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.: battery rating terminology

 

 CCA

Defined as Cold Cranking Amps
    The number of amps a battery can deliver for 30 seconds at 0°F before the voltage drops to 1.20 volts per cell (7.20 volts for a 12 volt battery).

 MCA

Defined as Marine Cranking Amps (sometimes called CA)
    The same test as CCA except at 32°F.

 HCA

Defined as Hot Cranking Amps
    The same test as CCA except at 80°F.

 Ah rating

Defined as ampere-hour rating capacity - may be a 10-hour and/or 20-hour rate of discharge
    A 12 volt battery rated at 50Ah for the 10-hour rate of discharge can supply 5amps for 10 hours before its voltage drops to 10.02 volts. This does NOT mean that it can supply 50amps for 1 hour.

     Using the Odyssey PC1500 battery data.
  • Its advertised 10-hour rating is 62Ah
  • The data shows it can supply 6.2 amps for 10 hours
  • The data shows it can supply 60 amps for 45 minutes, NOT  62 amps for 1 hour.

Reserve Capacity

Refers to the number of minutes a battery can supply 25 amps at  80°F before its voltage drops to 10.50 volts (for a 12 volt battery).