Battery Load Tester

A battery load tester is used to test a battery’s load current capacity.  This is not the same as testing the battery’s voltage or charge.  A battery load test (specifically) is not going to test the battery’s charge.    This test measures the battery’s ability to support a demand for current.  It measures the battery’s internal resistance to the impact of the current withdrawn at the moment the demand for electric current is made.  In other words, battery load testers are designed to test the battery’s capability and durability in supplying a demand for a certain load current (amount of electricity required).  It tests the battery’s ability to handle the effect of that load being drawn from it. The result is the load current capacity of the battery.  In most warranty situations, the dealer will use one of their battery load testers to check the battery’s currently existing load current capacity.

Today, most battery load testers will, also, test the battery’s charge.  It is pretty common to find a battery load tester that has a charger.  They will check the alternator and starter system, also.  However, there are a few that only perform load testing.  This type of battery load tester would be less expensive than the more advanced multi-functional battery load testers.  Two of the more popular top sellers are:

1.  The Schumacher BT-100 100 amp Battery Load Tester:  This load tester is a carbon pile load tester.  It will load test fully charged batteries.  The battery must have at least a 75% charge to perform the load test, with this tester.  The BT-100 gives limited test information on the starting system.  This tester will work on 6 volt and 12 volt batteries.  It is durable and shock resistant.  It has an easy to read meter and super grip clamps.  The tester is user friendly with a padded hand grip has a durable ventilated, baked enamel, steel case.  This tester can be found on Amazon for $38.51.

2. SPX 3181 OTC 130 Amp Heavy Duty Battery Load Tester:  This tester is a carbon pile load tester produced by Sunpro. It will load test charged batteries and provide limited information on the starter system.  It has an ergonomic, comfortable handle and an easy to read meter.  The positive grip clamps work well on top or side mounted posts.  This battery load tester can be found on Amazon for $54.95.

Browsing the internet for battery load testers can be helpful and informative.  There is a wide variety of battery testers, which perform a variety of tests, on the market.  Before making a purchase, doing some research is recommended.