SAE J2185_201202

This SAE Standard applies to lead-acid 12 V heavy-duty storage batteries as described in SAE J537 and SAE J930 for uses in starting, lighting and ignition (SLI) applications on motor vehicles and/or off-road machines. These applications have some of the following characteristics: a High levels of power are required to start the vehicle’s internal combustion engine. The need to supply this power limits the maximum depth of discharge to a fraction of the total capacity of the battery. The battery must be maintained at a charge level sufficient to perform this primary function by vehicle’s voltage-regulated charging system. b The vehicle’s engine powers a voltage regulated charging system that limits the charging voltage when spinning at sufficient speed and when total loads do not exceed its output limits. c The battery is subject to deeper discharging than a typical automotive application as a result of the following conditions: High daily hours of use High numbers of starts per day Electrical loads often exceeding charging system output (at idle) Batteries will be classified into two types for this life test. Type 1 applies to BCI group sizes typically with reserve capacity (RC) rating of 250 minutes or less. Type 2 applies to larger batteries typically with reserve capacity greater than 250 min. A Rationale is required explaining why the document is being revised. Since the original publish date of this document there have been significant advancements in lead-acid storage battery technology for use in heavy-duty applications. This document addresses the key considerations for performing life test on different lead-acid battery technologies, specifically, flooded and valve-regulated types, and effects on the associated test methods.