Date:         Sun, 28 Jul 2002 21:53:00 -0400
Reply-To:     jbrush@AROS.NET
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         John Brush <jbrush@AROS.NET>
Subject:      Re: Batteries in parallel?
Comments: To: George Averill <averill@LDL.NET>
In-Reply-To:  <000f01c23675$841c0ea0$38c5c2d1@averill>

>Does anyone have any information concerning problems which may result
>from connecting two 12 v. batteries in parallel to obtain more current?
>Seems like I remember that there are problems to be considered, but can't
>remember exactly what the problems were.  Maybe some solutions? George

It depends on the application.

If you are going to use the batteries in parallel full time, as in
charging and discharging, they should be identical batteries, matched as
best as possible, as in bought at the same time, preferably from the same
lot. Use big enough interconnecing wires, and they will behave as one
battery through the charge/discharge cycles and deliver the full life of
each battery.

If you plan to disconnect one and discharge it seperately from the other,
as some do with their second battery to run the lights, etc, then you have
a different set of rules to follow. Which kind of application are you
planning?

John