How to Connect Batteries in Series & Parallel?

Now when someone for the first time hears about a bank of batteries, they might misunderstand it. They probably will think it as some sort of financial establishment.

However, that weird thing is not true. And it’s actually a very simple thing. The joining of more than one battery is known as battery banks.

This setup is used for a single application and joining happens based on it. Usually for increasing the amperage, voltage, or in some cases both, one connects batteries like this. And this is for a situation where you need more power but don’t want to spend on a massive tanker of RV battery.

Now the connection can happen in two ways. Series and parallel. Today we will be throwing some light on how to connect batteries in series & parallel for accomplishing a required battery bank.

The Complete Process to Connect Batteries in Series & Parallel.

Making a proper connection is very important. Especially if you want to make your intention behind to actually work. For example, UPS for Home, the batteries will have a great impact on its usage and longevity. So, make sure you know the right method and avoid compromising in any step.

For Series Connection.

The main attempt in series connection is to maintain same electric intensity. While doubling voltage when connecting two batteries. For example, consider that you will connect two 12-volt 150Ah batteries in series connection. Here you’ll get a total of 150 amps as well as 24 volts. Similarly, suppose you are using a series connection for two 12-volt 100Ah batteries. Then you’ll get 24 volts and 100 amps through this.

First of all, you need to use a jumper wire. Then carefully wrap it around the first battery’s negative terminal part. You need to connect the other end with second battery’s positive terminal part. Now there should be one of each positive and negative terminal open. Simply use another wire set. Use it to connect both of these open terminals correctly to your application.

During this process, be careful not to cross open negative and positive terminals together. This is very dangerous. Since there will be a short circuit that can cause significant damage as well as injury. Also, for the series connection, you need same voltage batteries. The capacity rating also needs to be similar. Or else there’s a good chance of facing charging issues and lessened battery life problems later on.

For a Parallel Connection.

To double the amperage rating or capacity of batteries one can use parallel connection. It also keeps the same voltage maintained within connected batteries. Take this example. Suppose you are connecting two 12-volt 10Ah batteries through parallel connection. In that case you will get a total of 12 volts, as well as 20 amps as result. Similarly, for two 12-volt 150aH batteries that are wired with parallel connection, you’ll get 12 volts and 300 amps.

Now how do you make the connection in parallel? Start off with a jumper wire once again. You need to carefully wrap it around the first battery’s positive terminal. The other end needs to connect with second battery’s positive terminal.

And this way you end up with two negative posts of both batteries. Using another wire, you need to connect these posts tighter. Now connect the negative and positive wires with one battery for running your application. And that should be enough.

When making a parallel battery connection, you need to be careful with the thickness of wires. It should be heavy-duty because the high amperage is more likely to heat up cables easily. And if you use some cheap wires here then there will be a good chance of causing damage.

Both Series and Parallel Connection.

In some circumstances, you may need to increase both amperage and voltage. And so, you’ll need to connect more than four batteries using both parallel and series connections. Since the configuration is more complex than any of these connections taking place solely, you’ll need quite a few batteries.

Also, if there are two sets of parallelly connected batteries already available, then making a series connection between them will be just enough for this type of configuration. For example, let’s consider that you have 2 parallelly connected 12-volt 150aH batteries sets. Here you’ll be able to have a total of 300 amps and 24 volts.

To start from beginning, get two batteries and make a parallel connection between them. Now using the same method, connect another two batteries in parallel connection. Now you’ll need a jumper wire. Take the positive terminal of one parallel connection and connect it with negative terminal of second battery set using this jumper wire.

Connecting the ends of wire to right terminal is very important here. Because in terms of connecting multiple battery sets, it’s pretty easy to tangle the cables and make it a mess.

You can draw a diagram earlier to making a connection. So that you can easily work with an easy projection of this whole setup. At the same time, it will help in keeping the track of connections that are taking place.

Wrap Up

So now you know how to connect batteries in series & parallel. Both of these connection types serve different purposes. And also, these provide distinct battery performance. You need to be highly aware of the incensement that’s going to take place with such a connection.

It’s not only necessary for ensuring your needed outcome but also for the sake of safety. Connecting wires recklessly without a clue is often a reason for mishaps that could be easily ignored with proper knowledge. So, Make Sure You Know Things Well Before Trying Anything at All!