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Multi Battery Connections
Before you start using your BatteryMINDer, check how your batteries are connected and decide how you are going to connect the batteries to the BatteryMINDer.
If the batteries are connected in your diesel truck, golf cart, RV or airplane in series, you have to use a series connection to the BatteryMINder.
If your batteries are disconnected or removed from your vehicle, you may use a series or a parallel connection depending on the model of the BatteryMINDer and the voltage of the batteries.
Below are some examples of parallel and series connections using different BatteryMINDer models. The basic principal is that when connecting the batteries in parallel, you are keeping the total voltage the same. When connecting them in series, you are doubling or adding voltage. For example, 6 Volts + 6 Volts = 12 Volts; 12 Volts + 12 Volts = 24 Volts.
Index: (Click on the item that interests you)
Parallel Connected with a 12 Volt 1 Amp BatteryMINDer
Batteries of the same type only (engine starting, deep cycle, sealed, gelled, AGM, maintenance-free) can be charged at the same time in parallel (+ to +, - to -).
When you connect the batteries in parallel, you are keeping the total voltage the same. For example, if you connect two 12 volt batteries in parallel, the voltage of the combination is 12 volts.
When you connect multiple batteries in parallel, connect the + of the first battery to the + of the second battery. Then connect the - of the first battery to the - of the second battery. The + of the first battery and the - of the first battery connect to the BatteryMINDer if possible; otherwise, connect to the accessible battery.
Connect each battery to one another using 18 gauge (lamp cord type) insulated wire. Strip at the points where you wish it to be in electrical contact with the posts of each battery, then use ring or clip connectors. VDC Electronics, Inc. does not provide any type of wire harness to accomplish this, due to the many variations in size and terminal configuration.
Always desulphate each battery separately for 2-3 days if they are connected in parallel. Otherwise, they will not be equally desulphated.
Series Connected with a 12 Volt 1 Amp BatteryMINDer
Batteries of the same type only (engine starting, deep cycle, sealed, gelled, AGM, maintenance-free) can be charged at the same time in series (- to +).
When you connect the batteries in series, each battery is adding to the total voltage. For example, if you connect two 6 volt batteries in series, the voltage of the combination is 12 volts. If you connected them in parallel, the voltage would be 6 volts, and you would have to use the 6 volt BatteryMINDer.
When you connect multiple batteries in series, connect the + of the first battery to the - of the second one. To add more than two batteries, connect the + of the second battery to the - of the third battery. The - of the first battery and the + of the last battery connect to the BatteryMINDer if possible. See diagram.
Series-Parallel Connection with a 12 Volt 1 Amp BatteryMINDer
You could also connect the batteries using a series-parallel connection. For example, if you connect four 6 volt batteries to a 12 Volt BatteryMINDer, connect the first two batteries in series (- to +) and the next two in series (- to +). Then connect the two groups in parallel. Connect the - of the two batteries (on the right in the picture) together and the + of the other two (on the left in the picture) together. The - of the battery on the top right in the picture connects to the - of the BatteryMINDer and the + of the battery on the top left in the picture connects to the + of the BatteryMINDer. See below.
Connect each battery to one another using 18 gauge (lamp cord type) insulated wire. Strip at the points where you wish it to be in electrical contact with the posts of each battery, then use ring or clip connectors. VDC Electronics, Inc. does not provide any type of wire harness to accomplish this, due to the many variations in size and terminal configuration.
You may desulphate more than one battery at the same time when they are connected in series.
Parallel Connected with a 24 Volt BatteryMINDer
Batteries of the same or different type (engine starting, deep cycle, sealed, gelled, AGM, maintenance-free) can be charged at the same time in parallel (+ to + and - to -).
When you connect the batteries in parallel, you are keeping the total voltage the same. For example, if you connect two 24 volt batteries in parallel, the total voltage of the combination is 24 volts.
When you connect multiple batteries in parallel, connect the + of the first battery to the + of the second battery. Then connect the - of the first battery to the - of the second battery. The + of the first battery and the - of the first battery connect to the BatteryMINDer if possible; otherwise, connect to the accessible battery. See diagram.
Connect each battery to one another using 18 gauge (lamp cord type) insulated wire. Strip at the points where you wish it to be in electrical contact with the posts of each battery, then use ring or clip connectors. VDC Electronics, Inc. does not provide any type of wire harness to accomplish this, due to the many variations in size and terminal configuration.
Always desulphate each battery separately for 2-3 days if they are connected in parallel. Otherwise, they will not be equally desulphated.
Series Connected with a 24 Volt BatteryMINDer
Batteries of the same or different type (engine starting, deep cycle, sealed, gelled, AGM, maintenance-free) can be charged at the same time in series (- to +).
When you connect the batteries in series, each battery is adding to the total voltage. For example, if you connect four 6 volt batteries in series, the total voltage of the combination is 24 volts. If you connect two 12 volt batteries in series, the total voltage of the combination is 24 volts.
When you connect multiple batteries in series, connect the + of the first battery to the - of the second battery. The - of the first battery and the + of the second battery connect to the BatteryMINDer. See diagram.
Connect each battery to one another using 18 gauge (lamp cord type) insulated wire. Strip at the points where you wish it to be in electrical contact with the posts of each battery, then use ring or clip connectors. VDC Electronics, Inc. does not provide any type of wire harness to accomplish this, due to the many variations in size and terminal configuration.
You may desulphate more than one battery at the same time when they are connected in series.
Series Connected with a 36 Volt BatteryMINDer
Batteries of the same or different type (engine starting, deep cycle, sealed, gelled, AGM, maintenance-free) can be charged at the same time in series only (- to +).
When you connect the batteries in series, each battery is adding to the total voltage. For example, if you connect six 6 Volt batteries in series, the total voltage of the combination is 36 volts. This would be a typical connection for golf cart batteries. If you connect three 12 volt batteries in series, the total voltage of the combination is 36 volts.
When you connect multiple batteries in series, connect the - of the first battery to the + of the second battery. Connect the - of the second battery to the + of the third battery and so on. The + of the first battery and the - of the last battery connect to the BatteryMINDer. See below.
Connect each battery to one another using 18 gauge (lamp cord type) insulated wire. Strip at the points where you wish it to be in electrical contact with the posts of each battery, then use ring or clip connectors. VDC Electronics, Inc. does not provide any type of wire harness to accomplish this, due to the many variations in size and terminal configuration.
You may desulphate more than one battery at the same time when they are connected in series.