The size of battery terminals is normally dictated by the amount of current it has to deliver. Terminals in storage batteries are basically lead straps. The main reason for differences in battery terminals and dimensions is to restrict competition. So we have European cars using recess terminals, American cars using side terminals and Japanese cars using big and small top mounted terminals.
At the battery clinic we carry all the range and types of lead acid batteries used. Here we explain the many different types of battery posts and post orientation. We found that this was necessity as many people do not know what they need for their vehicle. This is especially true for people purchasing our batteries on Trademe.
Battery Sizes
Small (NS40): 9.9 Kg 9 plates 210 X 120 X 180
Half (NS50): 11.9 Kg 11 plates 210 X 120 X 230
Medium (NS60): 12.9 Kg 11 plates 210 X 170 X 230
Large (NS70): 15.5 Kg 13 plates 210 X170 X 260
X-Large (NS70ZZ): 21.5 Kg 15 plates 210 X 170 X 300
XX-Large(N100): 26.5 Kg 17 plates 210 X 170 X 400
Euro Small(Din44): 10.5 Kg 9 plate 180 X 170 X 175
Euro Medium(Din55) : 13.9 Kg 11 plate 180 X 170 X 230
Euro Large(Din66) : 18.5 Kg 13 plate 180 X 170 X 275
Euro X-Large(Din88): 19.5 Kg 16 plate 180 X 170 X 345
Euro XX-Large(Din99): 26.1 Kg 17 plate 180 X 170 X 390
Big Post, Small Post, Dual Post, Side Post
Big Post: Also known as standard post. The positive terminal is 20 mm, the negative terminal is 16 mm. All European batteries, truck and diesel batteries have big posts. The majority of batteries have large terminals hence the name standard post.
Small Post: Also known as pencil post as the thickness of the terminal is about the size of a pencil. The positive terminal is 15 mm thick and the negative terminal is 13 mm thick. Most newer Japanese and Korean vehicles uses pencil post. Exception being some Honda, Subaru, Suzuki, and Mazda models. There are only two battery sizes to small post batteries.
Dual Post: The older Ford and Holden vehicles uses nut and bolt to connect to the battery terminals. To accommodate this the standard post has a hole drilled. This allows the post to be used in either configuration.
Side Post: The terminals are at the side of the battery. American made cars use these terminals. The Toyota cavalier also use this terminal because it is a rebadge American model.
Left and Right Post Orientation
This aspect confuses most people. The correct way to describe left and right orientation is to set the terminals furthest from you. If the positive terminal is on the left it is left positive and if on he right it is right positive. This is important because the positive terminal should be furthest from the car body to prevent accidental short circuit. The leads are intentionally made short to cater for this. To prevent confusion we ask our customers whether the battery is on the drivers side or the passenger side. Batteries on passenger’s side are usually left positive and on driver’s side right positive. Batteries are normally aligned east west in cars but a few are aligned north south.
Left Positive: Left positive are more popular than right positive. Almost all European batteries are left positive although there are some right positive ones for American cars.
Right Positive: Right positive terminals batteries are usually mounted east west align on the driver’s side.
Center Post: One way to overcome left right orientation problems is to mount the terminals in the center. This allows the battery to be used either way.
Marine Battery Terminals
Notice the screw post and the standard post configuration. The screw post makes it easier to connect batteries in parallel and in series.
UPS Terminals
AGM batteries usually have terminals that screw in rather than nut that screw on as in marine batteries. UPS batteries are usually shelf or rack mounted.
