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EnerSys Experts Weigh-in on Most Frequently Asked ODYSSEY® Battery Inquiries

Earlier this year, our team of ODYSSEY® battery experts at EnerSys weighed in on frequently asked questions they receive from customers related to an auxiliary battery. This time around, we are going to explore questions our customers pose related to general vehicle battery performance including proper installation, maintenance and charging as well as the different chemistries available on the market today and how to select the right fit for your application. As always, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for care and direct any questions to your battery professional.

What is PHCA and how does that affect my application?
PHCA stands for Pulse Hot Cranking Amps, which is a rating that measures a fully charged battery’s high-rate discharge over a short period of time. Specifically, it is a measure that a fully charged battery (over 5 seconds) can deliver at 80°F (27°C) for 5 seconds. This simulates a vehicle start. The PHCA rating is like the Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) rating, but over a shorter duration of five seconds at a much higher burst.

How do I diagnose a “no-start” battery issue?
There are a lot of factors to consider as well as simple tests you can perform on the battery to help diagnose a “no-start” issue.

For starters (no pun intended), ask yourself these simple questions:
1. What’s my voltage?
2. Did I leave something on in my vehicle overnight?
3. How old is my battery?

The answer to one, two or even all these questions could shed light to the reason why your battery is underperforming and can help you resolve the issue sooner than later.

Can I use a lightweight battery for my vehicle?
Lightweight batteries are typically used for racing applications or smaller vehicles with less onboard accessories. They should be kept fully charged and they are normally more susceptible to the effects of extreme temperatures. With a lightweight battery, the capacity is generally lower, so it might be beneficial to choose a more high-power solution to not only keep the vehicle itself running, but also all the onboard electronics that help keep you safe and entertained such as the radio, Global Positioning System (GPS) and automatic locks, lights and windshield wipers.

What type of charger should I use for my ODYSSEY® battery?
Many early battery failures come from not using the correct type or size of charger to keep the battery fully charged. Since ODYSSEY® batteries are engineered with Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) technology, it’s beneficial to use a charger with an AGM setting. Proper charging amperage requirements for an ODYSSEY® battery based on a 10-hour charge rate are as follows:
Minimum recommended: 10 percent of the amp hour capacity
Optimum recommended: 40 percent of the amp hour capacity
Maximum recommended: 100 percent of the amp hour capacity

Our recently launched ODYSSEY® battery chargers are an excellent option for charging our portfolio of ODYSSEY® batteries. In addition to being able to charge ODYSSEY® batteries and other high-quality brands of AGM battery models, the new series of ODYSSEY® battery chargers can also efficiently charge flooded lead-acid and lithium chemistries. Engineered with built-in temperature controls and a battery status indicator, these advanced battery chargers are available in 5A, 15A and 25A variants.

Is a lead-acid or lithium battery better for my application?
Selecting the right battery chemistry for your application is key to performance and longevity. Lithium batteries are lightweight and highly efficient, but they usually cost more upfront than other chemistries on the market today. They also do not perform as well in cold temperatures for starting applications as compared to lead-acid.

Lead-acid batteries are ideal for starting applications. They are an excellent choice as back-up power for a multitude of applications including Recreational Vehicles (RVs), motorboats and commercial vehicle fleets.

What are dual battery systems and how do they work in my vehicle?
Dual battery systems are typically used when you want to have two separate batteries in your application – one for starting duties and one for back-up power. These types of systems have become increasingly popular in the overlanding world. The secondary battery can be used to power an array of onboard electronics including lights, refrigerators, winches and GPS. Another popular use for dual battery systems is to support vehicles that are running high-powered audio systems. This allows you to run your stereo without risking running out of power to start your vehicle. Whenever considering this type of system, check that it is wired properly in the application and use an isolator switch. When in doubt, try fully charging the battery frequently.

What should I do if my cable doesn’t seem to fit correctly during installation?
Different manufacturers and applications use different types of cables and terminals. Sometimes you may run into issues when you are replacing a battery. For example, terminals can stretch over time. This is more commonly seen with terminals made of all lead. There are various reasons why this can happen, but often, it is due to a result of overtightening the terminals. If you run into an issue where your cable end seems loose on the terminal, try using a battery terminal shim, or replace the cable or cable end completely. It’s important to always make sure the battery cable is seated well and torqued down properly. It is also a good idea to re-check tightness occasionally. Bad cable connections can impact both starting ability and charging of the battery.

Can I connect a flooded lead-acid or lithium battery in parallel to my ODYSSEY® battery?
It is considered best practice to use the same battery chemistry in any multiple battery system within a given application because different battery chemistries have different charge profiles. Therefore, its cautioned to never mix AGM, flooded or lithium batteries when connecting in parallel. Whenever possible, it is also recommended to use the same capacity batteries as well. This will help ensure that charging is equal, and all batteries have the same chance of longevity. When in doubt, contact the battery manufacturer for more information on how to size and charge batteries to work best together and produce the best outcome of performance.

Check out our websites at www.odysseybattery.com and www.eu.odysseybattery.com for the latest ODYSSEY® battery global news and updates.

You can also connect with us on social media using the hashtag #MYODYSSEY by following us on the below platforms based on region:
United States  InstagramX and Facebook
European Union  Instagram and Facebook

For more information on EnerSys and its full line of products, systems and support, visit www.enersys.com.

About EnerSys

EnerSys is the global leader in stored energy solutions for industrial applications and designs, manufactures, and distributes energy systems solutions and motive power batteries, specialty batteries, battery chargers, power equipment, battery accessories and outdoor equipment enclosure solutions to customers worldwide. The company goes to market through four lines of business: Energy Systems, Motive Power, Specialty and New Ventures. Energy Systems, which combine power conversion, power distribution, energy storage, and enclosures, are used in the telecommunication, broadband and utility industries, uninterruptible power supplies, and numerous applications requiring stored energy solutions. Motive power batteries and chargers are utilized in electric forklift trucks and other industrial electric powered vehicles. Specialty batteries are used in aerospace and defense applications, large over-the-road trucks, premium automotive, medical and security systems applications. New Ventures provides energy storage and management systems for various applications including demand charge reduction, utility back-up power, and dynamic fast charging for electric vehicles. EnerSys also provides aftermarket and customer support services to its customers in over 100 countries through its sales and manufacturing locations around the world. To learn more about EnerSys please visit https://www.enersys.com/en/

Sustainability

Sustainability at EnerSys is about more than just the benefits and impacts of our products. Our commitment to sustainability encompasses many important environmental, social and governance issues. Sustainability is a fundamental part of how we manage our own operations. Minimizing our environmental footprint is a priority. Sustainability is our commitment to our employees, our customers and the communities we serve. Our products facilitate positive environmental, social and economic impacts around the world. To learn more visit: www.enersys.com/en/about-us/sustainability.