There are two ways to wire batteries together, parallel and series. The illustration below show how these wiring variations can produce different voltage and amp hour outputs. Show
In the graphics we’ve used sealed lead acid batteries but the concepts of how units are connected is true of all battery types. This article deals with issues surrounding wiring in parallel (i.e. increasing amp hour capacity). For more information on wiring in series see Connecting batteries in series, or our article on building battery banks. Connecting in parallel increases amp hour capacity onlyThe basic concept is that when connecting in parallel, you add the amp hour ratings of the batteries together, but the voltage remains the same. For example:
But what happens if you wire batteries of different voltages and amp hour capacities together in parallel? Connecting batteries of different voltages in parallelThis is the big “no go area”. The battery with the higher voltage will attempt to charge the battery with the lower voltage to create a balance in the circuit.
It’s worth pointing out that many people accidentally connect batteries of different voltages in parallel every day. For example:
As such, the following guidelines are important:
Connecting batteries of different amp hour capacities in parallelThis is possible and won’t cause any major issues, but it is important to note some potential issues:
It is for these reasons that you are advised to use batteries of the same brand, voltage and capacity. Failing to do so (if you don’t have the knowledge and tools to check what you are doing) could create a potentially dangerous circuit. Was this article helpful?
How do I wire my batteries in series?To connect a group of batteries in series you connect the negative terminal of one battery to the positive terminal of another and so on until all batteries are connected.
Can you connect AA batteries in series?You can add batteries in series to get up to the necessary 12V voltage , but small batteries such AA's may not be enough power, that is to say not have the current capacity, so if you add batteries in parallel you will increase current capacity.
Why do 3 AA batteries in series provide more power?This is because batteries in series produce a voltage equal to the number of batteries multiplied by the voltage of each individual battery. Batteries with voltages greater than 1.5 volts are made up of cells connected in series inside a single case. In the 9 volt battery above, there are six cells connected in series.
Is it better to run batteries in series or parallel?Do batteries last longer in series or parallel? Batteries last longer in parallel, because the voltage remains the same, but the amps increase. If you connect two 12v 50ah batteries in parallel, it will still be a 12 volt system, but the amps will double to 100ah, so the batteries will last longer.
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