It is necessary to learn how to connect batteries in series and parallel. You will need a series of battery connections when you would like to add up the cells’ voltage. There are several applications where you would like to have a high voltage potential for certain power devices. In other cases, you would like to have high ampere-hour to power decides that have a high amperage rating. The parallel connection works well in adding up the amperage. There are some cases where you may like to combine series and parallel connections to achieve certain effects. It is good to understand how the batteries can be connected in both series and parallel. Below we are going to explain the differences when you connect the batteries in both series and parallel.
How to connect batteries in series
When you connect batteries in series, you are after increasing their voltage. The negative terminal of the battery is connected to the positive terminal to increase the voltage. It is like connecting a battery in a chain-like arrangement where the negative terminal connects to the positive terminal. All the batteries in the system should have the same voltage and amperage rating to avoid damaging them. Several systems require high voltage. In such a case, you will have to opt for a series connection.
What you need to create a parallel or series cell connection
There are several things you need to keep the circuit complete. We have listed several things you will need. We had to list all the things you need to make the connection work. You will need the following to get your circuit working:
Connecting wires
You can get copper wires to help you in making the connection. If the batteries are larger, then you will have to look for longer wires.
Batteries
There are different types of batteries you can use to create a parallel or series connection. Ensure you invest in a high-quality battery system that can produce enough charge. To preserve the batteries, ensure you get batteries of the same voltage and amperage ratings to create the perfect connection that will not lead to damaging other batteries.
A load
A circuit will not be complete without a load. You will need an electric lamp or any other device you can use in the circuit to avoid cases where you will lead to short circuits.
Series Connection applications
Increasing the voltage
The main aim of connecting batteries in series is to increase the voltage. Some devices may require high voltage at your campsite. In such a case, you can use the batteries to create a series connection. The connection will take you few minutes proved you have a connecting wire and the batteries. You will need wires that will connect one terminal to the other. Ensure you connect a negative terminal in one battery to another positive terminal. You can then have a final wire that runs from the negative to the load and then from the positive terminal load. The arrangement will help in powering several devices. Check out the voltage rating of the device you would like to power before you can proceed to have the connections.
Maintaining Ah constant
There are some applications where you would like to maintain the Ah constant. Some devices require low amperage, and you will like to stick to the manufacturer’s recommendations. In such a case, you can use several cells but connect them in series. The overall results will be an increase in voltage but low amperage. When there is high amperage, there are high chances of getting high resistance, leading to device damage. Check out the amperage specifications of your device before you proceed to apply the connections.
How to connect batteries in parallel
For parallel connection, you are after maintaining the batteries at a specific voltage but increasing the amperage. You will have to connect the positive terminals of the battery to the positive terminal, and the negative terminal of one cell should be connected to the other negative terminal. You will need wires to complete the connection. The load can be connected between the two wires that run through the positive-positive terminals and the negative-negative terminals.
Parallel Connection applications
You will require a parallel connection in applications where the devices will require low voltage but increase the Ah. Several designs require such connections. If your devices need such connections, then you will have to apply the parallel connections. It comes with several benefits.
Maintaining voltage at a specific level.
You may have some devices or home appliances in your campsite that will require maintaining the voltage at a specific level. You can have several batteries with the same voltage, but you would like to increase the amperage. In such a case, you can resort to parallel connections.
Increasing Ah
Some devices will require high amperage. You will have to invest in a connection that will lead to high amperage. Many people use parallel connections as a way of increasing the amperage. There are several devices you can power through the parallel connection. In most cases, they have high amperage ratings. Check out the ratings before you proceed to make the connections to avoid damaging the batteries.
There are cases where you will have to sue both parallel and series connections in the same circuit. It is a complex unit where you require several batteries, and in one part, you will create a similar connection to meet the needs of a given load, and in the other part, you will have to work on series to increase voltage and meet the requirement of another road. The principle is the same. For parallel, you will have to connect the positive terminal to the positive terminals, but in the case of a series connection, you will have to connect the opposite terminals together to great the connection. The connection may seem complicated at first, but you will realize it is easy to accomplish if you keep doing it regularly.
