ABYC E-10 July 2021

Electrical Division Standard

Electrical Project
Technical Committee

The ABYC Standards and Technical Information Reports for Small Craft are the product of a consensus of
representatives of government, industry, and public sectors. It is intended solely as a guide to aid manufacturers and
the marine community in the design, construction, equipage, and maintenance of small craft.
ABYC reviews each standard at least every five years at which time it may be reaffirmed, revised, or withdrawn. ABYC
welcomes any written comments on the standards and technical information reports.

ABYC E-10

STORAGE BATTERIES

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Origin and Development

ABYC published the first edition of E-10, Storage Batteries in 1968. Revised editions were published in 1970, 1974,
1975, 1989, 1996, 2006, 2011, and 2016. The 2021 revised edition is the work of the Electrical Project Technical
Committee.
Electrical Project Technical Committee

This list represents the membership at the time the committee was balloted.

Ward Eshleman, Chair

William Brian Criner Vice Chair

Colin Althen David DeHorn Robert Macias

Scott Berry William Drake Thomas Marhevko
Denis Bonneau Rick Gotwals Vinod Mehta
John Brower Peter Hayden Aaron Meyer
Andy Brown Clyde Head Dave Potter
Nigel Calder Ulrich Heinemann Craig Shaffer
Jay Check Charles Johnson Ray Toth
Pete Chisholm Eric Johnson Ray Wong
James Coté Wayne Kelsoe
Steve D'Antonio John Lach

Membership on a committee shall not in and of itself constitute an endorsement of ABYC or any document developed
by the committee on which the member serves.
This standard, which is the result of extended and careful consideration of available knowledge and experience on the
subject, was developed under procedures accredited as meeting the criteria for American National Standards and is
intended to provide minimum performance requirements. The Project Technical Committee that approved the standard
was balanced to ensure that individuals from competent and concerned interests have had an opportunity to participate.
ABYC’s Project Technical Committee (PTC) meetings are open to the public. All inquiries regarding standards
activity, interpretations, or meeting attendance should be directed to the ABYC Technical Department at
comments@abycinc.org.
ABYC and its committees do not “approve” or “endorse” any item, construction, or proprietary device.

Request for Interpretations

Upon written request the Electrical PTC will render an interpretation of any requirement of the standard. The request
for interpretation should be clear and unambiguous. Requests should be presented to the PTC in a manner in which
they may be answered in a “Yes” or “No” fashion.
The committee reserves the right to reconsider any interpretation when or if additional information that might affect it
becomes available to the PTC. Persons aggrieved by an interpretation may appeal to the committee for reinterpretation.

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Summary of Revisions
This list indicates revisions to the standard when compared with the previously published version. It is not intended to
be used independently of the standard. It should be used for informational purposes and as a guide to the official
requirements contained in this standard. It is the responsibility of the user to read and understand the complete
standard.

The main changes in this revision of E-10, Storage Batteries as compared with the previous edition dated 7/16, are:

• Scope and Purpose were combined

• Units of Measure section was added

DISCLAIMER
ABYC technical board rules provide that all reports, including standards and technical information reports, are advisory
only. Their use is entirely voluntary. They represent, as of the date of publication, the consensus of knowledgeable
persons currently active in the field of small craft on performance objectives that contribute to small boat safety.
The American Boat & Yacht Council assumes no responsibility whatsoever for the use of, or failure to use, standards
or technical information reports promulgated by it, their adaptation to any processes of a user, or any consequences
flowing therefrom.
Prospective users of the standards and technical information reports are responsible for protecting themselves against
liability for infringement of patents. The American Boat & Yacht Council Standards and Technical Information Reports
are used to achieve a specific level of design or performance, and are not intended to preclude attainment of desired
results by other means.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

10.1 SCOPE ............................................................................................................................................. 1

10.2 UNITS OF MEASURE...................................................................................................................... 1
10.3 REFERENCES ................................................................................................................................. 1
10.4 DEFINITIONS .................................................................................................................................. 1
10.5 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS .......................................................................................................... 2
10.6 BATTERY CAPACITY...................................................................................................................... 2
10.7 INSTALLATION................................................................................................................................ 2
10.8 WIRING ............................................................................................................................................ 3
10.9 OWNER’S MANUAL AND COLLATERAL LITERATURE ............................................................... 4
FIGURE 1 - Dielectric Shielding Envelope....................................................................................... 4
FIGURE 2 - Solder Type Battery Terminal ...................................................................................... 5

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E-10 STORAGE BATTERIES

Based on ABYC's assessment of the existing technology, and the problems associated with achieving the goals of this
standard, ABYC recommends compliance with this standard for systems and associated equipment manufactured
and/or installed after July 31, 2022.

10.1 SCOPE

This standard addresses the selection, installation, and wiring of storage batteries. This standard applies to storage
batteries used in direct current (DC) electrical systems on boats that operate at potentials of nominal 60 V or less.

NOTES:
1. The United States Coast Guard has promulgated mandatory requirements for batteries in 33 CFR,
Subpart I, Sections CFR 183.420 (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), and (g). Refer to the CFR for complete, current
federal requirements.
2. Lithium ion battery systems and supercapacitors pose different risks from those encountered with lead
acid batteries and should only be installed and maintained in accordance with manufacturer’s
recommendations (for lithium ion battery systems see ABYC TE-13, Lithium Ion Batteries).

10.2 UNITS OF MEASURE

Values stated without parentheses are the requirement. Values in parentheses are explanatory or approximate.

10.3 REFERENCES

The following references form a part of this standard. Unless otherwise noted the latest version of the referenced
standards shall apply.

10.3.1 ABYC - American Boat & Yacht Council, Inc, 613 Third Street, Suite 10, Annapolis, MD 21403. Phone: (410)
990-4460. Fax: (410) 990-4466. Website: www.abycinc.org

ABYC A-31, Battery Chargers and Inverters

ABYC E-11, AC and DC Electrical Systems on Boats
ABYC TE-13, Lithium Ion Batteries

10.3.2 BCI - Battery Council International, 401 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611. Phone: (312) 644-6610.
Website: www.batterycouncil.org

Battery Technical Manual

10.3.3 CFR - Code of Federal Regulations and other government publications. Obtain from the Superintendent of
Documents, United States Government Information, PO Box 371954, Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7954. Phone: (202) 512-
1800. Fax: (202) 512-2250. Website: www.ecfr.gov. An excerpted edition of the CFR is also available from ABYC, Inc.

33 CFR 183

10.4 DEFINITIONS

For the purposes of this standard, the following definitions apply.

10.4.1 Battery Bank - two or more batteries connected in series to provide higher voltage, or in parallel to provide
increased capacity.

10.4.2 Battery Reserve Capacity - the number of minutes that a new, fully charged battery at 80°F (27°C) can be
continuously discharged at 25 amperes, and maintain a voltage of 1.75 V per cell or higher (e.g., 10.5 V for a 12 V
battery or 5.25 V for a 6 V battery).

10.4.3 Cold Cranking Amperage (CCA) - the discharged load, in amperes, that a new, fully charged battery at 0°F
(-18°C) can deliver for 30 sec, and maintain a voltage of 1.2 V per cell or higher (e.g., 7.2 V for a 12 V battery).

10.4.4 Marine Cranking Amperage (MCA) - the discharge load, in amperes, that a new, fully charged battery at 32°F
(0°C) can deliver for 30 sec, and maintain a voltage of 1.2 V per cell or higher (e.g., 7.2 V for a 12 V battery).

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10.4.5 Storage Battery (hereafter referred to as “battery”) - a device consisting of one or more electrochemical cells
that convert stored chemical energy into electrical energy.

10.5 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

10.5.1 Manufacturers or suppliers of lead acid batteries for marine use shall comply with the construction,
performance specifications, and identification requirements of the Battery Council International (BCI), Battery Technical
Manual.

10.5.2 The positive terminal of each battery must be identified by the letters “POS” or “P,” or the symbol “+,” marked
on the terminal or the battery case near the terminal.

10.5.3 Battery connections shall only be made at the terminals provided by the battery manufacturer.

EXCEPTION: Connections for battery monitoring on batteries with external cell connecting straps.

10.5.3.1 A battery bank connected in series shall be connected for voltage other than its total voltage only when a
device specifically designed to equalize the charge between the batteries is utilized.

EXCEPTION: Parallel battery banks momentarily connected in series for engine starting.

10.6 BATTERY CAPACITY

10.6.1 Batteries shall be selected to meet the minimum reserve capacity and cranking amperage [cold cranking amps
(CCA) or marine cranking amps (MCA)] or amp-hour requirements as applicable and specified in ABYC E-11, AC and
DC Electrical Systems on Boats.

10.7 INSTALLATION

NOTE: When installing flooded cell batteries on a sailing vessel, the batteries should be oriented so as to
minimize the electrolyte uncovering of battery plates while heeling.

10.7.1 Battery mounting materials and surfaces potentially in contact with corrosive electrolytes (e.g., lead acid type)
shall withstand electrolyte attack.

10.7.2 Provision shall be made to contain incidental leakage and spillage of electrolyte.

NOTE: Consideration should be given to:

1. The type of battery installed (e.g., liquid electrolyte or immobilized electrolyte).
2. The boat in which the battery is installed (e.g., angles of heel for sailboats and accelerations for
powerboats).

10.7.3 Fasteners for the attachment of battery boxes or trays shall be isolated from areas intended to collect spilled
electrolyte.

10.7.4 Batteries, as installed, shall be restrained to not move more than one inch (25 mm) in any direction when a
pulling force of twice the battery weight is applied through the center of gravity of the battery as follows:

10.7.4.1 vertically for a duration of one minute, and

10.7.4.2 horizontally and parallel to the boat's centerline for a duration of one minute fore and one minute aft, and

10.7.4.3 horizontally and perpendicular to the boat's centerline for a duration of one minute to starboard and one
minute to port.

10.7.5 Batteries shall not be installed directly above or below a fuel tank, fuel filter, or fitting in a fuel line without an
intervening sole, floor, or deck.

NOTE: This does not prohibit a battery from being installed directly above or below an uninterrupted fuel line.

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10.7.6 Each metallic fuel line and fuel system component within 12 in (305 mm) of the horizontal or vertical plane of
the battery surface containing the terminals, as installed, shall be shielded with a dielectric material to protect against
accidental short-circuiting (see FIGURE 1).

NOTES:
1. Terminal insulation or battery covers do not provide compliance with this requirement as, during
installation or removal of a battery, these protective devices are usually removed in order to connect the
cables.
2. Any nonconductive material may be used for shielding as long as it is durable enough to withstand
accidental contact by a tool or the battery terminals during servicing, installation, or removal.

10.7.6.1 Batteries with a combination of side and top terminals shall comply with both the horizontal and vertical
shielding requirements.

10.7.7 Batteries shall not be installed, without an intervening barrier, directly below electrical equipment susceptible
to attack from corrosive gasses.

10.7.8 To prevent accidental contact of the ungrounded battery connection to ground, each battery shall be protected
so that metallic objects cannot come into contact with the ungrounded battery terminal and uninsulated cell straps. This
may be accomplished by means such as:

10.7.8.1 covering the ungrounded battery terminal with an electrically nonconductive boot or shield, or

10.7.8.2 installing the battery in an electrically nonconductive covered battery box, or

10.7.8.3 installing the battery in an electrically nonconductive compartment specially designed only for the battery(s).

NOTE: When batteries have both a stud and post arrangement, protection should preclude contact with any
part of the terminal.

10.7.9 A vent system or other means shall be provided to permit the discharge from the boat of hydrogen gas released
by the battery.

NOTE: These requirements also apply to installations of all batteries whether they employ removable vent
caps, nonremovable caps, are “sealed” or “maintenance free” batteries, or have pressure regulated
valve vent systems with immobilized electrolyte [gel and absorbed glass mat (AGM) batteries].

10.7.10 Battery boxes whose cover forms a pocket over the battery shall be vented at the uppermost portion of the
cover.

NOTE: These requirements also apply to installations of all batteries whether they employ removable vent
caps, nonremovable caps, are “sealed” or “maintenance free” batteries, or have pressure regulated
valve vent systems with immobilized electrolyte [gel and absorbed glass mat (AGM) batteries].

10.7.11 Batteries shall be charged by means that are appropriate to the type of battery being charged (see ABYC
A-31, Battery Chargers and Inverters).

NOTE: Where batteries are connected in parallel, differences in battery temperature will result in differences
in charge acceptance rates. This can, in certain circumstances, create a risk of battery damage.

10.8 WIRING

10.8.1 Battery wiring shall conform to the installation section of ABYC E-11, AC and DC Electrical Systems on Boats.

10.8.2 Connectors to battery terminals shall be made with fitted connectors providing secure mechanical and
electrical connections as required in the Wiring Connections section of ABYC E-11, AC and DC Electrical Systems on
Boats. Spring clips or temporary clamps shall not be used.

NOTE: A soldered connection that joins a battery terminal connector to a conductor may be used as the sole
means of mechanical connection if the length of the soldered joint is at least 1.5 times the diameter of
the stranded portion of the battery conductor (see FIGURE 2).

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10.8.3 Battery cables and other conductors size 6 AWG (13.3 mm²) and larger shall not be connected to the battery
with wing nuts.

10.8.4 Multiple conductors connected to a battery shall be installed with the highest ampacity conductor terminal
closest to the battery, followed by successively smaller ampacity conductor terminals.

10.8.4.1 A maximum of four conductor terminals shall be installed on a single battery terminal (e.g., stud, post).

10.8.5 Flat washers, if used, shall only be installed immediately under the lock washer and nut of the attachment
stud.

10.9 OWNER’S MANUAL AND COLLATERAL LITERATURE

This standard does not contain any requirements for information to be included in the owner’s manual or collateral
literature.

FIGURE 1 - Dielectric Shielding Envelope

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FIGURE 2 - Solder Type Battery Terminal

* * * * *

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