Quote:
Originally Posted by Karter
I need to replace my house batteries, can someone help me with the basics? How do I get the correct size (it's a tight fit under my stairs) where best to shop? I am only interested in replacing with type I have, how hard will they be to hook up if I take a picture of the old set-up? Thanks to all!
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Look at the top of your existing battery for a label. It will indicate the size with a number/letter combination Battery dimensions conform to a BCI standard and number.
If the number is one of the common ones like "24" "27", "29", or "31", often preceded by "Group", that's the size battery you want.
Make sure you are getting a Deep Cycle battery rather than a "Starting/Deep Cycle" type. Since you are most likely replacing a pair of 12 volt batteries I've had great luck with Interstate batteries they sell to fishermen for their trolling motors.
Don't get confused over "CCA" (Cold Cranking Amp) ratings on a battery marked Deep Cycle. Any battery can have a Cold Cranking Amp rating. With Deep Cycle batteries those ratings will just be lower than regular starting batteries. Purchase the battery with the highest "RC" number (reserve capacity) for the Group Number you have and are replacing.
Lastly, to make sure you have no issues matching up the connections, make note of the positive and negative posts. With the posts closest to the side you are looking at note which post is on the left and which is on the right.
Make sure your replacements have the same post orientation. Best to take a picture on your phone and compare, take old batteries with you, or draw a diagram. Having posts reversed in the battery box can sometimes make one or more wires too short. A problem nobody wants.
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