What Are Amp Hours (Ah)?
Amp Hours (Ah) measure the amount of energy charge in a battery that allows one ampere of current to flow for one hour. In simpler terms, it's a way to tell how long your battery can power a device before it needs a recharge.
For instance, a 12V 100Ah battery can theoretically supply 100 amps of current for one hour, or 10 amps for 10 hours. It’s a handy number that gives you a rough idea of how long your gear will run.
At KickAss Products, we offer a range of battery sizes to suit your needs, from our compact 100Ah 12V Lithium Deep Cycle Battery to our powerhouse 200Ah 12V Lithium Deep Cycle Battery. The higher the Ah rating, the longer you can expect the battery to last on a single charge.
What Are Watt Hours (Wh)?
Watt Hours (Wh) take things a step further by factoring in the voltage (V) to give you a more complete picture of the battery's total energy capacity. It's calculated by multiplying the voltage by the Amp Hours. So, a 12V 100Ah battery has 1,200Wh of energy.
Why does this matter? Because Watt Hours tell you exactly how much work the battery can do—how much energy it has to power your 12V fridge, camp lights, or electric BBQ.
Take, for example, our KickAss 120Ah 12V Deep Cycle AGM Battery. Multiply the voltage of 12 by the Ah of 120, and you reach 1,440Wh – more than enough to keep your essentials running while you’re off grid.
How Do These Numbers Affect Your Battery Life?
In terms of understanding how Ah and Wh relate to the real world, they’re the most useful parameters available for monitoring a battery’s expected lifespan.
Consider a 12V camping fridge that draws 5 amps of current. If you’re using a KickAss 170Ah Slimline 12V Deep Cycle AGM Battery, that fridge could theoretically run for 34 hours (170Ah / 5A = 34 hours). But keep in mind, that’s under ideal conditions, and you probably won’t drain the battery completely—it’s best to keep it above 50% to extend its life.
Now, if you’re running multiple devices—a fridge, some lights, maybe charging a phone—you’ll need to add up the total amps those devices draw. This total will give you an idea of how long your battery will last before needing a recharge.
If you want more runtime without adding extra weight, consider stepping up to a KickAss 12V 200Ah Lithium Battery. With 2,400Wh of energy, it’ll keep your setup powered for longer, giving you peace of mind when you’re far from civilization.
Why Do We Use Watt Hours (Wh) for Some Products and Amp Hours (Ah) for Others?
At KickAss Products, we label some of our gear, like our range of KickCharge portable power packs, in Watt Hours (Wh), and others, like battery boxes, in Amp Hours (Ah). The reason for this distinction lies in the typical usage and the kind of information that’s most helpful to you. Watt Hours provide a clear picture of the total energy capacity of a product, making them ideal for devices like portable power packs that might be used to charge a variety of gadgets with different voltage requirements. On the other hand, Amp Hours are often used for battery boxes because they focus on the battery's ability to provide consistent current over time, which is crucial for running 12V systems that directly power devices like fridges, lights, and other camping essentials. This way, you get the most relevant information to help you choose the right product for your needs.
Wrapping It Up
Knowing the difference between Amp Hours and Watt Hours can make all the difference in how you plan your trips and manage your power needs. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a full-time nomad, the right battery can keep your gear running smoothly.
At KickAss Products, we’ll have a battery that’s right for you. Don’t leave your power to chance—choose the battery that matches your needs and hit the road with confidence.
Not sure what’s right for you? Drop into one of our retail stores, or give us a call on 07 3123 1415. One of our 12V experts will be happy to chat.
