PCE Instruments PCE-CBA 20 Car Battery Tester User Manual

June 5, 2024
PCE Instruments

PCE Instruments PCE-CBA 20 Car Battery Tester

PCE-Instruments-PCE-CBA-20-Car-Battery-Tester-Product

Safety Notes

  • Please read this manual carefully and completely before you use the device for the first time. The device may only be used by qualified personnel and repaired by PCE Instruments personnel. Damage or injuries caused by non-observance of the manual are excluded from our liability and not covered by our warranty.
  • The device must only be used as described in this instruction manual. If used otherwise, this can cause dangerous situations for the user and damage to the meter.
  • The instrument may only be used in the environmental conditions (temperature, relative humidity, are within the ranges stated in the technical specifications. Do not expose the device to extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, extreme humidity, or moisture.
  • Do not expose the device to shocks or strong vibrations.
  • The case should only be opened by qualified PCE Instruments personnel.
  • Never use the instrument when your hands are wet.
  • You must not make any technical changes to the device.
  • The appliance should only be cleaned with a damp cloth. Use only pH-neutral cleaner, no abrasives or solvents.
  • The device must only be used with accessories from PCE Instruments or equivalent.
  • Before each use, inspect the case for visible damage. If any damage is visible, do not use the device.
  • Do not use the instrument in explosive atmospheres.
  • The measurement range as stated in the specifications must not be exceeded under any circumstances.
  • Non-observance of the safety notes can cause damage to the device and injuries to the user.
  • Only test batteries the parameters of which you can set.
  • We do not assume liability for printing errors or any other mistakes in this manual.
  • We expressly point to our general guarantee terms which can be found in our general terms of business.
  • If you have any questions please contact PCE Instruments. The contact details can be found at the end of this manual.

Specifications

Specification Description
Measurement object 12 V / 24 V starter batteries
Battery standards DIN, JIS, EN, SAE
Test time 3 … 10 s
Cold-cranking ampere CCA 100 … 1700 A
Display 2.75“ LCD
Power supply 9 … 35 V DC via test voltage
Connection Kelvin terminals
Dimensions 185 x 95 x 41 mm
Cable length approx. 70 cm
Weight approx. 250 g

Delivery contents

1 x car battery tester PCE-CBA 20 1 x user manual

System description

PCE-Instruments-PCE-CBA-20-Car-Battery-Tester-Fig1

  • Display
  • Ups △
  • Back „ESC“
  • Down ▽
  • ENTER
  • Test lead red plus
  • Test lead black minus
  • Crocodile clamps

Operation

You can make the following battery tests

  • Battery capacity
  • Battery voltage at engine start
  • Charge voltage at maximum load
  • Charge voltage

Please always ensure that the contact surfaces for the alligator clips are clean. Contamination can lead to incorrect measurement results. Always connect the black crocodile clip to the negative terminal first and then the red crocodile clip to the positive terminal of the battery.

Battery capacity

Switch off the engine and the ignition. If the vehicle was in operation immediately before the battery test, the battery voltage is still at charging voltage level. In this case, switch on the vehicle lights for approx. 3 minutes to bring the battery voltage up to normal level.

Measuring procedure

  • First, connect the black crocodile clip to the negative terminal and then the red crocodile clip to the positive terminal of the battery.
  • The meter switches on when connected to the battery.
  • If necessary, change the setting to battery voltage with the “Up/Down” keys and confirm the selection with “ENTER”.
  • Select function 1 with the “Up / Down” keys and confirm with “ENTER”.

PCE-Instruments-PCE-CBA-20-Car-Battery-Tester-Fig2

  • Use the “Up / Down” keys to select the battery standard of the battery to be tested and confirm this with the “ENTER” key. (Sticker or imprint on the battery)

PCE-Instruments-PCE-CBA-20-Car-Battery-Tester-Fig3

  • Now enter the respective number using the “Up / Down” keys. Confirm the selection with “ENTER”. Press and hold the key to accelerate the search.

PCE-Instruments-PCE-CBA-20-Car-Battery-Tester-Fig4

Examples

  • 12V 280A 60Ah DIN
  • 12V 70Ah CCA(SAE) 570A
  • 410 Cold Cranking Amps
  • 480 EN/SAE
  • Setting: EN 480 Setting: CCA 570 Setting: CCA 410
  • Confirm the selection and start the measurement with “ENTER”.
  • After completion of the test, the following results are available cold-cranking amperage, the internal resistance of the battery, and battery voltage. Use the “Up / Down” keys to view the results.

PCE-Instruments-PCE-CBA-20-Car-Battery-Tester-Fig5

  • Notes on the test results Battery capacity normal

PCE-Instruments-PCE-CBA-20-Car-Battery-Tester-Fig6

Battery voltage – Battery capacity

  • Charge level 100 % 12.78 V
  • 75 % 12.54 V
  • 50 % 12.30 V
  • 25 % 12.12 V
  • Flat 11.94 V

Battery capacity|
---|---

80 %| Good
60 %| OK
45 %| The condition must be monitored
<45 %| Replace battery

In the case of the 24 V measurement (two batteries connected in series), CCA corresponds to the average value of the two batteries.

Internal resistance

  • As a rule, the higher the CCA value, the lower the internal resistance of the battery. There is no standard value for the internal resistance.
  • Depending on the battery manufacturer, the value can vary. Batteries from the same manufacturer should have approximately the same internal resistance.
  • For the 24 V measurement (two batteries connected in series), the internal resistance corresponds to the sum of the two batteries.

Examples

Replace the battery when capacity is too low.

PCE-Instruments-PCE-CBA-20-Car-Battery-Tester-Fig7

You can return to the function selection by pressing the ”ESC“ key.

Battery voltage at engine start

Turn off the engine and the ignition. If the vehicle was in operation immediately before the battery test, the battery voltage is still at the charging voltage level. In this case, switch on the vehicle lights for approx. 3 minutes to bring the battery voltage up to the normal level.

Measuring procedure

  1. First, connect the black crocodile clip to the negative terminal and then the red crocodile clip to the positive terminal of the battery.
  2. The meter switches on when connected to the battery.
  3. If necessary, change the setting to battery voltage with the “Up/Down” keys and confirm the selection with “ENTER”.
  4. Select function 2 with the “Up / Down” keys and confirm with “ENTER”.

PCE-Instruments-PCE-CBA-20-Car-Battery-Tester-Fig8

Start the engine. The unit displays the battery voltage before and the lowest voltage during the start-up process.

PCE-Instruments-PCE-CBA-20-Car-Battery-Tester-Fig9

The lowest voltage during the start-up process should not fall below 9.6 V for one battery (12 V) and 16 V for two batteries (24 V).

Reference chart starting voltage

10.7 V good Can still be used
10.2 … 10.7 V normal Watch the condition
9.6 … 10.2 V critical Replace soon
<9.6 V poor Replace immediately

With the “ESC“ key, you can return to the function selection.

Charging voltage at maximum load

Start the engine.

  • First, connect the black crocodile clip to the negative terminal and then the red crocodile clip to the positive terminal of the battery. Make sure that you and the meter do not get in contact with moving parts.
  • The meter switches on when connected to the battery.
  •  If necessary, change the setting to battery voltage with the “Up/Down” keys and confirm the selection with “ENTER”.
  • Switch on all electrical appliances in the car (lighting, ventilation/air conditioning, etc.).
  • Increase the engine speed to 2000 rpm.
  • Select function 3 with the “Up / Down” keys and confirm with “ENTER”.

PCE-Instruments-PCE-CBA-20-Car-Battery-Tester-Fig10

The unit displays the current charging voltage, the minimum measured charging voltage, and the target voltage at maximum load.

PCE-Instruments-PCE-CBA-20-Car-Battery-Tester-Fig11

The minimum charging voltage at maximum load should not fall below 12.80 V for one battery (12 V system) and 25.60 V for two batteries (24 V system). If the voltage falls below this value, check the V-belt / tooth belt and the alternator for damage and function. With the “ESC“ key, you can return to the function selection.

Charging voltage

Start the engine.

  • First, connect the black crocodile clip to the negative terminal and then the red crocodile clip to the positive terminal of the battery. Make sure that you and the meter do not get in contact with moving parts.
  • The meter switches on when connected to the battery.
  • If necessary, change the setting to battery voltage with the “Up/Down” keys and confirm the selection with “ENTER”.
  • Increase the engine speed to 3000 rpm.
  • Switch off all electrical appliances in the vehicle.
  • Select function 4 with the “Up / Down” keys and confirm with “ENTER”.

PCE-Instruments-PCE-CBA-20-Car-Battery-Tester-Fig12

  • After completion of the test, the following results are available
  • Target value charging voltage, maximum value charging voltage, maximum limit value, and target value charging voltage, minimum value charging voltage, and minimum limit value.
  • Use the “Up / Down” keys to view the results.

PCE-Instruments-PCE-CBA-20-Car-Battery-Tester-Fig13

  • The maximum charging voltage should not exceed 15.00 V for one battery (12 V system) and 30.00 V for two batteries (24 V system).
  • The minimum charging voltage should not fall below 13.30 V for one battery (12 V system) and 36.60 V for two batteries (24 V system).
  • The target charging voltage should be 13.88 V for one battery (12 V system) and 27.76 V for two batteries (24 V system).
  • If the max/min values are undercut or exceeded, check the voltage regulator and the alternator for damage and function.
  • With the “ESC“ key, you can return to the function selection.

Comparison charts

JIS

Battery CCA Battery CCA
JIS new JIS old MF*
26Al7R 200
26A 17L 200
26Al9R 12N24-4 200 220
26Al9L l 2N24-3 200 220
28Al9R NT50-N24 250
28A19L NT5 0-N24L 250
32A l9R NX60-N24 270 295
32A19L NX60-N24L 270 295
26B17R 200
26B17L 200
28B17R 245
28B17L 245
28B19R NS40S 245
28B19L NS40LS 245
--- --- --- ---
32B20R NS40 270
32B20L NS40L 270
32C24R N4 0 240 325
32C24L N40L 240 325
34B17R 280
34B 1 7L 280
34B19R NS40ZA 270 325
34B19L NS40ZAL 270 325
36B20R NS40Z 275 300
36B20L NS40ZL 275 300
36B20RS NS40ZS 275 300
36B20LS NS40ZLS 275 300
38B20R NX60-N24 330 340
38B20RS NT60-N24S 330 340
38B20L NX60-24L 330 340
38B20LS NX60-24LS 330 340
40B20L 330
40B20R 330
42B20R 330
42B20L 330
42B20RS 330
42B20LS 330
46B24R NS60 325 360
46B24L NS60L 325 360
46B24RS NS60S 325 360
46B24LS NS60LS 325 360
46B26R 360
46B26L 360
46B26RS 360
34B19RS NS40ZAS 270 325
34B19LS ****

NS40ZALS

| 270| ****

325

| ****

400

| 80D26L| NX110-5L| 580| 580| 630
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---
46B26LS| 360| 145G51L| N150L| 780| 900| 1100
48D26R| N50| 280| 360| 420| 150F51R| NT200-12| 640| |
48D26L| N50L| 280| 360| 420| 150F51L| NT200-12L| 640| |
50D20R| | 310| 380| 480| 165G51R| NS200| 935| 980|
50D20L| | 310| 380| 480| 165G51L| NS200L| 935| 980|
50D23R| 85BR60K| 500| | | 170F51R| NX250-12| 1045| |
50D23L| 85B60K| 500| 170F51L| NX250-12L| 1045
50B24R| NT80-S6| 390| | | 180G51R| NT250-15| 1090| |
50B24L| NT80-S6L| 390| | | 180G51L| NT250-15L| 1090| |
50D26R| 50D20R| | 370| | 195G51R| NX300-51| 1145| |
50D26L| 50D20L| | 370| | 195G51L| NX300-51L| 1145| |
55D23R| | 355| 480| 500| 190H52R| N200| 925| 1100| 1300
55D23L| | 355| 480| 500| 190H52L| N200L| 925| 1100| 1300
55B24R| NXl00-S6| 435| 420| 500| 245H52R| NX400-20| 1530| 1250|
55B24L| NX100-S6L| 435| 420| 500| 245H52L| NX400 20L| 1530| 1250

DIN / EN

Model Same model DIN EN Model Same model DIN EN
52805 25815 180 240 56420 56322 88066
53517 175 300 56530 56618 56638
53520 53512 53522 175 240 56618 56619 56620
53625 53638 53836 175 300 56633 56647 56641
53646 53621 88038 175 300 56820 56821 56828
53653 53624 53890 175 300 57024 57029
54038 54039 175 300 57113 57539
54323 175 300 57114 56821 88074
54313 54324 54464 220 330 57218 57219
54317 54312 88146 210 360 57220 57217
54437 54466 54459 210 360 57230
54459 54434 88064 210 360 57412 57413 57412
54469 54449 54465 210 360 57512 57513 57521
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
54519 54533 54612 210 360 58515 58424
54523 54524 220 300 58521 58513
54537 54545 54801 190 300 58522 58514
54551 54580 220 300 58815 58821
54533 54577 54579 220 300 58820 58515 58527
54584 54578 220 300 58827
54590 210 330 58838 58833 88092
54827 240 360 59040 59017 59018
55040 88056 265 450 59218 59219
55041 55042 220 360 59226 59215
55044 55414 88056 265 450 59514
55046 300 510 59518 59519
55056 320 540 59615 59616
55057 54827 88156 320 540 60018 60019
55068 55069 55548 220 390 60026 58811
55218 255 420 60044 60038 500
55414 55415 55421 265 450 60527 60528
55422 55566 55040 265 450 61017 61018
55428 55423 55427 300 510 61023 62529
55457 265 450 61047 61048
55529 220 360 62034 62038 62045
55531 55545 55559L 255 420 63013
55559 55530 88056 255 420 63545 63549
55564 55552 55563 255 420 64020 64317 6431 8
55564 55565 55548 255 420 64028 64035
55570 55567 55565L 255 420 64036
56012 230 390 64317 64318 64323
56048 56068 56069 250 390 65513
56049 56069 56073 250 390 65514 65515
56077 56030 300 510 67043 67045
56091 55811 360 540 68032 68034
56111 55048 300 540 70029 70038 70027
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
56218 56092 300 510 70036 68040 68021
56219 56216 300 510 71014 71015
56220 280 510 72512
56225 56323 300 510 73011
56318 56312 56311 300 510

Warranty

You can read our warranty terms in our General Business Terms which you can find here: https://www.pce-instruments.com/english/terms.

Disposal

  • For the disposal of batteries in the EU, the 2006/66/EC directive of the European Parliament applies. Due to the contained pollutants, batteries must not be disposed of as household waste. They must be given to collection points designed for that purpose.
  • In order to comply with the EU directive 2012/19/EU, we take our devices back. We either re-use them or give them to a recycling company that disposes of the devices in line with the law.
  • For countries outside the EU, batteries, and devices should be disposed of in accordance with your local waste regulations.
  • If you have any questions, please contact PCE Instruments.

PCE Instruments contact information

PCE-Instruments-PCE-CBA-20-Car-Battery-Tester-Fig15

References

Read User Manual Online (PDF format)

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