1. what is inrush current?

Starting current is the maximum amount of current a battery can deliver for a short time (usually 30 seconds) at a certain temperature (e.g., -18°C). This is crucial when talking about a battery’s ability to start an engine, especially in cold conditions.

2. is a higher inrush current beneficial?

Safety: Choosing a battery with more starting current than required will not harm your vehicle. Your vehicle’s electronics and components draw as much current as they need, not more.

Benefits in extreme conditions: In cold climates where temperatures drop below freezing, the engine needs more energy to start. A battery with a higher starting current provides better performance in such conditions.

More flexibility: Vehicles with additional equipment, such as a sound system or additional lighting, can benefit from a battery with a higher starting current.

3. are there any disadvantages?

Cost: Batteries with higher starting current can be more expensive to purchase.

Dimensions: They can be larger and heavier, which can be a problem on some vehicle models.

Battery testing standards and norms

Batteries are tested in different parts of the world according to different standards, which define what criteria they must meet during testing. Here are some of those standards:

  1. DIN (Deutsches Institut für Normung e. V., or German Institute for Standardization) DIN EN 50342
    • The test is carried out at -18 °C.
    • After discharging with cold starting current (Icc), the battery should maintain a final voltage of 7.5 volts for at least 10 seconds.
    • There are also two additional criteria: a) The time for the voltage to drop to 6 V after C1 should be t6V ≥ 90 seconds. b) The time for the voltage to drop to 6 V after C2 should be t6V ≥ 150 seconds.
  2. SAE (American Standard)
    • The test is carried out at -18 °C.
    • The discharge time at starting current when the engine is cold must maintain a voltage of at least 7.2 volts for at least 30 seconds.
  3. IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission, or International Electrotechnical Commission) 95-1
    • The test is carried out at -18 °C.
    • The voltage should be at least 8.4 volts after 60 seconds of discharging with cold starting current (Icc).
  4. EN (European Standard) DIN EN 50342
    • As in DIN, the test takes place at -18 °C with specific voltage criteria.
    • To comply with the EN standard, the currents are rounded off:
      • < 200 A: 10 A level
      • 200 – 300 A: 20 A level (e.g. 220, 240, 260, 280 A).
      • 300 – 600 A: Level 30 A (e.g. 330, 360, 390, 420, 450, 480, 510, 540, 570 A).
      • 600 – 800 A: 40 A level (e.g. 640, 680, 720, 760 A).
      • 800 A: 50 A level

Depending on the region and specifications, different standards have their own unique requirements that batteries must meet to be considered reliable and safe for use.

Summary

Choosing a battery with a higher starting current than your vehicle’s specifications require is generally safe and can be beneficial in certain circumstances. However, if your vehicle is not exposed to extreme conditions and does not have additional equipment, it may not be necessary to invest in a battery with a higher starting current.