A DIN car battery is a type of automotive battery identified using the German Industrial Standard (DIN) Part Number system. This system, while traditionally used in Europe, has largely been replaced by the ETN (European Type Number) system. Despite being superseded, the DIN system remains relevant when discussing older or specific battery types.
Understanding the DIN Part Number System
The DIN system assigns a unique number to each battery. This number provides critical information about the battery's specifications. A typical DIN number might look like "560.49". Here's how to interpret the key parts of the number, based on the reference provided:
- First Digit: Indicates the battery's voltage.
- 1 or 2 = 6 Volt Battery
- 5, 6, or 7 = 12 Volt Battery
- Subsequent numbers typically identify specific details about the battery’s capacity, dimensions, and terminal type, though the specifics can vary between manufacturers.
DIN vs. ETN
While the DIN system was widely used, the ETN system now standardizes battery identification in Europe. The ETN system is more comprehensive and provides more detailed information. However, it's useful to understand that the DIN system was used to categorize batteries before the ETN system was implemented.
Why Understand DIN Numbers?
Even though the ETN system is more prevalent, understanding the DIN system can be helpful in these situations:
- Identifying Older Batteries: When dealing with older vehicles, or if a battery label provides a DIN number, understanding the format helps you identify the battery correctly.
- Cross-referencing: Sometimes, the DIN number might still appear in older documentation or on battery labels. Knowing what the number indicates is useful.
Example
| DIN Number | Voltage |
|---|---|
| 560.49 | 12 Volt |
Key Takeaways
- DIN car batteries are identified by numbers based on the now largely replaced German Industrial Standard (DIN) system.
- The first digit of a DIN number indicates voltage (5-7 for 12V).
- While largely replaced by the ETN system, the DIN system is still useful when dealing with older or specific batteries.
- It’s good to understand both numbering systems when discussing European car batteries.
