SAE J240

Description / Abstract: The SAE Standard applies to 12 V, flooded lead acid automotive storage batteries of 180 minutes or less reserve capacity using cast positive grid technology only. This life test simulates automotive service when the battery operates in a voltage regulated charging system. It subjects the battery to charge and discharge cycles comparable to those encountered in automotive service. Other performance and dimensional information is contained in the latest issue of SAE J537.

This document is intended as a guide toward standard practice, but may be subject to change to keep pace with experience and technical advances.

Purpose

The life test simulates high-heat automotive service when the battery operates in a voltage-regulated charging system. The test subjects the battery to charge and discharge cycles to produce failure modes similar to those found in batteries installed in high temperature applications.

NOTE: Caution must be exercise when using this test as means to provide an absolute value for battery life. Recommendations for sample size are not contained in this procedure. Increasing the sample size will provide higher confidence in the test results, therefore, standard statistical practices should be incorporated with this test procedure.