How to Connect Multiple Deep Cycle

Batteries
by G.K. Bayne, eHow Contributor

By connecting multiple deep cycle batteries, you can increase either the
storage capacity or the voltage of any battery system. The most common
connection is a parallel termination, in which the power is increased, but the
voltage remains the same as each individual battery. In other words, a bank of
parallel-connected 12-volt batteries will still provide 12 volts of power. A series
connection, meanwhile, increases the voltage by each individually connected
battery: four series-connected 12-volt batteries will provide 48 volts of power.

Things You'll Need

4x deep cycle 12-volt batteries, 500 amp-hour capacity
2x battery post connectors for each battery
2x battery cables, 18 inches minimum length for each connection
1x 1/2-inch end wrench
1x 7/16-inch end wrench

Instructions
Lay the batteries next to each other, so that the long sides of the batteries
are 1 or 2 inches apart. (Maintain this space between the plastic
cases--the batteries will swell slightly during certain times of the year).
1.
Attach the battery post connectors to each top post on the deep cycle
batteries. Use the 1/2-inch end wrench to tighten the clamp's bolt. Do not
over tighten the bolt, but make it tight enough so the clamp cannot move
on the battery post.
2.
Make a parallel connection of the deep cycle batteries by connecting all
the positive terminals together. Begin at one battery. Insert one cable into
the top post connector's cable clamp. Tighten the cable clamp with the
7/16-inch end wrench. Run the cable to the next battery's positive
terminal. Make the same connection at this battery, and so on, until all the
positive terminals are connected together.
3.
Repeat Step 3 for the batteries' negative terminals. The total voltage will
remain the same as each battery's individual voltage: 12 volts. The
storage capacity, however, will be multiplied by the number of connected
batteries. In this example, a bank of four parallel-connected 500 amp-hour
batteries equals 2000 amp-hours.
4.
Make a series connection using the same batteries. Assume that all of the
battery connectors are already attached to the top posts, but no cables
are connecting the batteries.
5.
Run a cable from the positive terminal on one battery to the negative
terminal on the battery next to it.
6.
Tighten the cables in the battery connector. Perform the same connection
from that last battery's positive connector to the next battery's negative
connection. Keep making this cable connection until all of the batteries
are connected together from the positive post to the next negative post. In
this type of connection, the voltage of the four batteries will total 48 volts.
The overall storage charge is equal to each individual battery's capacity,
or 500 amp-hours.
7.

Tips & Warnings
Connecting multiple batteries creates a large storage bank of power.
These storage banks can be used for marine trolling motors, back up
home electrical systems and vehicle winching systems for recovery.
When connecting or charging deep cycle batteries, in parallel or series
connections, use only a single type of battery in the configuration. In
other words, do mix a regular car battery with a deep cycle sealed gel
cell. Mixing battery types in any storage bank will cause permanent
damage to the batteries.
Locate batteries in a well ventilated area. When batteries are charging or
discharging they will emit a flammable gas.
Keep all batteries away from open flames.

References
Battery Minders.com
Rainbow Power Company

Resources
Wholesalesolar.com: Battery Maintenance