TECH TIP: How to Choose the Correct Battery Choosing the correct battery is more than just getting the right size and whether the terminals are in the correct location or not. The numbers listed on the label actually mean something and can help you make the right decision when it comes to picking your battery. Hopefully we can give you an understandable breakdown of what all those numbers on the label actually mean. Most batteries have four items listed on the label to take into consideration; Max amps, CA, RC and AH. Max Amps is the rating for an instant burst of energy which is used in todays cars due to all of the extra audio equipment. This measures the batteries ability to deliver a large shot of power quickly. CA is short for cranking amps which is the number of amps a 12 volt battery can deliver for 30 seconds at 32°F and not drop below 7.2 volts. CCA stands for cold cranking amps which use the same test as cranking amps but at 0°F. The reserve capacity, or RC, is the number of minutes a new, fully charged battery at 80°F can be discharged at 25 amps and maintain a voltage equal to or higher than 1.75 volts per cell. For example, our S1200 12 volt battery has a RC of 80 minutes and can run a 25 amp load for 80 minutes and still remain at or above 10.5 volts in the battery. Last but not least is AH or amp hour which is the amount of charge in a battery that will allow one amp of current to flow for one hour. This can be calculated by using 5% of the AH capacity and using that number as the amp load. The battery must maintain the standardized temperature 77°F throughout the duration of the test. The idea is that the battery must maintain the load for 20 hours without falling below 10.5 volts. Once again, take our S1200 for example and calculate 5% of 44AH which would give you 2.2 amps. So a 44 amp hour battery should be able to maintain a 2.2 amp draw for 20 hours at 77°F without falling below 10.5 volts. This is important for recreational vehicles that will need to sustain a low draw for extended periods without being recharged. We hope this has given you a better understanding of what the battery label is saying and you can feel confident when making your next battery purchase. Written by Thomas Spillman Information courtesy of XS Power Batteries and Day Motorsports Visit Day Motorsports daymotorsports/ https://facebook/DayMotorsports
Posted on: Mon, 17 Nov 2014 20:49:31 +0000
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