Starter Battery Specifications - Cold Cranking Amps (CCA)

Flooded lead-acid batteries are the most popular starting or Starting Ignition Lighting (SLI) battery type. They often operate under the most extreme temperature conditions and must be able to deliver high cold cranking amps (CCA) consistently. Starting battery failure is most commonly caused by acid stratification, extreme temperatures and destructive vibration. Starting batteries are not designed for regular discharges of more than 1% to 3%.

Cold Cranking Amps (CCA); the amps a 12V battery can discharge for 30 seconds at -18°C / 0°F while maintaining its voltage above 7.2 volts. Because lead-acid batteries produce more energy at higher temperatures, we also rate marine batteries in Cranking Amps (CA), similar to CCA but measured at 0°C / 32°F and Marine Cranking Amps (MCA), similar to CCA but measured at 27°C.