keep 12 volts

[raylen]

I always get mixed up. When joining two 12 volt batteries together, how are the cables hooked up to keep 12 volts.

Thank you in advance.

[Ed ke6bnl]

plus to plus and minus to minus

[hemsteadc]

It's called parallel.

[oldjohnt]

As shown wiring two 12 volt batteries in parallel maintains the same 12 volts, while the available Amp Hours of energy storage is additive. In series (like two 6 volters to make 12 volts) voltage is additive but the Amp Hours IS NOT. When combining batteries its best if they are identical in age and type and brand, size and rating. For RV use I recommend true deep cycle (golf cart type) batteries versus the cheaper semi deep cycle so called RV Marine Batteries like sold at Wally World for boat owners.

 

John T

[Dennis M]

Here ya go: The 12 Volt Side of Life

[Kirk W]

plus to plus and minus to minus

That's it!

[oldjohnt]

While its the simplest form, ONLY two batteries wired in parallel, as Ed G's picture correctly shows, note that POS terminal of Battery B connects to the charging unit and loads while the NEG terminal of Battery A connects to Ground. THAT IS CORRECT AS OPPOSED TO the POS and NEG of only one battery being used, which although it would still "work" DOES NOT YIELD AS GOOD BALANCE AS IF WIRED PER ED'S PICTURE !!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

For a more detailed explanation of proper battery parallel wiring see http://www.smartgauge.co.uk/batt_con.html you wont believe how much of a difference it can make.

 

John T