dale farley
11-15-2013, 09:41 AM
Although we periodically have in-depth discussions about batteries, it never hurts to be reminded of some of the simple facts.
The designations on batteries may at first be a little mysterious to us. CA (cranking amps) and CCA (cold cranking amps) are basically the same. CA or CCA is the total number of amps a battery can produce in 30 seconds at 0 degrees. This figure is more important in starting batteries than in house batteries typically used in RVs.
More important for house batteries, is the Amp-hour rating which tells you how many hours the battery will last at a given amperage draw. A 100 amp-hour battery can produce 5 amps for 20 hours before it is completely discharged. You arrive at this figure by simply dividing the 100 amp hour rating by 20 hours and it gives you 5 amps. This same scenario would provide 10 amps for 10 hours. A 1000 amp-hour rating, would obviously provide 10 times the capacity. If you completely discharge the batteries, you will shorten the life cycle. As a general rule, you should never discharge your batteries below 50% of their capacity. The better we take care of our batteries, the greater the chance of extending their life cycle.
The below link is a short article on different types of batteries and provides voltage parameters for what 50% discharge actually means for each type battery.
http://www.rvsolarconnection.com/batteries/battery-facts.htm
The designations on batteries may at first be a little mysterious to us. CA (cranking amps) and CCA (cold cranking amps) are basically the same. CA or CCA is the total number of amps a battery can produce in 30 seconds at 0 degrees. This figure is more important in starting batteries than in house batteries typically used in RVs.
More important for house batteries, is the Amp-hour rating which tells you how many hours the battery will last at a given amperage draw. A 100 amp-hour battery can produce 5 amps for 20 hours before it is completely discharged. You arrive at this figure by simply dividing the 100 amp hour rating by 20 hours and it gives you 5 amps. This same scenario would provide 10 amps for 10 hours. A 1000 amp-hour rating, would obviously provide 10 times the capacity. If you completely discharge the batteries, you will shorten the life cycle. As a general rule, you should never discharge your batteries below 50% of their capacity. The better we take care of our batteries, the greater the chance of extending their life cycle.
The below link is a short article on different types of batteries and provides voltage parameters for what 50% discharge actually means for each type battery.
http://www.rvsolarconnection.com/batteries/battery-facts.htm