Crown CR-185 185Ah 12VDC Deep Cycle Flooded Lead Acid Battery

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of battery is the Crown CR-185?
The Crown CR-185 is a 12VDC deep cycle flooded lead acid battery with a rated capacity of 185Ah at the 20-hour rate. It is designed for applications that require repeated charging and discharging rather than short-term engine starting.

What is the Crown CR-185 rated for at different discharge rates?
The Crown CR-185 provides different amp-hour ratings depending on the discharge rate.

• 185Ah at the 20-hour rate
• 150Ah at the 5-hour rate
• 85Ah at the 75-hour rate

The available capacity changes with the rate at which the battery is discharged, so system sizing should use the rating that best matches the intended application.

How much energy can the Crown CR-185 store?
The Crown CR-185 is rated at 1.08 kWh at the 20-hour rate and 2.39 kWh at the 100-hour rate. Actual usable energy will depend on discharge rate, temperature, battery condition, system losses, and the depth of discharge selected for the application.

What applications can use the Crown CR-185?
The Crown CR-185 can be used in off-grid solar systems, renewable energy storage, battery backup systems, RVs, marine applications, and other equipment requiring deep cycle energy storage. The installation should be designed specifically for a flooded lead acid battery.

Is the Crown CR-185 appropriate for off-grid solar?
Yes. The Crown CR-185 is suitable for off-grid solar systems where flooded lead acid batteries can be properly charged, ventilated, inspected, and maintained. It can be combined with other matching batteries to create a larger battery bank when the system is designed correctly.

Charging & Maintenance

What type of charge controller should be used with the Crown CR-185?
The Crown CR-185 should be charged using a solar charge controller configured for flooded lead acid batteries. Charging parameters should follow Crown's recommendations and be appropriate for the complete battery-bank voltage and configuration.

Does the Crown CR-185 require watering?
Yes. The Crown CR-185 is a flooded lead acid battery and requires periodic electrolyte inspection and watering. Distilled or de-mineralized water should be used, and the electrolyte should be maintained at the proper level according to Crown's maintenance recommendations.

How can proper charging improve Crown CR-185 battery performance?
Proper charging helps maintain the battery's available capacity and can reduce problems associated with chronic undercharging or overcharging. The charge controller should be correctly configured for flooded lead acid batteries, and charging performance should be checked as part of routine system maintenance.

Why should the Crown CR-185 be installed in a ventilated area?
The Crown CR-185 is a flooded lead acid battery, and lead acid batteries can release hydrogen gas during charging. Proper ventilation helps reduce the risk of gas accumulation. The battery should also be kept away from sparks, flames, cigarettes, and other ignition sources.

What should be inspected during Crown CR-185 battery maintenance?
Regular inspections should include:

• Electrolyte level
• Battery terminals and cable connections
• Signs of corrosion or physical damage
• Charging performance
• Battery-bank connections and overall condition

Crown Battery Comparison

How does the Crown CR-185 compare with the Crown CR-195?
The Crown CR-185 and Crown CR-195 are both 12VDC flooded lead acid batteries in the same BCI Group 921 profile. The Crown CR-195 provides 195Ah at the 20-hour rate compared with 185Ah for the Crown CR-185, while both share the same listed dimensions. The Crown CR-195 is also slightly heavier and provides higher reserve capacity.

What is the advantage of choosing the Crown CR-185 instead of the Crown CR-215?
The Crown CR-185 and Crown CR-215 use the same BCI Group 921 profile and listed dimensions. The Crown CR-215 provides 215Ah at the 20-hour rate compared with 185Ah for the Crown CR-185, but it is also heavier. The Crown CR-185 can be a practical choice when 185Ah meets the system requirement without moving to the higher-capacity model.

Solar Application & Battery Life

How should the Crown CR-185 be sized for an off-grid solar system?
Sizing should consider daily energy consumption, required backup time, system voltage, inverter efficiency, solar production, charging capability, and the desired depth of discharge. The total battery-bank capacity should provide enough stored energy for the expected loads while allowing the solar array and charge controller to properly recharge the bank.

Can multiple Crown CR-185 batteries be connected together?
Yes. Matching Crown CR-185 batteries can be connected in series to increase the battery-bank voltage or in parallel to increase total amp-hour capacity. The batteries should be properly matched, and the wiring, overcurrent protection, charger, and inverter should be sized for the complete battery bank.

How can I help extend the service life of the Crown CR-185?
Proper charging, regular electrolyte checks, correct watering, adequate ventilation, clean and secure connections, and avoiding unnecessary deep discharges can help support longer battery service life. Operating temperature and overall system maintenance also affect battery performance and longevity.

Can the Crown CR-185 be installed in any position?
No. Because the Crown CR-185 is a flooded lead acid battery containing liquid electrolyte, it should be installed upright. Proper positioning also allows safe inspection and maintenance of the electrolyte.

What should I check if the Crown CR-185 is not delivering its expected capacity?
Start by checking the battery's state of charge, charge-controller settings, cable connections, terminal condition, electrolyte level, and recent discharge history. Undercharging, excessive discharge, high temperatures, poor connections, low electrolyte, and normal battery aging can all affect available capacity.