What is the best method of connecting multiple batteries ?

Topic: What is the best method of connecting multiple batteries ? (Read 1985 times) previous topic - next topic

What is the best method of connecting multiple batteries ?

February 26, 2015, 06:53:25 pm

Found this info concerning connecting batteries, thought would run it around for all out EE gents to give it a rating,
Don't be bashful, let her rip.
Thanks
SmartGauge Electronics - Interconnecting multiple batteries to form one...

Re: What is the best method of connecting multiple batteries ?

Reply #1 – February 26, 2015, 07:14:27 pm

IMO, #2 is close enough and easily done.

Re: What is the best method of connecting multiple batteries ?

Reply #2 – February 26, 2015, 08:11:56 pm

I agree on the easy method, however I have added the 4th Gel 8D to my get up in the LP Gas compartment (LP tank removed), wired it directly to the inverter/charger along with the existing original setup. It works great, but some times I think too much ?
Actually, was wondering what would be the best from a theory point of view.

Re: What is the best method of connecting multiple batteries ?

Reply #3 – February 26, 2015, 08:19:17 pm

We changed to layout #2 for both house and start banks.

Re: What is the best method of connecting multiple batteries ?

Reply #4 – February 26, 2015, 08:24:44 pm

B&C,
That reminds me of my engine setup, used pair of 2/00 for the pos. and same for the neg, connected to the outer terminals, now starting with or without the boost is identical.

Re: What is the best method of connecting multiple batteries ?

Reply #5 – February 26, 2015, 09:35:32 pm

I use number three. All cables equal lenght. The closer you can get to this the better the life and power will be.

Yearly rotation of the batteries in the bank will help equalize the batteries lives.

Re: What is the best method of connecting multiple batteries ?

Reply #6 – February 26, 2015, 10:12:23 pm

I use #3 but have the wires #4 all going to a common copper bus bar ie neutrals to n bar and positives to p bar all pretty much the same length.
johnH

Re: What is the best method of connecting multiple batteries ?

Reply #7 – February 27, 2015, 10:23:24 am

Dave,

Looks to be a good article with excellent illustrations. I do have a problem with the smug statement in the last paragraph. "There really is no excuse whatsoever (apart from, perhaps, incompetence or laziness) for using the first example given at the top of this page. " Not everyone is an electrical specialist but most readers seek to gain knowledge from those with expertise. If one is seeking to teach, It's best not to belittle the reader.

Pierce

Re: What is the best method of connecting multiple batteries ?

Reply #8 – February 27, 2015, 05:36:36 pm

Think it was meant to get attention

WORKED TOO!

Re: What is the best method of connecting multiple batteries ?

Reply #9 – February 27, 2015, 09:40:29 pm

That was an amazingly useful article. Many thanks, especially given the fact that we're about to install a hideously expensive battery that's made out of 4 cells wired together from Balqon. Hopefully the the cells will be wired in at least #2, but if not I may well be able to fix it within the case of the unit itself and I'll probably shoot for #3 or 4. Amazingly timely gem of information. :-)

Re: What is the best method of connecting multiple batteries ?

Reply #10 – February 28, 2015, 07:25:10 pm

It's all over engineering unless continuously drawing high loads all the time (which I doubt many people are doing on their battery banks on their RV). If you have sufficient big cable connecting batteries, the run is so short that it really won't make a PRACTICAL difference.

In the real world, dirty connections are likely to be much more resistance than attaching a bunch of wires. And adding all that many more wires adds more connections to get dirty.

Re: What is the best method of connecting multiple batteries ?

Reply #11 – February 28, 2015, 11:31:46 pm

I have to agree with Krush. So few owners will pull terminals and clean them on a regular basis. All you have to do is to go back and feel the terminals after even a winter start of a few seconds. The terminals will be warm to hot, all because there is resistance between the battery terminal and the connector. This is real world, not a fantasy world of someone with an big ego that can type.

Pierce

Re: What is the best method of connecting multiple batteries ?

Reply #12 – March 01, 2015, 12:53:05 am

I like the idea of running the batteries to bus bars, Where is a good place to buy these?

Re: What is the best method of connecting multiple batteries ?

Reply #13 – March 01, 2015, 07:46:19 am

I agree, but disagree

I'm not an engineer or mechanical-guru by any means. What I have is common sense;
I agree on a std installation, 2-3 (wet cell, agm, gel) batteries-over kill.

I disagree that the flow charge-discharge is not affected in a standard setup. It gets complicated with 4 batteries like some have done especially if you have a expensive lithium ion setup. For these I would think the best is the way to go.

Im lucky, PO has a bar #2 this was don years ago, like 95, 96, so it means something and he was an engineer!

Re: What is the best method of connecting multiple batteries ?

Reply #14 – March 01, 2015, 08:24:57 am

Photo's Please

Re: What is the best method of connecting multiple batteries ?

Reply #15 – March 01, 2015, 08:41:06 am

sorry this is not a better picture I was waiting in the snow in my house slippers got 8 inches last night not my best idea.

the rod goes through where you would normally connect a cable.

Re: What is the best method of connecting multiple batteries ?

Reply #16 – March 01, 2015, 09:45:19 am

OH'BOY!! I'm screwed? Everytime I look at different battery wiring configurations I get more confused!!
I have one large 8D 12V for the coach, one 12V starting battery for the engine/chassis, one solar panel up on the roof that hooks up to something in the battery compartment under the steps, one salesman's switch, and one boost switch on the dash. This is the way it came to us except for changing the engine/chassis battery from a 8D. Currently the pos to pos and neg to neg is the way the batteries are connected.
We have "lost" the 8D coach battery twice in five years! I read somewhere that not to leave the boost switch on when hooked up to shorepower or it would fry the house battery. True? Currently I was moving the engine battery over to the house battery side and putting in a new engine battery. Gets expensive!!

Re: What is the best method of connecting multiple batteries ?

Reply #17 – March 01, 2015, 10:14:57 am

norm, same exact setup that I had with the 88 you're fine. That Coach is only designed for 2 sets of batteries.

My wet cell batteries lasted 2-4 years untill I changed that old charger.. then house lasted until I sold it.

The solar should be connected to engine, directly only. But if you store it inside that dosent work. Its ok to tieboth together for a trickle charge but dont leave the boost on unless starting.

My advice and experience is free, you determine if its worth anything

Re: What is the best method of connecting multiple batteries ?

Reply #18 – March 01, 2015, 11:17:54 am

John, sorry to say in my mind your battery cable/connections look like they need a good going over/replacement as they sure look bad to me(but I have been wrong before)
Lon & Cheryl-- I made my own bars out of 2"x3/8th copper bars and drilled/tapped for mounting battery cables to. Made my own insulators out of fibreglass resin (moulded ) to mount them on . Here is a picture so you get the idea.
JohnH

Re: What is the best method of connecting multiple batteries ?

Reply #19 – March 01, 2015, 01:25:58 pm

Bill, link did not work for me
JohnH

Re: What is the best method of connecting multiple batteries ?

Reply #20 – March 01, 2015, 01:41:02 pm

PowerBar - Blue Sea Systems

Any of these should work depending on your application.

Re: What is the best method of connecting multiple batteries ?

Reply #21 – March 01, 2015, 02:19:35 pm

JohnH, really?

LOL

Hey in 7 days we have had 16-18" of snow.. God willing, my last winter like this.

I promise.. I will get them cleaned up..

Re: What is the best method of connecting multiple batteries ?

Reply #22 – March 01, 2015, 04:14:31 pm

Soap & water along with a battery brush, pickling spray (the red stuff) and
rotating after load testing each battery yearly is akin to money in the bank. pc

Re: What is the best method of connecting multiple batteries ?

Reply #23 – March 01, 2015, 04:16:43 pm

Lets try this one.Welcome to Mark's Fulltime RV Resource

Re: What is the best method of connecting multiple batteries ?

Reply #24 – March 01, 2015, 04:59:56 pm

Quote from: John Haygarth – March 01, 2015, 11:17:54 am

John, sorry to say in my mind your battery cable/connections look like they need a good going over/replacement as they sure look bad to me(but I have been wrong before)
Lon & Cheryl-- I made my own bars out of 2"x3/8th copper bars and drilled/tapped for mounting battery cables to. Made my own insulators out of fibreglass resin (moulded ) to mount them on . Here is a picture so you get the idea.
JohnH

VERY NICE!

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