1. Voltage Marking: Look for the voltage marking on the battery. A 6-volt battery will typically have "6V" or "6 volts" clearly labeled on it.
2. Physical Dimensions: 6-volt golf cart batteries are usually smaller in size compared to 12-volt batteries. They have a rectangular shape with a smaller footprint and are typically shorter in height.
3. Number of Terminals: A 6-volt battery will have two terminals, a positive (+) and a negative (-), located on opposite sides of the battery.
4. Capacity: 6-volt golf cart batteries typically have a lower amp-hour (Ah) capacity compared to 12-volt batteries. The Ah rating indicates the amount of electrical charge the battery can store.
5. Weight: Due to their smaller size and lower Ah capacity, 6-volt batteries tend to be lighter in weight compared to 12-volt batteries.
12-Volt Battery:
1. Voltage Marking: A 12-volt battery will have "12V" or "12 volts" clearly marked on it.
2. Physical Dimensions: 12-volt golf cart batteries are generally larger in size than 6-volt batteries. They have a rectangular shape but are taller in height compared to 6-volt batteries.
3. Number of Terminals: A 12-volt battery also has two terminals, a positive (+) and a negative (-), but they are typically located at the top of the battery.
4. Capacity: 12-volt golf cart batteries have a higher Ah capacity compared to 6-volt batteries, providing more electrical charge storage.
5. Weight: As a result of their larger size and higher Ah capacity, 12-volt batteries are usually heavier than 6-volt batteries.
By comparing these characteristics, you should be able to distinguish between a 6-volt and a 12-volt golf cart battery. It's important to use the correct battery voltage as specified by the golf cart manufacturer to ensure proper performance and avoid damaging the electrical system.