Batteries: Series and Parallel Connections
Basic schematics with examples of series and parallel connections for batteries.
Connecting Batteries in Parallel to Increase Capacity
Wiring batteries in parallel:
- Increases amp-hour capacity
- Keeps system voltage the same
Connecting two 12V, 100Ah batteries in parallel creates a 12V battery bank with 200 amp-hours of capacity.
Connecting Batteries in Series to Increase Voltage
Wiring batteries in series:
- Increases system voltage
- Keeps amp-hour capacity the same
Connecting two 12V, 100Ah batteries in series creates a 24V battery bank with 100 amp-hours of capacity.
Connecting Batteries in Parallel AND Series
A combination of parallel and series connections increases both the amp-hour capacity and the battery bank voltage.
Connecting four 12V, 100Ah batteries in parallel and series creates a 24V battery bank with 200 amp-hours of capacity.
Notice that the cables that connect the battery bank to DC load center conductors are pulled from opposite diagonal ends of the bank. Also, generally you would use water miser flip caps on ALL the batteries or none of them. We just wanted to show an example of what they look like in the picture. 🙂
