What voltage should a battery be for load test?

The significance of adhering to these specific conditions lies in ensuring that the battery's performance under load is accurately gauged. The CCA rating, an indicator of a battery's ability to start an engine in cold temperatures, is halved to simulate a more challenging starting scenario.

Furthermore, the use of a genuine load, specifically a carbon pile, is paramount in conducting this test. This method provides a more accurate simulation of the battery's actual workload, as opposed to handheld testers that rely on conductance algorithms, which might not fully capture the battery's true capabilities.

The reason behind avoiding handheld testers is that they often rely on conductance, a measure of a battery's ability to conduct electrical current, rather than directly assessing its ability to supply power under load. This can lead to inaccurate results, particularly when evaluating older or degraded batteries.

By utilizing a true load test with a carbon pile, technicians can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the battery's health and performance. This information is crucial in determining whether the battery is suitable for continued use or if it needs to be replaced.

In order to successfully complete a load test, the battery in question must uphold a voltage level of 9.6 volts for a duration of 15 seconds. This vital parameter is assessed during the testing phase, which is conducted at half the battery's Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) rating and at a temperature of 70°F or higher.