- Pulse Hot Cranking Amp ("PHCA")
Pulse Hot Cranking Amp (PHCA) refers to the maximum amount of current, measured in amperes, that a battery can supply for a very short burst—typically for five seconds, and maintain a voltage of 7.2 volts for a 12 volt battery, at a specified temperature.
PHCA rating is not an official or define performance definition, but rather a method for a manufacturer for marketing purposes to indicate a battery's ability to deliver a high, intense burst of power to start engines or operate equipment under extreme conditions.
PHCA may serve as a method of comparison between batteries with the same Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) rating,.
For engine start batteries, consider Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) as a determining factor (along with voltage, terminal location, terminal type and physical dimensions) in selecting a battery for a engine start (such as diesel or compression-ignition engines).
For standby or stationary batteries, consider battery capacity measured in (Ah) as a determining factor (along with voltage, terminal location, terminal type and physical dimensions) in selecting a battery for most other equipment other than engine start applications, such as Fire Detection Control & Indicating Equipment, Emergency Warning & Intercommunication Systems, etc.