What temperature is a 12 Volt battery CCA typically described for?

A 12 Volt battery's Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) rating is specifically defined at 0 degrees Fahrenheit. This standard measurement indicates the battery's ability to start an engine in cold temperatures, a critical function especially in climates that experience freezing conditions.

When a battery is tested at 0 degrees Fahrenheit, this simulates a condition where the battery's performance may be significantly challenged, allowing for a consistent and standardized way to assess how much current the battery can deliver for a short duration at low temperatures. The CCA represents the amount of current (in amps) that the battery can provide for 30 seconds while maintaining a minimum voltage of 1.2 volts per cell (7.2 volts for a 12-volt battery), which is crucial for engine starting under cold conditions.

Testing at this temperature provides valuable information about the reliability of the battery when subjected to the harshest conditions it is likely to encounter. It's also important to note that ratings at other temperatures or conditions may yield different results, which is why 0 degrees Fahrenheit is the industry standard for CCA testing.