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What Does 24ms Mean on a Battery

Mike Smith
Mike Smith
—
30/05/2024

When it comes to batteries, deciphering the various markings can be a puzzling task. Among these enigmatic codes, "24ms" stands out as a common but often misunderstood label. In this article, we delve into the significance of "24ms" on a battery, shedding light on its meaning and implications for users.

Understanding the "24ms" Marking

The alphanumeric code "24ms" imprinted on a battery holds vital information about its specifications. Contrary to popular belief, "24ms" does not signify the battery's shelf life or expiration date. Instead, it denotes the BCI group size, a standardized classification system developed by the Battery Council International.

Decoding BCI Group Size

BCI group sizes categorize batteries based on their physical dimensions, terminal placements, and other defining characteristics. In the case of "24ms," the number "24" signifies the specific group size. This standardized system ensures that consumers can easily identify a compatible replacement battery for their vehicle or marine application.

battery group size

Full Understanding of Group 24 Marine Battery

Group 24 batteries are a common type of 12 volt lead-acid battery used in a variety of applications, including automotive, marine, and recreational vehicles. They are classified by their physical dimensions and have a standard size of approximately 10.25 inches in length, 6.8125 inches in width, and 8.875 inches in height.

Below is a detailed guide covering different aspects of Group 24 batteries, including starting vs. deep cycle, and AGM vs. lithium.

1. Types of Group 24 Batteries

Group 24 batteries can be categorized based on their intended use and internal construction:

A. Starting Batteries

  • Purpose: Designed to deliver a large burst of power for a short duration to start engines.
  • Characteristics: High cranking amps (CA) and cold cranking amps (CCA), but lower reserve capacity.
  • Usage: Ideal for automotive engines, boats, and other applications where quick, powerful starts are needed.

B. Deep Cycle Batteries

  • Purpose: Engineered to provide a steady amount of power over a longer period.
  • Characteristics: Lower CCA but higher reserve capacity and amp-hour (Ah) ratings. Can be discharged and recharged many times.
  • Usage: Suitable for trolling motors, RVs, solar energy storage, and other applications requiring sustained power.

2. Battery Technologies

Group 24 batteries can also be differentiated based on the technology used in their construction:

A. Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) Batteries

Construction: Uses fiberglass mats to absorb the electrolyte, making them spill-proof and maintenance-free.

Advantages:

  • Durability: More resistant to vibration and shock.
  • Performance: Better performance in cold temperatures and faster recharging.
  • Maintenance: No need for regular water top-ups.

Disadvantages:

Cost: More expensive than traditional flooded lead-acid batteries.

Weight:  Heavier due to denser construction.

Sensitivity to overcharging:

As excessive charging can elevate internal pressure, potentially causing the battery to vent or even rupture. Consequently, it is imperative to utilize appropriate charging equipment and methods to prevent such occurrences.

Limited deep cycling capability: 

While AGM batteries excel at delivering short bursts of high current, they are comparatively less effective for deep cycling applications. Frequent deep discharges can curtail the lifespan of AGM batteries, rendering them less suitable for certain uses such as off-grid solar systems or electric vehicles that necessitate regular deep discharges.

Temperature sensitivity:

With high temperatures reducing their lifespan and low temperatures diminishing their performance. This sensitivity can pose challenges in environments with extreme temperatures, potentially requiring additional climate control measures to uphold optimal battery performance.

Performance degradation over time: 

With their capacity and performance diminishing with each charge-discharge cycle, ultimately necessitating replacement. Factors such as overcharging, deep discharges, and exposure to extreme temperatures can expedite this degradation process.

B. Lithium-Ion Batteries

Construction: Uses lithium-ion chemistry, which is lighter and more efficient. Lithium Group 24 batteries do not have starting function, they are used as deep cycle.

Advantages

  • Weight: Significantly lighter than lead-acid batteries.
  • Lifespan: Longer cycle life (can last up to 10 times longer).
  • Efficiency: Higher energy density and faster charging.
  • Maintenance: Low maintenance and no risk of acid spills.
  • Safety: Lithium batteries are generally equipped with BMS (battery management system) to provide protection from over-charging, over-discharging, over-current, short circuit, high temperature or even low-temperature charging cutoff protection.

Disadvantages:

  • Cost: Higher upfront cost.

group 24 lithium vs AGM battery

LiTime 12V 100Ah Group 24 Deep Cycle Battery

Although lithium batteries come with a higher price tag, they offer numerous benefits. Typically, the initial investment for lithium batteries is greater than that of AGM batteries. Nevertheless, many van dwellers and boaters believe that the long-term performance and lifespan of lithium batteries justify the higher upfront cost.

Thankfully, LiTime provides technologically advanced, high-value batteries, making it possible for boaters to obtain top-quality lithium batteries at an affordable price. LiTime's commitment to innovation and efficiency has revolutionized the accessibility of lithium batteries for fishing enthusiasts. Through the use of cutting-edge manufacturing processes and advanced technology, LiTime has enabled individuals to enjoy the advantages of lithium batteries without incurring excessive costs.

 Choosing the Right Group 24 Battery

When selecting a Group 24 battery, consider the following factors:

A. Application Needs

Starting vs. Deep Cycle: Determine if you need a battery for starting an engine or for providing long-term power.

Power Requirements: Check the required CCA for starting batteries or Ah for deep cycle batteries.

B. Environmental Conditions

Temperature:  LiTime lithium battery's discharging temeprature is -20℃ to 60℃ (-4℉ to 140℉) while AGM battery can operate in -20°C to 50°C (-4℉ to 122℉). AGM batteries are more sensitive to temperature extremes, while lithium batteries are more tolerant of a wider range of temperatures. This can make lithium batteries more durable in harsh environmental conditions.

Vibration and Shock:

  • Lithium batteries are generally more resilient to vibration due to their solid-state construction. Unlike AGM batteries, which contain liquid electrolytes and lead plates, lithium batteries do not have these internal components that are as susceptible to damage from vibration. This makes them better suited for applications where vibration is a concern, such as in off-road vehicles, marine vessels, and industrial equipment.
  • Similarly, lithium batteries are better equipped to handle mechanical shocks. Their solid construction and lack of internal liquid components make them less prone to damage from sudden impacts or shocks, as compared to AGM batteries, which can suffer from internal damage due to physical impacts.

C. Budget

Initial Investment vs. Long-Term Cost: While lithium batteries have a higher upfront cost, their longer lifespan can result in lower long-term costs.

Group 24 Deep Cycle Battery Recommended

1. LiTime 12V 100Ah Group 24 Deep Cycle Lithium Battery

The LiTime 12V 100Ah Group 24 deep cycle battery has been engineered to adhere to the widely adopted BCI battery size standard "Group 24," ensuring its versatility across a spectrum of vehicles and applications. Its compatibility with the group 24 battery box and all RV types globally underscores its adaptability. This Group 24 lithium battery offers a space-efficient installation and serves as a straightforward drop-in replacement for Group 24 AGM batteries, necessitating no additional operations or intricate wiring.


Moreover, it weighs merely 21 lbs, a notable reduction in comparison to the traditional Group 24 AGM battery, which typically weighs between 60-70 lbs. This substantial weight difference underscores its practicality. With an 8X MED (Mass Energy Density), it delivers 100% energy (1280Wh), outperforming the standard Group 24 AGM battery, which typically provides a 70Ah capacity with 420Wh usable output at 50% DOD. In contrast, the group 24 lead-acid battery only releases 50% energy at 100% DOD, emphasizing the superior efficiency of the LiTime 12V 100Ah Group 24 lithium battery.

2. Group 24 Battery with Bluetooth Function

LiTime 12V 100Ah Group 24 Smart is the upgraded version with bluetooth function.

This battery comes with Smart Bluetooth 5.0. By connecting to the LiTime APP, users can monitor the real-time status and data of the battery, such as SOC, charge/discharge/idle state, battery voltage, current, power, remaining capacity, battery temperature, and life cycles.

Case Study

Josh Sharp, an avid kayak angler, has been using LiTime batteries to power his setup for the past 2 years. He is extremely satisfied with the performance and reliability of the LiTime batteries, which have allowed him to fish extensively without worrying about running out of power, even on long trips. The dependable LiTime batteries have been crucial to Josh's success in several major kayak fishing tournaments in 2023. He highly recommends the quality and value of LiTime's products to other kayak anglers.

“For the last, I'd say about 2 years now I've been running a Newport Vessels NK180 on my Hobie PA14 paired up with my LiTime 100ah. I am beyond impressed and happy with these batteries!! I probably fish more than your average person, averaging around 3 to 4 days a week sometimes more on the water and I put these batteries to work!!! They are 100% dependable and I haven't had my first issue out of them, I've run the 12v 50ah batteries for a while as well and have more than a dozen friends and social media followers who have also jumped on board with LiTime products and couldn't be happier!!!” said Josh.

fishing with litime marine lithium battery

How to Charge Group 24 Marine Battery

1. Selecting the Right Deep-Cycle Battery Charger

When it comes to choosing the ideal deep-cycle battery charger, it's essential to match the charger with the specific battery type. For instance, a lithium battery charger is best suited for charging a LiTime lithium battery.

While it's possible to use different battery types and chargers interchangeably, there's a risk that the charger may reach a voltage level that the battery cannot handle. This could potentially lead to battery damage or, at the very least, trigger an error code, preventing the battery from charging.

So, how do you select the appropriate charger? Simply read the charger's description, as it will indicate the type(s) of batteries it is designed to charge. For lithium deep-cycle batteries, we recommend using LiTime single chargers and LiTime bank chargers, specifically designed for LiFePO4 marine batteries. These smart chargers deliver a consistent charging rate and automatically cease charging once the batteries reach their full voltage. Additionally, the 2-bank battery charger can also be used to charge AGM and lead acid batteries.

2. Choosing the Correct Voltage and Amperage

After determining the type of charger required, it's important to select one with the right voltage and amperage. For example, a 12V charger is suitable for a 12V 100Ah battery. Within the 12V battery category, you can choose from various charge currents, such as 10A, or 20A. Below is the charging voltage for reference.

lifepo4 battery charging voltage 

When selecting the amperage, ensure that the amp hour (Ah) rating of the battery aligns with the amp rating of the charger. Using a charger with an excessively high amp rating can potentially harm the battery. Additionally, a bank charger can be used to simultaneously charge multiple batteries.

3. Charging under the Correct Conditions

Environmental conditions, such as high and low temperatures, can impact marine batteries. While lithium batteries are more resilient, it's important to charge them within a specific temperature range. For instance, LiTime Lithium Batteries should be charged above freezing, but our self-heating battery is equipped with a heating pad, making it suitable for charging in freezing temperatures.

battery group size

4. Safe and Proper Battery Charging: Step by Step Guide

Once you have the appropriate charger, follow these steps to safely and correctly charge your battery:

  • Ensure that the battery terminals are clean.
  • Connect the red (positive) cable to the red terminal, followed by connecting the black (negative) cable to the black terminal.
  • Plug in the charger and turn it on. If using a smart charger, it will automatically stop charging when the process is complete. For Ionic lithium chargers, Bluetooth connectivity allows for easy monitoring. Conversely, most lead acid chargers require setting a timer and disconnecting the charger once the battery is fully charged.
  • To disconnect, unplug the charger and remove the black cable first, followed by the red one.

By following these steps, you can safely and correctly charge your deep cycle battery, ensuring many more enjoyable adventures out on the water.

Conclusion

In the realm of batteries, the "24ms" marking holds significance beyond its surface appearance. By unraveling the meaning of this code, consumers can navigate the battery landscape with confidence, ensuring that their chosen power source aligns with their specific needs. Armed with this knowledge, individuals can make informed decisions when selecting and replacing batteries, ultimately optimizing the performance and reliability of their vehicles and equipment.

Mike Smith
Mike Smith
Mike Smith is a marine energy expert with 15+ years of experience and a Master’s in Electrical Engineering from Stanford. Passionate about lithium battery integration, he also enjoys sailing and exploring coastal waters in his free time.

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