How to Connect 12 Volt Batteries in a Parallel
The standard use of 12 volt direct current batteries in cars, means that there are a variety of devices that can run on a 12 volt direct current. For a longer lasting power supply to your devices, you can wire multiple 12 volt batteries in parallel. Batteries wired in parallel will output power at the same voltage but they will last far longer than a single battery alone.
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Instructions
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1
Check that all of the batteries are outputting the same voltage, the same current and use the same chemistry.
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2
Number your batteries or line them up in a row.
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3
Connect the positive terminal of the first battery to the positive terminal of the second battery using the four gauge wire. Connect the positive terminal of the second battery to the positive terminal of the third. Continue to connect the positive terminal of each battery with the positive terminal of the next battery in line until you reach the last battery.
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4
Connect the negative terminal of the first battery to the negative terminal of the second battery using the four gauge wire. Connect the negative terminal of the second battery to the negative terminal of the third. Continue to connect the negative terminal of each battery with the negative terminal of the next battery in line until you reach the last battery.
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5
Connect the positive terminal of the final battery to the positive lead on the device you want to power. Connect the negative terminal of the final battery to the negative lead on the device.
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Tips & Warnings
Use two different colored wires to make the connections clearer. Typically, black is used for negative connections and red is used for positive connections.
Avoid making a direct connection between the positive and negative lines, doing so can short out the batteries, destroying them and possibly harming you.
