Have you encountered the term cold cranking amps (CCA) when examining batteries? Understanding CCA and its differences from marine cranking amps (MCA) helps you choose the right battery, reducing costs. Below, we explain CCA, required levels, its distinctions from other cranking amp types and its significance.
What Are Cold Cranking Amps?
Cold cranking amps measure a battery’s ability to start an engine in cold temperatures. It indicates how many amps a 12 volts fully charged battery can produce for 30 seconds at 0°F (-18°C) while maintaining at least 7.2 volts.
The information is vital for those frequently starting batteries in cold conditions, as low temperatures reduce battery efficiency and response times.
How Many Cold Cranking Amps Do I Need?
A general guideline is that an engine requires about one amp per cubic inch of displacement – most vehicles need between 250 and 600 CCAs, while larger buses or RVs may require up to 1,000 CCAs.
Let’s see the optimal number of CCA’s for each vehicle type’s battery.
CCA for Cars
A battery with 600 CCA is recommended, but a 500 CCA battery may still work without major issues.
CCA for Trucks
Most trucks need a 700 CCA battery, but smaller trucks or utes may require only 400 to 500 CCA.
CCA for Boats
This depends on the accessories powered by the boat’s motor. For boats with no extra electronics, a 500 CCA battery suffices. However, if there are additional appliances, a 1,000 CCA battery may be necessary.
Will More Cold Cranking Amps Hurt an Engine?
No. An engine starter draws only the power it needs, so it’s wise to slightly overshoot the required CCA rating to avoid starting issues in cold weather.
However, installing an excessively large battery bank can be dangerous. Without built-in BMS protection, oversized lead-acid batteries can cause hazardous arc flashes and explosions if shorted out.
MCA, CCA, and HCA – What’s the Difference?
CCA measures the amps a battery produces at 0°F, while MCA (Marine Cranking Amps) measures amps at 32°F, the freezing point of water. MCA is relevant for batteries used in activities like fishing and sailing since most boats operate above freezing.
Generally, MCA ratings are higher than CCA ratings because batteries generate more current at 32°F than at 0°F.
In addition to CCA and MCA, there’s also HCA, or Hot Cranking Amps, which measures the amps needed to start an engine at a warmer temperature of 80°F. This specification is important for evaluating battery performance in hotter climates or during summer months.
How Important Are Cold Cranking Amps?
Cold cranking amps are crucial for those in freezing climates, as they affect engine starting efficiency.
In cold weather, batteries weaken and perform poorly, so it’s essential to choose a battery with a strong CCA rating to avoid struggles when starting your engine.
Even in warmer areas, ensure the battery meets your vehicle manufacturer’s cranking recommendations; otherwise, you risk premature battery burnout and difficulties starting your car.
Do Lithium Batteries Use Cold Cranking Amps?
Cold-cranking amps are important for batteries used to start vehicles, but lithium batteries serve a different purpose. They are designed for long-lasting power and rated for continuous output current at any temperature.
Most lithium batteries don’t have CCA ratings because they aren’t meant for starting engines; instead, they excel in energy storage applications.
At Holo Battery, we use battery management systems to limit output, protecting both power systems and the batteries. Our custom products are ideal for off-grid energy storage, boat or RV house batteries, and home backup systems, especially with wind and solar power.
It should be mentioned that some lithium batteries serve dual purposes, providing both cranking and deep cycling. For example, our custom lithium marine battery powers trolling motors and electronics on marine vehicles while also starting the motor.
