Deep Cycle batteries are designed for specific applications.
It is important to ensure that you have adequate capacity in the battery for the amount of power your application will consume (known as Amp Hours). The following battery calculation guide is a great place to start.
By establishing the power consumption of each piece of equipment or item (usually marked in Max Watts or Max Amps on the information label of each item) – then taking into account the number of hours you will utilise battery power between recharges, and the Voltage of the system – you can then calculate the Amp Hours that you require.
Now that you have calculated the total watt hours for your requirements…divide the total Watt-Hours by the Supply Voltage to obtain the Amp Hours.
612 Watt Hours ÷ 12 Volts = 51 Amp Hours
As a rule of Thumb, and because DC electrical systems are not always perfect, one more very important calculation that we suggest.
We strongly recommend that you allow a little extra power in reserve. Add a safety margin of say 30% to your calculation just be safe.
51 + 30% Safety Margin (15.3) = 66.3 Total Amp Hours
Now you can purchase the correct Deep Cycle battery for your needs.
P.S – To convert Amps to Watts simply multiply the item Amps x Voltage (i.e. “Bed End Light & Fan” 1.3 Amps x 12 Volts = 15.6 Watts, as shown within the example table above).
Watts = Amps x Volts