1. What is the Runtime Equation?

The runtime equation calculates how long a battery will last when powering lights or other devices. It's a fundamental calculation in electrical engineering and battery system design.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the runtime equation:

Where:

• Battery Capacity — The total charge stored in the battery (Amp-hours)
• Light Current — The current drawn by the light (Amps)

Explanation: The equation divides the total battery capacity by the current draw to determine how many hours the battery will last.

3. Importance of Runtime Calculation

Details: Accurate runtime estimation is crucial for designing battery-powered lighting systems, emergency lighting planning, and determining appropriate battery sizes for applications.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter battery capacity in amp-hours (Ah) and light current in amps (A). Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is this calculation accurate for all battery types?
A: This provides a theoretical maximum. Actual runtime may be less due to temperature effects, battery age, and discharge characteristics.

Q2: What if I have multiple lights?
A: Sum the current of all lights that will be on simultaneously and use that total current in the calculation.

Q3: How does battery voltage factor in?
A: The equation works for any voltage as long as current and capacity are in consistent units (amps and amp-hours).

Q4: What's a typical current for LED lights?
A: Small LED lights typically draw 0.02-0.2A, while brighter lights may draw 0.5-2A or more.

Q5: How can I extend battery runtime?
A: Use more efficient (lower current) lights, larger capacity batteries, or implement power-saving modes.