ISBN 978-0-626-29350-5

SANS 2:2013
Edition 7.1

SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL STANDARD

Lead-acid starter batteries

Published by SABS Standards Division

1 Dr Lategan Road Groenkloof Private Bag X191 Pretoria 0001
Tel: +27 12 428 7911 Fax: +27 12 344 1568
www.sabs.co.za
SABS
SANS 2:2013
Edition 7.1

Table of changes
Change No. Date Scope
Amdt 1 2013 Amended to update referenced standards.

Foreword
This South African standard was approved by National Committee SABS/TC 063, Batteries, in
accordance with procedures of the SABS Standards Division, in compliance with annex 3 of the
WTO/TBT agreement.

This document was published in 2013.

This document supersedes SANS 2:2009 (edition 7).

A vertical line in the margin shows where the text has been technically modified by amendment No. 1.

Annexes A and B are for information only.

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Contents
Page

Foreword

1 Scope ..................................................................................................................................... 3

2 Normative references ............................................................................................................. 3

3 Definitions .............................................................................................................................. 3

4 Classification and designation of starter batteries .................................................................. 3

5 General requirements ............................................................................................................ 4

5.1 Identification, labelling ................................................................................................... 4

5.2 Marking of the polarity ................................................................................................... 5
5.3 Additional designation ................................................................................................... 5
5.4 Fastening of a battery .................................................................................................... 6
5.5 Dimensions of terminals ................................................................................................ 6

6 Functional characteristics ....................................................................................................... 7

6.1 Electrical characteristics ................................................................................................ 7

6.2 Mechanical characteristics ............................................................................................ 9

7 General test conditions .......................................................................................................... 9

7.1 Sampling of batteries ..................................................................................................... 9

7.2 Preparation of batteries before testing – Definition of a fully charged battery ............... 9
7.3 Activation of dry-charged (conserved-charged) batteries .............................................. 9
7.4 Measuring instruments .................................................................................................. 10
7.5 Test sequence ............................................................................................................... 10

8 Tests methods and requirements ........................................................................................... 11

8.1 Capacity check Ce ......................................................................................................... 11

8.2 Reserve capacity check Cr, e ......................................................................................... 12
8.3 Cranking performance test ............................................................................................ 12
8.4 Charge acceptance test ................................................................................................ 12
8.5 Charge retention test ..................................................................................................... 13
8.6 Endurance test for batteries in class A .......................................................................... 13
8.7 Cyclic endurance test for batteries in class B ................................................................ 14
8.8 Water consumption test ................................................................................................. 15
8.9 Vibration resistance test ................................................................................................ 15
8.10 Electrolyte retention test ................................................................................................ 16
8.11 Cranking performance for dry-charged (conserved-charged)
batteries after activation ................................................................................................ 16

9 Condition on delivery .............................................................................................................. 16

Annex A (informative) Battery specifications ........................................................................... 17

Annex B (informative) Estimating the value of C nom .............................................................. 23

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Lead-acid starter batteries

1 Scope
This standard specifies the characteristics of lead-acid batteries of nominal voltage 12 V, used primarily
as a power source for starting and igniting internal combustion engines, for lighting, and for auxiliary
equipment of internal combustion engine vehicles. These batteries are commonly called "starter
batteries".

This standard is not applicable to batteries for other purposes such as the starting of railcar internal
combustion engines.

2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced
document (including any amendments) applies. Information on currently valid national and international
standards can be obtained from the SABS Standards Division.

SANS 1632-1, Batteries – Part 1: General information – Definitions, abbreviations and symbols.
Amdt 1

SANS 60095-1/IEC 60095-1, Lead-acid starter batteries – Part 1: General requirements and methods of
test.

SANS 60896-11/IEC 60896-11, Stationary lead-acid batteries – Part 11: Vented types – General
requirements and methods of test. Amdt 1

3 Definitions
For the purposes of this document, the definitions given in SANS 60896-11 and the following definition
apply. Amdt 1

SABMA identification
number allocated by the South African Battery Manufacturers Association (SABMA), indicating the size
or capacity (or both) of the battery

NOTE See annex A for SABMA identification number.

4 Classification and designation of starter batteries

4.1 According to their application, two classes of batteries are defined, as follows:
a) class A: is used in particular in passenger vehicles, light commercial vehicles and similar
applications;
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b) class B: is used in particular in trucks, buses, taxis, industrial cars, machinery used for public works
and similar applications.

4.2 Batteries of classes A and B are intended for use in temperate and cold climates. In these
batteries, when fully charged, the density of the electrolyte at 25 °C shall be as follows:

d = 1,28 +0,02
0,01

where

d is the density of the electrolyte, in kilograms per litre.

4.3 Batteries intended for use in warm or tropical climates shall be designated by adding the letter T to
the class designations A and B, i.e. AT and BT. In these batteries (when fully charged) the density of the
electrolyte at 25 °C shall be

d = 1,23 +0,02
0,01

where

d is the density of the electrolyte, in kilograms per litre.

4.4 The value of Cnom (see 5.1.2(c)) for all classes of batteries shall correspond to the electrolyte
density given in 4.2 and 4.3.

5 General requirements
5.1 Identification, labelling

5.1.1 In the case where a battery is supplied in a dry state, complete instructions for filling with
electrolyte shall be given on a label.

5.1.2 In all cases, batteries made in accordance with this standard shall bear the following
characteristics on at least one side of the battery in indelible print:

a) the class of the battery: A or B, or AT, or BT (see clause 4);

b) the nominal voltage: 12 V or 6 V, as applicable;

c) the nominal capacity Cnom in ampere-hours;

d) the nominal cranking current: Is in amperes (see 6.1.1);

e) the manufacturer's identification;

f) the production batch identification (a code may be used);

g) the SABMA identification.

5.1.3 Batteries shall be marked with six multi-coloured or uni-coloured symbols as shown in figure 1.
The uni-coloured safety symbols shall be in contrast to the background on which the labels will appear.

The symbols shall be located in a group (block), and applied at the top of the battery, as shown for
example in figure 1.

No text in any language shall be included in the six symbol block.

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The meaning of the symbols (read from the first to the second row and from left to right), are as follows:

RED: No smoking, no naked flames, no sparks

BLUE: Shield eyes
RED: Keep away from children
YELLOW: Battery acid
BLUE: Note operating instructions
YELLOW: Explosive gas

The symbols shall have common dimensions as illustrated in figure 2 and minimum dimensions of
10 mm.

Figure 1 — Battery marking symbols

Figure 2 — Symbol dimensions

5.2 Marking of the polarity

At least the positive terminal shall be identified by a + mark on the cover or on the terminal itself.

5.3 Additional designation

Vented starter batteries may be designated as “low water loss” batteries in accordance with
SANS 60095-1 if they comply with the test in 8.8 and the elevated time requirement in 8.5.3.

NOTE Starter batteries are subjected to a wide variety of operations, for example, temperatures, overcharged
voltages, etc., which have an influence on the electrolytic decomposition of water from the electrolyte, regardless of

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internal design features. So, the term "low water loss" in this standard can be linked to well-defined conditions in
6.1.9 and 8.8, which do not cover the complete range of practical operating conditions.

5.4 Fastening of a battery

If a battery is to be fastened to a vehicle by means of integral parts (e.g. bottom ledges), these shall be
designed to withstand acceleration in crash conditions.

5.5 Dimensions of terminals

The dimensions of tapered terminals should comply with the dimensions in figure 3 or figure 4 (as
relevant).

Dimensions in millimetres

NOTE Tolerance on the taper ± 1 %.

Figure 3 — Dimensions of the positive terminal

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Dimensions in millimetres

Tolerance on the taper ± 1 %.

Figure 4 — Dimensions of the negative terminal

6 Functional characteristics
6.1 Electrical characteristics
6.1.1 The cranking performance of a battery is the discharge Is , in amperes, to be indicated by the
manufacturer, that a battery can supply for 60 s to a minimum voltage Uf of 8,4 V at

a) 18 °C in the case of class A and B batteries, and

b) 0 °C in the case of class AT and BT batteries.

6.1.2 The capacity of a starter battery is defined for the temperature (25 ± 2) °C. The capacity may be
indicated by the manufacturer as

a) nominal capacity Cnom (in ampere-hours), or

b) nominal reserve capacity Cr, n (in minutes).

The nominal capacity Cnom is the electric charge that a battery can supply with a current In to a final
voltage Uf = 10,5 V·In can be determined as follows:

Cnom
In =
20

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where

In is a constant current discharge, in amperes;

Cnom is the nominal capacity, in ampere-hours.

6.1.3 The effective capacity Ce, in ampere-hours, shall be determined by discharging a battery with
constant current In to a voltage Uf of 10,5 V (see 8.1). The resultant figure is used for the verification of
Cnom.

6.1.4 The nominal reserve capacity Cr, n is the period of time, in minutes, that a battery can maintain a
discharge current of 25 A to a cut-off voltage Uf of 10,5 V.

6.1.5 The effective reserve capacity Cr, e shall be determined by discharging a battery with the constant
current of 25 A to Uf of 10,5 V (see 8.2). The resultant discharge time, in minutes, is used for the
verification of Cr, n.

NOTE For the correlation (relationship) of Cnom and Cr, e, see annex B.

6.1.6 The charge acceptance is expressed as the ratio ica

a) of the current Ica, that a partially discharged battery takes up at 0 °C and at a constant voltage of
14,4 V, and

b) of I = Ce/20.

The charge acceptance ratio can be determined as follows:

I ca
ica =
C e 20

where

ica is the charge acceptance ratio;

Ica is the constant current discharge, in amperes;

Ce is the effective capacity, in ampere-hours.

The charge acceptance test is given in 8.4.

6.1.7 Charge retention is defined as the cold cranking performance of the charged and filled battery
after storage on open circuit under defined conditions of temperature and time (see 8.5).

6.1.8 Endurance in cycles represents the ability of a battery to perform repeated discharge or recharge
cycles and long rest periods on open circuit. This ability shall be tested by a series of cycles and rest
periods under specified conditions after which the cold cranking performance shall be determined
(see 8.6).

6.1.9 Water consumption: The maintenance-free service of a battery requires a low rate of electrolytic
water decomposition through overcharge (see 8.8).

6.1.10 Dry-charged battery (conserved-charged battery): A new battery may be designated as dry
charged (conserved charged) if it can be activated (ready for service) just by filling it with the appropriate
electrolyte, and if it then complies with the requirements in 8.11.

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6.2 Mechanical characteristics

6.2.1 The vibration resistance of a battery is the ability of a battery to maintain service under periodic or
irregular acceleration forces. The minimum vibration requirements are to be verified by a test (see 8.9).

6.2.2 Electrolyte retention of a battery is the ability of a battery to retain the liquid electrolyte under
specified mechanical conditions (see 8.10).

7 General test conditions

7.1 Sampling of batteries
All tests shall be carried out on new battery samples. Samples shall be considered as new not later than

a) 30 d after the shipment date of the manufacturer in the case of filled batteries, and

b) 60 d after the shipment date of the manufacturer in the case of dry-charged (conserved-charged)
batteries.

7.2 Preparation of batteries before testing — Definition of a fully

charged battery

7.2.1 General

All tests (except those in 8.11) shall commence with fully charged batteries.

Batteries shall be considered as fully charged if they have undergone one of the two charging
procedures in 7.2.2 or 7.2.3, as specified by the manufacturer, carried out at (25 ± 10) °C.

7.2.2 Charging at constant current

The battery shall be charged

a) at a current of 2 In (see 6.1.2), until the voltage reaches 14,4 V, and

b) then at the same current for five subsequent hours.

In the case of recharging after a test for cranking performance (in accordance with 8.3) the time shall be
limited to 3 h instead of 5 h.

7.2.3 Charging at modified constant voltage

The battery shall be charged at a voltage of 16 V for 24 h with the maximum current limited to 5 In
(see 6.1.2).

In the case of recharging after a test for cranking performance (in accordance with 8.3) the charging time
may be limited to 16 h.

NOTE If neither complete knowledge of the battery construction nor a specification from the manufacturer is
available, then charging according to the present subclause is recommended.

7.3 Activation of dry-charged (conserved-charged) batteries

Dry-charged batteries shall be filled with the appropriate electrolyte (in accordance with 4.2) to the
maximum level indicated by internal or external marks or in accordance with the manufacturer's
instructions.
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7.4 Measuring instruments

7.4.1 Electrical measuring instruments

7.4.1.1 General

The range of instruments used shall be appropriate to the magnitude of the voltage or current to be
measured.

For analogous instruments the reading shall be taken in the top third of the scale.

7.4.1.2 Voltage measurement

The instrument used for measuring voltages shall be a voltmeter that has an accuracy class of 1 or
better. The resistance of the voltmeter shall be at least 300 /V.

7.4.1.3 Current measurement

The instrument used for current measurement shall be an ammeter that has an accuracy class of 1 or
better. The assembly of ammeter, shunt and leads shall have an overall accuracy of class 1 or better.

7.4.2 Temperature measurement

The thermometers used for measuring temperature shall have an appropriate range, and the value of
each scale division shall not be greater than 1 K. The accuracy of the calibration of the instruments shall
be not less than 0,5 K.

7.4.3 Density measurement

The density of the electrolyte shall be measured by means of a hydrometer furnished with a graduated
scale, the value of each division of which is equal at the most to 0,005 kg/L. The accuracy of calibration
shall be to 0,005 kg/L or better.

7.4.4 Time measurement

The instrument used for measuring time shall be graduated in hours, minutes, seconds or in hours and
centihours (ch),

where

1
ch = h
100

Instruments for measuring time shall have an accuracy of at least ± 1 %.

7.5 Test sequence

7.5.1 Batteries filled and charged

Initially the batteries are subjected to the following series of tests:

a) the first Ce or Cr, e check;

b) the first cranking performance test;

c) the second Ce or Cr, e check;

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d) the second cranking performance test;

e) the third Ce or Cr, e check;

f) the third cranking performance test.

For both Ce or Cr, e checks and the cranking performance tests the specified values shall be complied
with in at least one of the three relevant discharges above.

NOTE Additional samples of batteries should be submitted for testing if a reserve capacity check is required.

The tests given in table 1 shall be carried out only if batteries have complied with the series of tests
above, but not later than at one week after completion of the first part.

Table 1 — Tests for batteries

1 2 3 4 5 6
Battery number 1 2 3 4 5
Endurance
x
(see 8.6)
Charge retention
x
(see 8.5)
Charge acceptance
x
(see 8.4)
Electrolyte retention
x
(see 8.10)
Vibration resistance
x
(see 8.9)
Water consumption
x
(see 8.8)
NOTE The test for water consumption should be applied only to vented "low
water loss" batteries referred to in 5.3.

7.5.2 Dry-charged (conserved-charged) batteries

The following tests shall be conducted on dry-charged (conserved-charged) batteries:

a) the test for initial cranking performance after filling with electrolyte (see 8.11);

b) the capacity test (see 8.1).

8 Test methods and requirements

8.1 Capacity check Ce

8.1.1 Place the battery in a water-bath at a temperature of (25 ± 2) °C throughout the duration of the
tests. Ensure that the upper surface of the battery is at least 15 mm but no more than 25 mm above the
level of water. If several batteries are in the same water-bath then the distance between them and also
the distance to the walls of the bath shall be at least 25 mm.

8.1.2 Discharge the battery with the current In (calculated according to 6.1.2) kept constant at ± 2 % of
the nominal value until the terminal voltage falls to (10,5 ± 0,05) V. Record the duration t (h) of the
discharge. Ensure that the beginning of the discharge takes place between 1 h to 5 h after the
completion of charging according to 7.2.
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8.1.3 The capacity Ce can be calculated as follows:

Ce = t × In

where

Ce is the effective capacity, in ampere-hours;

t is the time, in hours;

In is the discharge current, in amperes.

8.2 Reserve capacity check Cr, e

8.2.1 Place the battery in a water-bath in accordance with 8.1.1.

8.2.2 Discharge the battery 1 h to 5 h after the end of charging according to 7.2 with a current of
25 A ± 1 % until the terminal voltage has fallen to Uf = (10,5 ± 0,05) V. Record the duration t (min) of the
discharge.

8.3 Cranking performance test

8.3.1 After preparation in accordance with 7.2.1 and a rest period of 1 h to 5 h, place the battery in a
cooling chamber with (forced) air circulation at a temperature of ( 18 ± 1) °C for a minimum of 20 h or
until the temperature in one of the middle cells has reached ( 18 ± 1) °C.

NOTE In the case of batteries of class AT or BT (see 4.3), the cranking performance should be tested at 0 °C.

8.3.2 Discharge the battery (either within or outside the cooling chamber) within 2 min after the end of
the cooling period at a current Is (see 6.1.1). This current shall be kept constant to within ± 0,5 % during
the discharge.

8.3.3 Record the terminal voltage after a 60 s discharge. The voltage shall be not less than 8,4 V.

8.4 Charge acceptance test

8.4.1 Discharge the battery at an ambient temperature between 0 °C and 30 °C at a current Io for 5 h.

The discharge current Io, in amperes, can be calculated as follows:

Ce
Io =
10

where

Io is the discharge current, in amperes;

Ce is the effective capacity, in ampere-hours.

The value Ce shall

a) either be taken as the maximum value Ce of the three previous discharges according to 8.1; or

b) be calculated from the maximum value Cr, e of the three previous discharges according to 8.2 with the
correlation formula in annex A.

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8.4.2 Cool the battery for 20 h to 25 h at (0 ± 1) °C immediately after the discharge.

8.4.3 Charge the battery at a constant voltage of (14,4 ± 0,1) V at (0 ± 1) °C. Record the charging
current Ica after 10 min.

8.4.4 The ratio ica shall be > 2:

I ca
ica =
C e / 20

where

ica is the charge acceptance ratio;

Ica is the constant current discharge, in amperes;

Ce is the effective capacity, in ampere-hours.

8.5 Charge retention test

8.5.1 A fully-charged battery (according to 7.2) shall be stored with its vent plugs firmly in place and
clean in a dry surface at (40 ± 2) °C on open circuit for a time (t) defined in 8.5.3. No connecting clamps
or cables shall be attached to the terminals.

8.5.2 After the storage period in 8.5.1, submit the battery (without recharging) to the cold cranking
performance test in accordance with 8.3.1 and 8.3.2. The voltage after 30 s of discharge shall be not
less than 7,2 V.

8.5.3 Store batteries as follows:

a) the standard storage requirement for vented batteries is t = 21 d;

b) the elevated storage requirement for vented, low water loss batteries is t = 49 d.

8.6 Endurance test for batteries in class A

8.6.1 Place the batteries in a water-bath at a temperature of (40 ± 2) °C as in 8.8.2, throughout the
entire test period, with the exception of the rapid discharge test at the temperature of 18 °C (see 8.6.5).

8.6.2 Connect the batteries to a device to undergo a continuous series of cycles, each cycle
comprising:

a) a discharge for 1 h at a current I :

Cnom
I =
4
where

I is a discharge current, in amperes;

Cnom is the nominal capacity, in ampere-hours.

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b) (Immediately followed by) a recharge for 2 h at a constant voltage of (14,8 ± 0,05) V, the maximum
current being limited to Imax.:

C nom
I max. =
2

where

Imax. is a maximum limited current, in amperes;

Cnom is the nominal capacity, in ampere-hours.

8.6.3 After a series of 32 cycles of discharge in accordance with 8.6.2, disconnect the batteries from
the endurance circuit and allow them to remain on open circuit for a period of 72 h. Then recharge the
batteries in accordance with 8.6.2(b).

8.6.4 The entire sequence of 32 cycles, followed by the open-circuit period, constitutes one endurance
test unit for class A batteries.

8.6.5 After three such units, submit the batteries to another series of 32 cycles and an open-circuit
period of 72 h. Remove the batteries from the water-bath without recharge, and cool to an electrolyte
temperature of ( 18 ± 1) °C (measured in a central cell or for a minimum time of 20 h) and discharge at
the current Is (see 6.1.1).

8.6.6 After 30 s of discharge, measure the voltage across the battery terminals. It shall be not less than
7,2 V. Then terminate the discharge.

NOTE In the case of batteries of class AT or BT, the final control of cranking performance at 18 °C should be
replaced by a test at 0 °C at the current Is.

8.7 Cyclic endurance test for batteries in class B

8.7.1 Carry out the test on fully charged batteries in accordance with 7.2.

8.7.2 Place the batteries in a water-bath at a temperature of (40 ± 2) °C throughout the test period, with
the exception of the discharge test which is carried out at the temperature of 18 °C (see 8.7.6).

8.7.3 Connect the batteries to a device where they undergo a continuous series of cycles, each test
comprising

a) a charge for 5 h at a constant voltage of (14,8 ± 0,05) V the maximum current being limited to

Imax. = 5 × In

where

Imax. is a maximum limited current, with a tolerance of ± 2 %, in amperes;

In is the current, in amperes, calculated in accordance with 6.1.2;

b) discharge for 2 h at a current Imax..

8.7.4 At the end of the discharge of cycle number 14 the final discharge voltage shall be not less than
10 V. After recharging in accordance with 8.7.3(a), disconnect the batteries from the endurance test
circuit for a period of 70 h.

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8.7.5 The entire sequence of 14 cycles, followed by the open-circuit period, constitutes one endurance
test unit for class B batteries.

8.7.6 Immediately after five such test units remove the batteries (without recharge) from the water-bath,
and cool to an electrolyte temperature of ( 18 ± 1) °C (measured in a central cell) for at least 20 h, and
then discharge at the current Is.

Measure the voltage across the battery terminals after (30 ± 1) s of discharge. The voltage shall be not
less than 7,2 V. Terminate the discharge.

8.8 Water consumption test

8.8.1 Clean, dry and weigh the battery to an accuracy of ± 0,05 %, after being charged in accordance
with 7.2.

8.8.2 Place the battery in a water-bath maintained at a temperature of (40 ± 2) °C. Ensure that the top
of the battery case does not emerge more than 25 mm above the level of the water. Maintain a minimum
space of 25 mm around each battery.

8.8.3 Charge the battery at a constant voltage of (14,4 ± 0,05) V (measured across the battery
terminals) for a period of 500 h.

8.8.4 Weigh the battery immediately after this overcharge period under the same conditions as in 8.8.1
using the same scales.

8.8.5 The loss in weight shall not exceed the value 6 g/Ah Ce (or 4 g/min Cr, e).

8.9 Vibration resistance test

8.9.1 Store the battery for 24 h at a temperature of (25 ± 10) °C after charging in accordance with 7.2.

8.9.2 Fasten the battery rigidly to the table of the vibration tester. Ensure that the fastening is of the
same type as that used on a vehicle, and secure by either

a) the bottom hold downs or ledges on the lower part of the container and suitable holding-down clamps
and bolts with M8 thread, tightened to a torque of at least 15 Nm, or

b) an angle-iron frame covering the upper edges of the battery case or cover assembly for a minimum
width of X mm (see table 2), connected to the vibration table by four screwed rods with M8 thread,
tightened to a torque of at least 8 Nm.

8.9.3 Subject the battery for a period of T h (see table 2) to a vertical vibration of frequency 30 Hz to
35 Hz, these vibrations being as nearly sinusoidal as possible.

The maximum acceleration on the battery shall reach the value Z (see table 2).

8.9.4 Subject the battery (without recharge) to a discharge at a temperature of (25 ± 2) °C at a current
Is after a maximum of 4 h after the vibration.
The terminal voltage discharge after 60 s shall be not less than 7,2 V.

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Table 2 — Values for vibration resistance test

1 2 3
Battery class A, AT B, BT
X 15 mm 33 mm
T 2h 8h
2 2
Z 30 ms 50 ms

8.10 Electrolyte retention test

8.10.1 Store the battery for 4 h on open circuit after charging in accordance with 7.2.

8.10.2 If necessary adjust the electrolyte level of each cell to maximum with purified water. Clean and
dry the external surfaces of the battery.

8.10.3 Tilt the battery in either direction at intervals of not less than 30 s between each tilting action as
follows:

a) tilt the battery through 45° from the vertical for a maximum period of 1 s;

b) maintain the battery in this position for 3 s; and

c) return the battery to the vertical position for a maximum period of 1 s.

8.10.4 After this test, no liquid shall be visible on the outside of the battery.

8.11 Cranking performance for dry-charged (conserved-charged) batteries

after activation

8.11.1 Store the dry-charged battery and a sufficient amount of electrolyte supplied by the
manufacturer, or according to the manufacturer's specifications at (25 ± 5) °C for at least 12 h (before
filling).

8.11.2 Fill up the electrolyte to a level indicated by the manufacturer. Discharge the battery at current I s
after a rest period of 20 min at the same ambient temperature. After 150 s the terminal voltage shall be
not less than 6 V.

9 Condition on delivery
New batteries may be supplied either

a) in a state ready for use, filled with the appropriate electrolyte to the maximum level. After an initial
charge (in accordance with 7.2.2 and 7.2.3), the electrolyte density shall correspond to the relevant
figures in 4.2 or 4.3.

b) in a dry-and-charged (or charge-conserved) state not filled with electrolyte. The density of acid to fill
these batteries before use shall be

1) in the case of classes A and B: (1,28 ± 0,01) kg/L at 25 °C, and

2) in the case of classes AT and BT: (1,23 ± 0,01) kg/L at 25 °C.

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Annex A
(informative)

Battery specifications

A.1 New battery types

A new automotive battery type has to be registered by SABMA before it can be added to the list of
automotive battery types.

A.2 Battery layout

Recommended battery layouts are as follows:

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A.3 Terminals

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A.4 Hold downs

The dimensions and special features of hold downs are given in table A.1.

Table A.1 — Hold downs

1 2 3
Hold down Dimensions Special features
B0 No bottom hold downs 1 One piece DIN type cover

B1 10,5 mm front and back 2 One piece flat top cover

B3 10,5 mm front, back and ends 3 Single cells lids with exposed connectors

B4 19,0 mm front and back 4 Polypropylene container

5 With handles

B5 10,5 mm front and back and 29,0 mm 6 19 mm clip-on side hold downs optional
ends

B6 29,0 mm ends R Hard rubber container

B7 10,5 mm ends S With clip-on shoulders

B13 19,0 mm and 10,5 mm front and S2 Clip-on shoulders optional

back and 29,0 mm and 10,5 mm ends

19
SANS 2:2013
Edition 7.1

A.5 Preferred specifications for batteries

Vehicle range battery specifications are given in table A.2 and leisure range battery specifications in
table A.3.

Table A.2 — Battery specifications — Vehicle range

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Overall
Length Width Capacity
SABMA height Layout Terminal Hold down
max. max. min.
number max. number type
mm mm mm (see table A.1) Ah
305 188 169 192 1 A B0 60
308 216 189 192 1 A B0 70
309 229 179 230 1 A B0 90
313 262 176 200 2 A B0 100
328 389 176 253 1 A B0 150
331 260 176 229 1 A B0 90
333 320 175 229 1 A B0 120
336 350 174 230 1 A B0 140
341 320 182 371 1 A B0 170
401 320 175 267 N/A A, C B0 120
605 208 175 175 4 C B1, B13 30
608 200 171 225 5 A B0 30
609 200 171 225 4 A B0 30
610 255 173 212 5,8 A B5, B13 30
611 255 173 212 4 A B5, B13 30
612 212 175 190 4 A B3 30
613a 240 175 170 5 A B13 40
615 200 134 225 5,8 B B0 30
616 200 134 225 4 B B0 30
617 208 175 175 5 A B4, B13 30
618 208 175 175 4 A B5, B13 30
619 208 175 175 4 A B1, B13 30
621 255 173 212 4 A B5, B13 40
622 255 173 212 5 A B5, B13 40
623 255 173 212 5 C B5, B13 40
624 255 175 175 4 A B1 40
627 255 175 175 4 C B13 40
628 255 175 175 4 A B4, B13 40
629 255 175 175 4 A B1, B13 40
a
Provisionally reserved number.

20
 SANS 2:2013
Edition 7.1

Table A.2 (continued)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Overall
Length Width Layout Terminal Capacity
SABMA height Hold down
max. max. number type min.
number max.
mm mm mm (see table A.1) Ah
630 236 135 203 5,8 A B6 30
631 236 135 203 4 A B6 30
633 236 135 203 4 C B6 30
634 236 135 203 8 A B6 40
635 255 175 175 5 A B13 40
636 218 135 203 4 A B0 40
637 255 173 205 5 A B5 50
638 255 173 212 5,8 A B5, B13 50
639 255 173 212 4 A B5, B13 50
640 307 173 222 5 A B0 50
641 241 175 190 4 A B7 50
a
642 230 170 220 5 A B0 60
643 255 175 191 5 A B5, B13 50
644 293 175 175 4 A B1 50
645 247 175 190 4 C B3 50
646 247 175 190 4 A B3 50
647 293 175 175 4 A B4 45
648 293 175 175 4 A B4 50
649 230 171 225 4 A B0 50
650 313 173 222 5,8 A B0 60
651 302 175 175 4 A B3 45
652 302 175 190 4 A B3 60
653 302 175 190 4 C B3 60
654 375 175 175 4 A B3 70
655 491 112 223 8 A B0 60
656 307 173 221 8 A B0 70
a
657 276 175 190 5 A B7 60
658 352 175 190 4 A B3 90
a
659 370 175 175 5 A To be decided 85
660 370 175 217 5 A B0 60
661 370 175 217 4 A B0 60
665 329 142 232 4 A B0 50
a
Provisionally reserved number.

21
SANS 2:2013
Edition 7.1
Table A.2 (concluded)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Overall
Length Width Capacity
SABMA height Layout Terminal Hold down
max. max. min.
number max. number type
mm mm mm (see table A.1) Ah
666 329 142 237 4 A, C B0 50
670 430 179 220 4 A B0 80
671 346 175 226 5 A B0 80
674 346 175 226 4 A B0 80
675 346 175 277 5 A B0 100
676 346 175 277 4 A B0 100
679 437 177 182 4 A B0 70
680 510 190 240 6 A B0 100
681 510 190 240 7 A B0 100
682 510 190 240 7 A B0 100
683 510 190 240 6 A B0 100
685 515 190 215 6 A B0 110
686 514 224 215 6 A B0 120
687 514 283 248 6 A B0 170
688 514 283 248 7 A B0 170
689 512 224 239 6 A B0 120
690 512 224 230 7 A B0 120
691 512 224 230 6 A B0 120
692 515 224 230 6 A B0 120
697 359 254 235 10 A B0 90
699 510 194 243 7 C B0 100
a
Provisionally reserved number.

Table A.3 — Battery specifications — Leisure range

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Overall
Length Width Capacity
SABMA height Layout Terminal Hold down
max. max. min.
number max. number type
Mm mm mm (see table A.1) Ah
722 225 173 208 5 A B5 50
774 345 175 238 4 C B0 90
RRO 247 174 214 8 A B13 40
RR1 247 174 214 8 A B13 50
RR2 346 174 226 8 A B0 96

22
 SANS 2:2013
Edition 7.1

Annex B
(informative)

Estimating the value of Cnom

B.1 The value of Cnom (Ah) may be estimated from Cr, e (min) by using the following equation:

Cnom = 133,3 + 17 778 (208,3 Cr, e )

where

Cnom is the nominal capacity, in ampere-hours;

Cr, e is the reserved capacity, in minutes.

B.2 This formula is not recommended for Cr, e > 480 min (Cn > 200 Ah).

© SABS

23
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