Calculate battery drain safely. Optimize power systems today. Prevent dead vehicle batteries fast.
Parasitic drain refers to the electrical current that electronic components continuously draw from a vehicle or off-grid storage battery even when the ignition is completely switched off. Unchecked parasitic draws drain automotive batteries, causing unexpected failures.
The core computational logic incorporates Peukert's Law to model capacity degradation under variable discharge loads. The fundamental calculation for runtime hours ($T$) is derived using adjusted usable capacity ($C_{adj}$) divided by net current draw ($I_{net}$):
$$T = \frac{C_{adj} \times \text{DoD} \times \text{Efficiency}}{I_{net}^k}$$
Where $k$ represents the Peukert exponent specific to the internal battery chemistry type.
What is a normal parasitic draw? Typically, modern vehicles experience between 20mA to 50mA of continuous parasitic draw.
How do I test for drain? Use a digital multimeter set to DC milliamperes in series with the disconnected negative battery terminal.
Does cold weather affect life? Yes, low temperatures significantly lower chemical reaction rates and available capacity.
Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.