Key Points:
- Connect the 4 batteries of 12 volts in series to increase their overall voltage.
- Connect the positive terminal of the first battery to the negative terminal of the second battery to put up a series connection.
- Make sure to use batteries of the same configuration.
A battery bank is a result of joining two or more batteries together for a single application. It either improves the efficiency or enhances its backup time. But how to connect batteries to form a battery bank?
Well, connecting multiple batteries in series or parallel makes a battery bank. For instance, if you need to connect four 12V batteries to make a 48V battery bank, you need to connect the four batteries in series as joining multiple batteries in series increases the overall voltage while keeping their capacity the same.
If you need to know how to connect 4 12V batteries to make 48V, this article is the go-to place for you. It will briefly discuss the proper way to connect batteries in series so that you don’t end up damaging the circuitry in the end.
So, let’s get started!
The Basics of Wiring Batteries in Series or Parallel
Okay, before jumping directly into the connections and procedures, let us have a look at the basics of wiring two or multiple batteries in series or parallel.
There are two main ways to wire batteries to meet your needs. For example, RV’s and solar applications need a 24V DC system to run. To build up the required voltage and capacity, you need more than one battery obviously. You can wire batteries in series or parallel to meet your need.
Batteries in a series connection increase the system’s overall voltage. When you connect multiple batteries in series, you will get the summation amount of voltage that all the batteries have that are connected to the system. However, it doesn’t increase or decrease the capacity of the system.
For example, if you connect four 8 volts 500 A/H batteries in series, the resultant system will provide 32 volts of power with the same 500 A/H capacity. It is important to keep in mind that you must use a charger that matches the voltage of the system.
Batteries in a parallel connection, on the other hand, increase the overall capacity of the system. When you connect multiple batteries in parallel, you will get the same voltage, while the capacity will be the summation of all the battery’s capacities that are connected to it.
For example, if you connect four 8 volts 500 A/H batteries in parallel, the resultant system will provide 2000 A/H of capacity, while keeping the voltage as 8 volts.
Connecting 4 12V Batteries to Make 48V
Now it is time to discuss in brief how to connect 4 12V batteries to make 48V. By now, you should get an idea of how to get 48 volts from four 12 volts batteries. If you guessed it right, you should understand that the batteries should be wired in a series connection to attain the required voltage.
Connecting 4 batteries in series
To connect four 12 volts of batteries in series, firstly you need to place the batteries close to each other at first. Then you also need an ample amount of jumper cables to successfully make the connection.
Once you have all the equipment, use a jumper cable to connect the negative terminal of the first battery to the positive terminal of the second battery. Then use another set of cables to connect the remaining positive and negative terminals of the system.
You can follow the figure shown below where four 12 volts batteries are connected in series. The red and black points indicate the positive and negative terminals respectively. You can see how a positive terminal is connected to the negative terminal of the next battery. The negative of the first battery and the positive of the last battery is then connected to the load for which you make this arrangement to complete the circuit.
Figure: Four 12V batteries are connected in series to make 48V
However, keep in mind to connect the batteries of the same voltage and capacity rating, for example, 12 volts and 500-ampere hours. Otherwise, you may end up with different issues such as the higher charged battery will start charging the lower charged battery to balance the circuit.
Also, while connecting, don’t cross the remaining open positive and negative terminals with each other which will cause a short circuit. It may cause serious injury or damage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
How Many 12V Batteries That Make 48v?
The smallest size of a 48 volts system consists of four 12 volts of batteries that are connected in series. If the four 12-volt batteries are connected in series, the resultant will provide 48V overall.
How do you hook up 4 12 volt batteries in series?
As mentioned above, to hook up 4 12 volts batteries in series, you need to connect the positive of the first battery to the negative terminal of the second battery. Then, the positive point of the second battery will be connected to the negative terminal of the third battery. The process goes on till the last one. Finally, connect the negative terminal of the first battery and the positive terminal of the last battery to the load.
What Is The Difference Between The Series And Parallel Connection Of Batteries?
The main difference between a series and a parallel connection of batteries is the connection pattern. You have to connect the positive terminal of the first battery to the negative terminal of the second battery to join them in a series.
On the other hand, to connect batteries in parallel, you must connect the positive terminal to another positive terminal as well as negative to the negative terminals.
How To Extend The Runtime Of The Batteries?
To extend the runtime of the batteries, you should connect them in parallel. As in parallel connection, overall capacity increases, while the voltage remains the same, it makes the batteries work for longer periods of time. You can visit how to connect batteries in parallel to extend runtime to get to know in detail.
Final Word
So, now you know how to connect 4 12v batteries to make 48v, isn’t it?
The process is pretty straightforward if you can do it correctly. Just follow the series connection process carefully. Don’t be confused with the positive and the negative terminals. Also, make sure to connect the batteries of the same configuration.
I hope you liked reading the article. Please write down below if you have any more queries to ask. I would be happy to respond.
Thank you.
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