CCA vs MCA, what is the difference? Crucial to the operation of a motor vehicle, the battery’s primary function occurs when cranking the engine. Cranking amps refer to the amount of electrical charge a battery can discharge and sustain in different conditions. Cranking amps can be of two types, i.e., cold cranking amps and marine cranking amps.
Knowing the cranking amps of your battery gives you a good idea of what you can expect from your battery in harsh weather conditions to start your vehicle. External temperatures significantly affect the operation of a battery, and it is through understanding the cranking amps that we can know how far the batteries can go during such conditions. Today we explore in detail the differences between the two cranking amps, marine cranking amps vs cold-cranking amps.
The cold cranking amp (CCA) rating is the total number of amps a battery conveys to the engine at cold temperatures. It measures the max current a charged battery will provide at 0°F (-18°C) for a continuous 30 seconds while retaining a voltage of 7.2 volts. Batteries differ in size, and so does their cold cranking rating. A higher CCA rating means a greater corresponding starting power by the battery.
Battery manufacturers are obligated to indicate the CCA of a battery among its specifications. The CCA offers a general idea of how the battery will perform in harsh cold conditions, and sometimes it plays a significant role in factoring out batteries during purchase. Small batteries should have a rating of at least 150 CCA, while their larger counterparts need a rating of about 500 CCA for optimal operation.
What Is The MCA Rating?
The marine cranking amps (MCA) rating is the max current a battery can maintain for 30 seconds at temperatures of 32°F (0°C) while retaining a voltage of 7.2 volts. The battery’s MCA rating is one-third higher than its corresponding CCA rating.
An MCA rating measures the battery’s starting power. It specifies how much power the battery can yield over a short period. It is always advisable to select a battery with a higher rating than the automobile manufacturer’s recommended.
CCA vs MCA – What Is the Difference?
These two ratings present their differences even though they share the same concept. The primary difference is that the CCA gets its rating from temperatures of 0°F while the MCA is based on amps produced at temperatures of 32°F.
The MCA rating is 20-25% higher than the CCA rating. Batteries have thinner and numerous plates for an extra surface area. However, this construction makes batteries fragile to the effect of external temperatures. Batteries work better at warm temperatures and thus have equivalent higher MCA ratings.
What About HCA?
Hot Cranking Amps, abbreviated as HCA, refers to the amount of current a battery can provide at 80°F (27°C). It includes the number of amperes a battery can deliver and maintain for 30 seconds at a minimum of 7.2 volts. The HCA rating is mainly a consideration implemented by batteries used in very hot conditions such as deserts or near furnaces.
How Do You Convert MCA To CCA?
For a battery with a CCA rating and for which you its MCA rating, multiply the CCA rating by 1.25. To convert an MCA rating to a CCA rating, multiply the MCA rating by 0.8 to obtain the CCA rating.
MCA = CCA x 1.25
CCA = MCA x 0.80
How Many Cold Cranking Amps Do I Need?
To know how much cold cranking power you need, apply the general rule of thumb. Engine displacement SI unit is centimeters cubic or liters. Then, convert the displacement to its equivalent in inches to know how many amps are required.
FAQs - CCA vs MCA
Is MCA or CCA better?
People prefer to understand the CCA rating more than the MCA, as the CCA rating involves harsh conditions that can prove to be dangerous. However, the conversion system allows one to obtain one rating from the other; thus, there is no need for preferences.
Why is MCA higher than CCA?
The MCA rating is 25% greater than the CCA rating because batteries exhibit better operational performance at higher temperatures than lower ones.
What does 1000 MCA mean on a battery?
The battery can provide 1000 amperes at 32°F without the voltage dropping below 7.2 volts.
Do deep cycle batteries have CCA?
Yes, deep cycle batteries have CCAs. Although they have twice or thrice the RC of a standard battery, they deliver one-half or three-quarters of the CCAs.
Are AGM batteries better for boats?
AGM batteries are widely used in boats as they have a versatile nature that allows them to hold their charge better than wet or gel batteries.
Is a higher CCA battery better?
A higher CCA rating is much better, as the battery can provide more power, which is good for the engine.
Conclusion: CCA vs MCA
The cranking power of batteries is becoming a highly considered specification during the purchase of a battery. Adapting specific standards for evaluating batteries and measuring their ability has proven to be much easier and more effective in identifying and describing battery specs.
The CCA and the MCA are the main cranking parameters used to describe batteries, and understanding them brings you closer to the effective operation of your battery despite its condition. Other factors to consider before purchasing a battery include reserve capacity and ampere-hours.
James is an engineer and a professional blogger. He has gained extensive experience over the years, handling all types of power projects. He loves to share his experiences with all things related to batteries, generators, and other power-related topics.
