Understanding Series Battery Connections
When you connect two 12-volt batteries in series, you are essentially creating a single power source with a higher voltage. This is achieved by connecting the positive terminal of one battery to the negative terminal of the other. The remaining positive terminal of the first battery and the negative terminal of the second battery then become your main power output terminals. This method allows you to add the voltages of the individual batteries together. So, two 12-volt batteries connected in series will provide a combined voltage of 24 volts (12V + 12V = 24V). However, the amp-hour (Ah) capacity of the system remains the same as that of a single battery. For example, if you have two 100Ah 12V batteries, your series configuration will yield 24V at 100Ah. The importance of using identical batteries cannot be overstated; they should be of the same type, capacity, and age to ensure balanced charging and discharging, preventing premature wear and tear on one battery. Here's a breakdown of the connection process:- Identify the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals on both batteries.
- Use a heavy-gauge jumper cable to connect the positive terminal of Battery 1 to the negative terminal of Battery 2.
- The positive terminal of Battery 1 and the negative terminal of Battery 2 are now your main output terminals.
This simple series connection is a versatile solution for many applications. Here are some common uses:
| Application | Voltage Requirement |
|---|---|
| Larger Inverters | 24V or higher |
| Electric Trolling Motors | Often require 24V for more power |
| Some Solar Power Systems | To achieve higher DC bus voltages |