETTI AC180 run a sump pump?
It covers the running draw. A 1/3 HP pump's 1300 W start fits under its 2700 W surge; a 1/2 HP pump at 3200 W may not.
Does Power Lifting help start a sump pump?
No. BLUETTI describes Power Lifting as a mode for resistive heating devices, not motors.
Runtime calculator
Runtime (hours) = battery Wh x inverter efficiency / load W
Efficiency is the share of battery energy that reaches the outlet. Where the maker does not publish it we use 0.85. Average W is for loads that cycle on and off, like a fridge; leave it blank to use running watts. Starting surge assumes one motor starts at a time. How the estimates work.
More: everything the BLUETTI AC180 runs · appliance watts
Sources
- BLUETTI AC180 product page and specs (bluettipower.com), read Oct 22, 2026
- BLUETTI AC180 User Manual (PDF, bluettipower.com), read Oct 22, 2026
- Champion Power Equipment Wattage Reference Chart (help.championpowerequipment.com), read Oct 22, 2026
- Generac GP Series portable generator brochure, wattage reference chart (PDF), read Oct 22, 2026
- Zoeller Technical Data Sheet FM2778, Mighty-Mate Series Models 53, 57, 55, 59, read Oct 22, 2026
- Zoeller Technical Data Sheet FM2779, Flow-Mate Series Model 98, read Oct 22, 2026
- WAYNE sump pump owner's manual specifications, horsepower and amp ratings (CDU790, CDU800 and others), read Oct 22, 2026