How to calculate battery size? (1 Viewer)

[dovetails]

Hi all,

When it comes to electrical parts in the car, especially aftermarket, I am unsure of how to calculate the size of a battery that will be necessary to power everything.

I'm not having any issues with my DieHard battery now, but I would like to upgrade to a larger size to satisfy the electrical requirements of 4 different pod lights I plan to buy, as well as some other electrical aftermarket things. How exactly do I calculate the electricity needed for a bigger battery? Also, should I buy something that offers like 15% more power? (Similar to a desktop PC; you'd always buy a PSU that offers a little more than you need). I just want to be on the safe side should I want to expand.

Am I just adding up the amperage of the different things I am getting, like you would on a breaker in your house? Thanks.

 

[vipergrhd]

Hi all,

When it comes to electrical parts in the car, especially aftermarket, I am unsure of how to calculate the size of a battery that will be necessary to power everything.

I'm not having any issues with my DieHard battery now, but I would like to upgrade to a larger size to satisfy the electrical requirements of 4 different pod lights I plan to buy, as well as some other electrical aftermarket things. How exactly do I calculate the electricity needed for a bigger battery? Also, should I buy something that offers like 15% more power? (Similar to a desktop PC; you'd always buy a PSU that offers a little more than you need). I just want to be on the safe side should I want to expand.

Am I just adding up the amperage of the different things I am getting, like you would on a breaker in your house? Thanks.

When you say to power everything is that with engine off or running? What is your current alternator output? What is it rated at and the real output under all the loads you plan on running? You could run dual batteries or get the biggest battery that would fit. I know I'm not answering your question but you should get the info needed then maybe someone will chime in and give you the answer to your question.