Davey D42A/B D53A/B Submersible Sump Pump - High Head, Float Switch, 316 SS NZ

High-head submersible drainage for sumps, basements, flooded areas, and rainwater transfer — with float switch automation and cast 316 stainless steel motor caps.

The Davey D42A/B and D53A/B are submersible drainage pumps for residential high-head applications. Both suit sump emptying, non-potable rainwater transfer, garden irrigation, treated effluent disposal, flood water removal, and water transfer from wells. Select your model using the dropdown above.

The D42A/B delivers up to 120 L/min to a maximum head of 32m. The D53A/B steps up to 130 L/min and 45m maximum head — suited to deeper pits, higher discharge points, or longer pipe runs with more head loss.

Suited to clean water of neutral pH containing up to 1% small solids (minimum soft solid size: 1.9mm O.D.). Not for use with abrasive materials.

Which model do I need?

Model	Max flow	Max head	Input power	Best suited to
D42A/B	120 L/min	32m	1.00kW	Most residential sump and drainage, garden irrigation, standard rainwater transfer
D53A/B	130 L/min	45m	1.31kW	Deeper sumps, higher discharge points, flooded basements, high-head applications

Both models have a 1" BSP female outlet. Get in touch if you'd like help choosing.

Key specs at a glance

Specification	D42A/B	D53A/B
Max flow	120 L/min	130 L/min
Max total head	32m	45m
Input power (P1)	1.00kW	1.31kW
Output power (P2)	0.60kW	0.84kW
Full load current	4.3A	5.7A
Weight	10.8kg	16.5kg
Dimensions (A×B×C)	475×130×370mm	535×170×430mm

Shared specs: float switch fitted | max submergence 12m | 1" BSP female outlet | IP X8 | 304 SS shaft, motor shell and fasteners | cast 316 SS motor caps | double mechanical seals | stainless steel fine mesh suction strainer | 10m HO7RN-F lead | 2-year warranty.

Why choose the D42A/B or D53A/B

• Float switch automates operation — starts when water level rises, stops when it drops
• High head ratings — 32m (D42) and 45m (D53) — handle elevated discharge points and longer pipe runs
• Cast 316 stainless steel motor caps for outstanding corrosion resistance
• 304 stainless steel shaft, fasteners, and handle
• Patented independently floating neck rings for consistent pump performance and long pump life
• Corrosion resistant polycarbonate impellers with closed vane design and long engagement D-drives
• Double mechanical seals — one in oil bath on the motor, one on the pump
• Stainless steel fine mesh suction strainer prevents blockages from solids
• Built-in thermal overload protects motor from blockage or voltage supply problems
• 10m HO7RN-F oil-resistant lead
• ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified manufacturer
• 2-year warranty

How it works

The pump sits on the floor of the sump, pit, or flooded area, fully submerged. As the water level rises, the float switch lifts with it and triggers the pump to start. Water enters through the stainless steel fine mesh suction strainer at the base, passes through the multi-stage impellers, and exits through the 1" outlet to the discharge line. When the water level drops to the safe operating point, the float falls and the pump shuts off automatically.

The D42A/B uses a 2-impeller multistage design. The D53A/B uses a 3-impeller design — the additional stage increases head pressure for higher discharge points and longer pipe runs.

Operating limits and suitable fluids

Both models are designed for clean water of neutral pH containing up to 1% small solids (minimum soft solid size: 1.9mm O.D.). Some wear should be expected if pumping hard solids in suspension.

Do not pump abrasive materials — sand and grit will accelerate wear. Do not use for recirculating or filtering swimming pools or spas. Not approved for installations where people are in the water while the pump is operating.

Full technical specifications

Specification	D42A/B	D53A/B
Max flow capacity	120 L/min	130 L/min
Max total head	32m	45m
Max submergence	12m	12m
Outlet size	1" BSP female	1" BSP female
Input power (P1)	1.00kW	1.31kW
Output power (P2)	0.60kW	0.84kW
Supply voltage	220–240V, 50Hz, 1ph	220–240V, 50Hz, 1ph
Full load current	4.3A	5.7A
Locked rotor current	14A	14A
Motor speed	2 pole, 2850rpm	2 pole, 2850rpm
IP rating	X8 (submersible)	X8 (submersible)
Insulation class	Class F	Class F
Impeller stages	2	3
Mechanical seal — pump	Carbon / ceramic	Carbon / ceramic
Mechanical seal — motor	Silicon carbide / ceramic (oil bath)	Silicon carbide / ceramic (oil bath)
Pump shaft	304 Stainless Steel	304 Stainless Steel
Motor caps	Cast 316 Stainless Steel	Cast 316 Stainless Steel
Motor shell	304 Stainless Steel	304 Stainless Steel
Pump casing	Glass filled polycarbonate	Glass filled polycarbonate
Impeller	Glass filled polycarbonate	Glass filled polycarbonate
Fasteners	304 Stainless Steel	304 Stainless Steel
O-rings / shaft seal	Nitrile Rubber	Nitrile Rubber
Max pumped water temperature	40°C	40°C
Max soft solids	1.9mm O.D.	1.9mm O.D.
Suitable fluid	Clean water, neutral pH, up to 1% small solids
Power lead	10m HO7RN-F oil-resistant	10m HO7RN-F oil-resistant
Weight	10.8kg	16.5kg
Dimensions (A×B×C×D×E×F)	475×130×370×235×195×330mm	535×170×430×235×195×330mm
Warranty	2 years	2 years

What's in the box

• Davey submersible sump pump (D42A/B or D53A/B as selected)
• 10m HO7RN-F power lead with 3-pin NZ plug

Frequently asked questions

Which model is right for my application?

The D42A/B suits most residential sump and drainage applications — 120 L/min and 32m maximum head covers typical sumps, garden irrigation, and standard rainwater transfer. The D53A/B is the better choice where the discharge point is higher, the pipe run is longer, or the installation involves a deep basement or well. Both have a 1" BSP female outlet.

What does the float switch do?

The float switch automates the pump. As the water level rises in the sump or pit, the float lifts with it. When it reaches the trigger point, the pump switches on and starts draining. Once the level drops to the safe operating point, the float falls and the pump shuts off. Make sure the float has room to rise and fall freely — if it's restricted, the pump may not operate correctly.

What is the difference between the A and B models?

The A model includes a fitted float switch for fully automatic operation. The B model does not include a float switch — it must be switched off manually or via an external float or level switch when the water level drops to the top of the pump housing. For most residential sump applications, the A model is the practical choice.

How deep can the pump be submerged?

Both models can be submerged to a maximum of 12 metres. The IP X8 rating confirms both are designed for permanent full submersion.

What does IP X8 mean?

IP X8 means the pump is designed for continuous operation while fully submerged — not just splash-resistant. The "X" indicates no specific dust ingress rating, and the "8" confirms it is rated for permanent submersion.

Can it handle dirty water or solids?

Both models handle clean water containing up to 1% small solids (min 1.9mm O.D.). A stainless steel fine mesh suction strainer at the base prevents larger solids from entering the pump. Do not pump abrasive materials such as sand or grit.

Can I use it to remove flood water from a basement?

Yes. Both models are specifically suited to flood water removal and managing water entry in basements where the water table is above the foundation. The D53A/B is the better choice for deeper basements or where the discharge point is at significant height.

What size discharge pipe does it need?

Both models have a 1" BSP female outlet. Pair with a 1" male BSP fitting to connect to your discharge pipework.

Can I install it myself?

Lowering the pump into a sump and connecting to discharge pipework is straightforward for a confident DIY installer. Make sure the float switch has room to operate freely. Always use a rope to position and retrieve the pump — never lower or lift it by the power lead. For installations involving electrical work, get a professional involved.

What warranty applies?

Both the Davey D42A/B and D53A/B carry a 2-year warranty.