However, most customers prefer to put their batteries in series first because it allows them to use onboard desulfators more effectively to extend battery life.ĭon’t be concerned if a terminal has more than one cable connected to it. In other words, there is no right or wrong method. Either way is okay, as electricity will flow through parallel or series connections like it would if you were only using two batteries.

Many customers ask if they can put a set of batteries in parallel first and then in series. Basically, the outer positives to positives and outer negatives to negatives, as seen in the final picture below: Once each set has been put in series, you can use jumpers to parallel each set together. To do this, you will use a jumper between the inner positive and negative terminals of each set to increase the voltage, as seen in the picture below: Creating a series-parallel battery bank: Step 1 - Series Firstįirst, we recommend putting each set in series first.

Therefore, you can parallel two sets of batteries that are in series to create a series-parallel setup. Remember, electricity flows through parallel or series connections as if it were a single battery. In the images below we will walk you through the steps to create a 24 volts 70 AH battery pack.ĭon't get lost now. If you have two sets of batteries connected in series, you can wire both sets into a parallel connection to make a series-parallel battery bank. How to wire in a series-parallel configuration:

However, the preferred method for keeping the batteries equalized is connecting to the positive at one end of the battery pack and the negative at the other end. You CAN connect your load to ONE of the batteries, which will drain both equally. This establishes negatives to negatives and positives to positives. To join batteries in parallel, use a jumper wire to connect positive terminals together, and another jumper wire to connect negative terminals together. It's important to note that if you plan on pulling more amperage than the system was designed for, you may need to upgrade to a heavier-duty cable to keep the wires from burning up. In the “Parallel” diagram, we're back to 12 volts, but the amps increase to 70 AH. Parallel connections will increase your capacity rating, but the voltage will stay the same. The other type of connection is parallel. Otherwise, you may end up with charging problems and shortened battery life. When connecting batteries: Never cross the remaining open positive and negative terminals with each other, as this will short-circuit the batteries and cause damage or injury.īe sure the batteries you're connecting have the same voltage and capacity rating and are of the same batch. This leaves you a positive terminal on the first battery and a negative one on the second battery to use for your application. To connect batteries in a series, use a jumper wire to connect the first battery's negative terminal to the second battery's positive terminal. For example, these two 12-volt batteries are wired in series and now produce 24 volts, but they still have a total capacity of 35 AH.

How to wire batteries in Series-ParallelĬonnecting batteries in series increases the voltage of a battery pack, but the AH rating (also known as Amp Hours) remains the same.

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