When it comes time to buy a power source for a device or vehicle, we often find ourselves having to choose between two or more options. Have you ever encountered such a predicament? For instance, deciding whether to go for group 24 or group 27. Today, we’ll outline the distinctions between them to aid in your comparison.

Group 24 vs Group 27 Battery

Group 24 vs Group 27 Battery

What Is Group 24 Battery? 

The Group 24 battery is one with standard dimensions. It measures about 10.25 inches in length, 6.75 inches in width, and 8.875 inches in height. Typically, these batteries can be found in applications like cars, boats, recreational vehicles, and uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems.

What Is Group 27 Battery?

Group 27 batteries are also standardized in size. They are larger than the Group 24 batteries, measuring 12.5 inches in length, 6.75 inches in width, and 9.75 inches in height. Group 27 batteries are better suited for deep-cycle applications that demand a sustained supply of current over extended periods.

What Is The Difference Between Group 24 Vs. 27 Batteries

Chemistry

Group 24 and Group 27 batteries are available in a variety of chemical compositions, including:

Within the Battery Council International (BCI) standards, the most commonly seen chemical types for lead-acid batteries are the SLA and AGM.

Flooded lead-acid batteries are the most affordable but come with higher maintenance requirements. AGM batteries cost a bit more but provide more consistent performance with less upkeep.

Lithium-ion batteries, while more expensive than their lead-acid counterparts, lead the way in weight, performance, and longevity. Their eco-friendliness and recyclability are also major selling points.

Related Article: Lithium Ion VS. Lead Acid Batteries | Compare Guide

Cycle Life & Maintenance

The lifespan and maintenance needs of Group 24 and Group 27 batteries are generally comparable, but they can differ based on factors such as chemical makeup, brand, quality, and how they are used. For instance, flooded lead-acid batteries necessitate regular watering and periodic terminal cleaning, whereas sealed lead-acid batteries do not require the addition of water. Lithium batteries, meanwhile, require almost no maintenance at all.

From wikiHow

Dimension

The sizes of Group 24 and Group 27 batteries are determined by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), and their standard dimensions are as follows:

A Group 24 battery measures approximately 10.25 inches in length (roughly 260 mm or 26 cm), 6.75 inches in width (approximately 170 mm or 17 cm), and 8.875 inches in height (around 225 mm or 22.5 cm).

The size of a Group 27 battery is approximately 12.5 inches long (roughly 318 mm), 6.75 inches wide (approximately 171 mm), and 9.75 inches tall (around 248 mm).

Type / Dimension L x W x H (Inch) L x W x H (mm) L x W x H (cm)
Group 24 Battery 10.25 x 6.75 x 8.875 Inch 260 x 173 x 225 mm 26 x 17 x 22.5 cm
Group 27 Battery 12.5 x 6.75 x 8.875 Inch 318 x 171 x 248 mm 32 x 17 x 25 cm

Their widths are nearly identical, but there is a substantial difference in length. In applications with restricted space, a Group 27 battery will not fit into a box or tray that was intended for a Group 24 battery.

Capacity

The capacity of a Group 24 battery is approximately 70-85 amp-hours.

The capacity of a Group 27 battery is a bit larger, ranging from about 85-100 amp-hours.

A greater capacity implies that the battery can power devices for an extended time without the need for recharging.

Weight

Group 27 batteries exceed Group 24 batteries in both size and capacity, consequently, they are also heavier, with an approximate weight of 50-60 pounds (23-27 kilograms). Group 24 batteries weigh around 40-50 pounds (18-23 kilograms).

Cost

The cost of Group 24 and Group 27 batteries is affected by multiple factors, including battery type (flooded, gel, AGM, lithium-ion), brand, performance specifications (amp-hour rating, Cold Cranking Amps), purchasing location, and the supply-demand dynamics in the market. Typically, Group 27 batteries, with their larger size and greater capacity, are priced higher than Group 24 batteries. 

Voltage

Most Group 24 and Group 27 batteries have a voltage of 12 volts, which corresponds to the standard voltage used by a wide range of vehicles and electrical equipment.

Application

Group 24 batteries, with their smaller size and lighter weight, are well-suited for applications where space is at a premium or weight is a concern, such as in small vehicles and boats, power tools, and compact energy storage systems. They can also serve as starter batteries for vehicles.

On the other hand, Group 27 batteries, due to their larger size and greater capacity, are capable of delivering power over a longer period and are ideal for applications with greater power needs. This includes off-grid environments, large boats, recreational vehicles (RVs), commercial vehicles, energy storage systems, and emergency power supply systems.

truck camper

truck camper

FAQ

Are Group 24 Battery And Group 27 Battery Interchangeable?

Determining if Group 24 and Group 27 batteries can be used interchangeably requires consideration of multiple factors.

  • Size

A replacement is only feasible if the battery tray or designated space can accommodate the new battery. If this space or tray is designed specifically for a Group 24, then it is not possible to replace it with a Group 27 battery. However, if the tray size is adjustable, a replacement could be considered.

  • Terminal Position

The terminal layout must be identical for both sets of batteries to interchange them, which means the positioning of the positive and negative terminals must be consistent to ensure compatibility between the old and new batteries.

  • Power and Capacity Requirements

The replacement battery must fulfill the power and capacity needs of the equipment or vehicle to maintain performance. The Group 27 has a larger capacity than the Group 24, which generally means it can accommodate power or capacity requirements.

  • Weight

A Group 27 battery is heavier than a Group 24. For smaller boats or race vehicles, replacing with a Group 27 might impact the device’s performance.

The replacement battery must satisfy the device’s electrical needs. Hence, you need to meticulously review the aforementioned considerations before thinking about interchangeability to guarantee safe and effective battery operation. Naturally, seeking advice from professional technicians or manufacturers is the most cautious approach.

Which Is Better? Group 24 Battery Vs. Group 27 Battery

The two battery sizes are designed for distinct use cases and offer their unique advantages. It’s not possible to simply state which is better without more context. However, if you have a specific requirement and need to choose one over the other, we can assist you in making an informed decision:

• Battery Life: Group 27 batteries offer a greater capacity, providing longer periods of power for your devices.

• Space and Weight: If there are restrictions on space or weight for your device, you might prefer the smaller and lighter Group 24 battery.

• Budget Considerations: Typically, Group 24 batteries are smaller in both size and capacity, which often translates to a lower cost.

• Maintenance and Longevity: Different battery types require varying levels of maintenance, and their lifespans can also differ. For instance, open lead-acid batteries need regular water level inspections, which means more maintenance efforts from you.

Beyond meeting your device’s requirements, your personal preference also plays a role. The battery that meets both your device’s needs and your preferences is the optimal choice.

What Should Be Checked Before Buying Group 24 and Group 27 Batteries?

Different use cases demand varying specifications from batteries. Prior to buying a battery, it is essential to ascertain the device’s voltage requirement, the desired duration of power supply, the space allocated for the battery placement, and any limitations regarding weight. Only then can we identify the precise battery specifications and decide between Group 24 and Group 27 batteries.

Conclusion

Group 24 and Group 27 are two prevalent battery sizes we come across. Gaining a better insight into these can aid you in choosing the most appropriate power supply for your equipment. Moreover, we eagerly anticipate the opportunity for further dialogue with you.