SOK makes its 12V 206Ah LiFePO4 battery in two cases. The SK12V206H has a black painted metal case. The SK12V206PH is a sealed plastic version that SOK sells as marine grade. The capacity is the same, and so is most of what's inside. The case, size, water rating and a few settings differ, and those differences decide which one goes in a boat and which in an RV.
Side by side
| SK12V206H (metal) | SK12V206PH (sealed marine) | |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 12.8V, 206Ah (2,636.8 Wh) | 12.8V, 206Ah (2,636.8 Wh) |
| Usable energy (our estimate) | About 2,373 Wh | About 2,373 Wh |
| Case | Black painted metal | Sealed plastic |
| Enclosure rating | IP50 | IP65 |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 11.9 x 7.9 x 11.1 in | 13.31 x 9.06 x 10.26 in |
| Weight | 48 lb (SOK page); 50.04 lb (brochure) | 48 lb (SOK page); 43.43 lb (brochure) |
| Heater | Built-in heater pad | Built-in heater pad |
| Bluetooth | Yes, V8 BMS | Yes, V8 BMS |
| Recommended / max charge current | 40A / 70A | 40A (SOK page; brochure says 50A) / 70A |
| Charge voltage (brochure) | 14.4V to 14.6V | 14.4V to 14.6V |
| Continuous discharge | 150A (brochure); 170A (SOK page) | 150A (brochure); 170A (SOK page) |
| Recommended low-voltage disconnect | 10.4V | 11.2V |
| Series / parallel | Up to 4 in series; up to 10 in parallel (brochure) | Up to 4 in series; up to 10 in parallel (brochure) |
| Terminals | M8 (5/16 in) lugs | M8 (5/16 in) lugs |
| Warranty / cycles (SOK) | 7 years; 3,000 to 8,000 cycles | 7 years; 3,000 to 8,000 cycles |
Usable energy is our estimate: 206Ah x 12.8V x 0.9. Where SOK's brochure and product page differ, both figures are shown. If one decides your install, ask us to confirm it with SOK.
The real difference: the case
An IP rating has two digits: the first is protection from solids, the second from water. IP65 means dust-tight and protected against water jets. IP50 means dust-protected, with no water rating. That is why the 206PH is the one for bilges, open lockers and anywhere spray or condensation reaches the battery. The metal 206H belongs in a dry compartment.
The sealed case doesn't stop you working on the battery. SOK says both have a detachable cover with a replaceable BMS or cells, and SOK describes the 206PH case as user serviceable. SOK also publishes separate guides for replacing the BMS in its metal-box and plastic-box batteries.
Size and weight
The 206PH is longer and wider (13.31 x 9.06 in against 11.9 x 7.9 in) but slightly lower (10.26 in against 11.1 in). Measure the tray both ways. On weight, SOK's product pages list 48 lb for both, while the brochure gives 50.04 lb for the metal case and 43.43 lb for the plastic one. Plan for the higher figure when you pick a mount.
Settings that differ
- Low-voltage disconnect. SOK recommends 11.2V for the 206PH and 10.4V for the 206H. Set your inverter's or monitor's low-voltage cut-off to match the battery you buy.
- Charge temperature. Both have a heater pad. The 206H page gives -4°F to 113°F. The 206PH page says its heater works "down to -4°F", but its spec table lists a charge temperature of 32°F to 113°F, and SOK's brochure gives -4°F to 140°F. If you'll charge the 206PH below freezing, ask us to confirm the limit with SOK first. Our SOK heated battery guide sets out every model's figures.
- Series wiring. For the 206H, SOK says no more than 4 in series and to add a battery voltage balancer. For the 206PH, SOK says the batteries should be at the same state of charge before you connect them in series. SOK lists 24V, 36V and 48V banks for the 206PH.
Which one for a boat, which for an RV
- Boat house bank, bilge or open locker: the 206PH, for the IP65 sealed case. SOK markets it as marine grade. For a boat built to ABYC standards, note that SOK claims ABYC E-13 design compliance for its SK12V314PH and SK24V150PH. Its 206PH text makes no ABYC claim. If your surveyor or insurer asks for E-13 paperwork, look at those two models. SOK publishes ABYC compliance paperwork on their pages.
- RV or trailer, battery in a dry compartment or inside the coach: either works. The 206H is the more compact footprint, and IP50 is fine out of the weather.
- Exposed tongue box or underbody bay on a trailer: the 206PH's sealed case is the safer choice where road spray gets in.
Both are house batteries. SOK's text doesn't rate them for engine starting, so don't use either as a cranking battery.
Wiring it on a boat
Fuse the positive close to the battery, and size cable to the load. Our guides on fusing a lithium house bank on a sailboat and a SmartShunt on a pontoon cover the protection and monitoring side. If you're still choosing between lithium and lead-acid for a houseboat, see lithium or lead-acid house batteries on a houseboat.
For more capacity in one case, the SK12V280H (aluminum, IP50) and the IP67 SK12V314PH are the next steps up. Compare them in our which SOK battery guide, or see the full SOK Battery range.
FAQ
Is the SK12V206PH waterproof?
SOK rates its sealed plastic case IP65: dust-tight and protected against water jets. It isn't rated for immersion. The SK12V314PH and SK24V150PH are IP67.
Do both have the same capacity?
Yes. Both are 12.8V 206Ah, 2,636.8 Wh nominal per SOK's brochure.
Can I parallel a 206H with a 206PH?
SOK's pages don't cover mixing the two. They have different recommended low-voltage disconnects (10.4V and 11.2V), so keep one model per bank unless SOK confirms otherwise.
Why does the weight differ between sources?
SOK's product pages list 48 lb for both, while the brochure lists 50.04 lb (206H) and 43.43 lb (206PH). Plan your mount for the heavier figure, or ask us to confirm with SOK.