AGM Telecom 12 V 165 Ah battery from the terminal side (front access)
AGM Telecom 12 V batteries
Maintenance-free AGM batteries for cyclic operation, designed for telecommunications systems. The terminals are at the front and the case is narrow and long, so the batteries fit into rack cabinets and can be connected without removing them. On a boat and in a vehicle, the same features help where there is little floor space or no top access.
- 12 V
- 115 / 165 / 200 Ah
- AGM VRLA
- front terminals
- self-discharge < 2%/month
AGM for cabinets and tight spaces
The Telecom series are AGM batteries for cyclic use. Compared with ordinary AGM and Gel batteries from Victron, they differ in shape: front terminals and a case designed for side-by-side installation in a cabinet. Replacing and tightening connections is done from the front, without removing the batteries.
- AGM: electrolyte absorbed in a glass-fibre mat between the plates — sealed battery, no water top-up,
- low self-discharge: lead-calcium grids, below 2% per month at 20 °C; every +10 °C doubles self-discharge,
- low internal resistance: accepts high charge and discharge currents, CCA 1000–1800 A,
- float service: design life of 12 years at 20 °C.
Three 12 V capacities
| Parameter | 115 Ah | 165 Ah | 200 Ah |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number (datasheet) | BAT412105160 | BAT412151160 | BAT412181160 |
| Number (drawing, M8 terminals) | BAT412105164 | BAT412151164 | BAT412181164 |
| Nominal capacity (25 °C, to 10.5 V) | 115 Ah | 165 Ah | 200 Ah |
| CCA at −18 °C | 1000 A | 1500 A | 1800 A |
| DIN cranking current at −18 °C | 600 A | 900 A | 1000 A |
| Short-circuit current | 3500 A | 5000 A | 6000 A |
| Capacity reserve | 200 min | 320 min | 400 min |
| Dimensions (L × W × H) | 395 × 110 × 293 mm | 548 × 105 × 316 mm | 546 × 125 × 323 mm |
| Weight | 35 kg | 49 kg | 60 kg |
Victron’s product page gives two sets of numbers: suffix 160 (in the datasheet) and 164 (in the dimensional drawings, described as versions with M8 terminals). Inconsistencies in the datasheet: 49 kg converted as 88 lbs (should be about 108 lbs); conditions described once as “70 ºF/25 ºC”, once as “70 ºF/20 ºC” (70 ºF is about 21 ºC).
How much energy at high discharge rates
Nominal capacity applies to a 20-hour discharge. The faster you discharge the battery, the fewer amp-hours you get out of it:
| Discharge time | % of capacity | 200 Ah gives |
|---|---|---|
| 20 h | 100% | 200 Ah |
| 10 h | 91% | 182 Ah |
| 5 h | 82% | 164 Ah |
| 3 h | 75% | 150 Ah |
| 1 h | 60% | 120 Ah |
| 40 min* | 57% | 114 Ah |
| 30 min* | 53% | 106 Ah |
| 20 min* | 44% | 88 Ah |
| 10 min* | 33% | 66 Ah |
Down to 10.5 V; * down to 9.6 V. At 25 °C.
Cycle life (design life, at 20 °C): 500 cycles at 80% discharge, 750 at 50% and 1,800 at 30%. Shallower discharges extend battery life. Victron states “more than 500 cycles at 50%” in the description — the table in the datasheet says 750.
Charging voltages
Absorption 14.4–14.7 V
Main charge voltage at 20 °C. In Victron chargers, this corresponds to the AGM programme.
Float 13.6–13.8 V
Float voltage at 20 °C. In float operation, the battery is designed for 12 years.
Storage 13.2 V
Charger storage mode. Without charging, the battery can stand for up to a year (at 20 °C); less in warm conditions, because self-discharge increases.
Temperature
The voltages in the datasheet are given for 20 °C. At a different battery temperature, use the charger’s temperature compensation or a temperature sensor.
24 V bank from two Telecom batteries
Two 12 V batteries connected in series, charger or inverter/charger, shunt for state of charge measurement. Illustrative diagram.
- BankBatteries of the same type, capacity and age; in series for 24 V.
- ShuntOn the bank negative, before all loads and chargers.
- FusesOn the positive, as close to the battery as possible.
- ChargerAGM programme: 14.4–14.7 V / 13.6–13.8 V for each 12 V.
Frequently asked questions about Telecom batteries
How does Telecom differ from a standard Victron AGM battery?
By shape and terminal position: they are on the front, and the case is narrow (105–125 mm). The technology is the same — AGM VRLA. We describe standard AGM and Gel batteries on the AGM and Gel batteries page.
Is it suitable for engine starting?
The datasheet states a CCA current of 1,000–1,800 A and a DIN cranking current of 600–1,000 A, so the battery can handle high currents. Its main use is still cyclic and float operation.
Does Victron have OPzS batteries?
No — Victron’s range includes OPzV cells (gel, 2 V), described on the AGM and Gel batteries page. For large lead-acid battery banks in cabinets, you can also use Telecom batteries.
How long can it stand without charging?
According to the datasheet, up to a year at 20 °C. At higher temperatures, less, because self-discharge doubles every 10 °C.
Content checked against Victron Energy documentation (datasheets and manuals) — status as of 23 September 2026. Report an error in the content · Correction log