How Do You Calculate 12 Volt AMP Hours?
Amp hours are the standard measure of the energy storage capacity of 12-volt and other batteries. When in use, a battery’s voltage remains constant. The current (amperage) varies depending on how much power is being used. Twelve-volt batteries are rated based on how long a fully charged battery can provide power at a specified amperage before it is entirely drained. For example, a battery rated at 80 amp hours can deliver a 20-amp current for up to four hours. Understand how amp hour ratings for 12-volt and other batteries are determined. A battery is brought to full charge and then completely discharged over a specified time period (20 hours is the interval used most often). The amperage required to entirely discharge the battery in that period is multiplied by the time interval. For example, if a battery takes 20 hours to drain completely at 8 amps, the amp hours equal 8*20, or 160 amp hours. Figure out how long a fully charged 12-volt battery can operate under a particular current l
