28-11-2023, 09:11 AM
Hi
The Ah capacity will tell you how long the battery can supply a low to medium current. For good starting, it's more important to have a high Cold Cranking Amperes (CCA) rating. To some extent high Ah is associated with high CCA, but not necessarily. Unfortunately, it's hard to get CCA data for classic style batteries.
For charging, "trickle" chargers were traditionally unregulated supplies that delivered 2 or 3 amps for as long as they were connected. Fine for overnight, but not a good idea for permanent connection as they will eventually overcharge the battery. A more modern battery conditioner will charge the battery and then drop back to a float charging voltage of about 6.9 volts for a 6 volt battery, which is safe for longer periods. In my experience however, even this can eventually lead to the electrolyte needing topping up, so my strategy is to use a battery conditioner on a cheap time switch that comes on for just an hour around midday each day.
The Ah capacity will tell you how long the battery can supply a low to medium current. For good starting, it's more important to have a high Cold Cranking Amperes (CCA) rating. To some extent high Ah is associated with high CCA, but not necessarily. Unfortunately, it's hard to get CCA data for classic style batteries.
For charging, "trickle" chargers were traditionally unregulated supplies that delivered 2 or 3 amps for as long as they were connected. Fine for overnight, but not a good idea for permanent connection as they will eventually overcharge the battery. A more modern battery conditioner will charge the battery and then drop back to a float charging voltage of about 6.9 volts for a 6 volt battery, which is safe for longer periods. In my experience however, even this can eventually lead to the electrolyte needing topping up, so my strategy is to use a battery conditioner on a cheap time switch that comes on for just an hour around midday each day.