New electronics -- new battery, now?

[bryanredfish]

My two main pieces of electronics are a new Furuno GP32 and a depth finder. Both run to a board which feeds straight from my starting battery. I would feel more comfortable with a new battery to give me some "room." Could I in any way damage my Merc outboard by getting a battery with more than the recommended MCA or CCA's? Thanks much.<br /><br />Any other Furuno GP32 owners out there? Mine should be up and running this afternoon.

 

[wilkin250r]

Re: New electronics -- new battery, now?

No danger. The CCA and MCA refers to how much current the battery can supply at 12V, it doesn't mean it HAS to.<br /><br />The current draw is determined by the electronic device, NOT the battery. Your battery supplies 12 volts, and your electronics are designed to work at 12 volts, so all is good. Your electronics will only draw as much current as they need to. You could hook up your electronics to a battery capable of supplying one million CCA, and as long as it's 12v, there is no danger. The only way you could FORCE more current into them is to increase the voltage to something like 24 volts. Then, you would fry them, obviously. As long as it is all 12V, no danger at all.<br /><br />The only time CCA or MCA comes in is a very high-demand device, like a starter motor. It will try to draw hundreds of amps, and the battery had better be able to supply it. If the starter motor tries to draw MORE than the battery can supply, then it could damage the battery. But the battery can never supply MORE than the motor needs.