PCA (Pulse Crank Amps) is a rating specifically geared towards starting applications only. To better test the real-world viability of a battery’s cranking power a new method was devised. The Hawker energy family of batteries uses the PCA (pulse cranking amps) method. Pulse cranking amps (PCA) are measuring at 77 degrees for specific time durations less than the 30 second standard used to determine cranking amps. In short, PCA can be thought of as HCA (hot cranking amps) for a short period of time. This PCA number is always larger than the CCA, CA or HCA. Is this some sort of cheating to inflate the supposed performance of a battery? No. Pulse Cranking Amps (PCA) more closely represent the type of conditions we experience in the average vehicle start.
BCI has established testing proceedures for battery specifications of CCA (Cold Cranking Amps) and CA (Cranking Amps).
At this time all of Braille’s ratings are determined by using a conductance tester and not the draw down method used by the BCI. For more information on Conductance Testing, please see this link: Conductance Testing Method