Current Battery Setup

[GaBoy]

The previous owner had 2 batteries wired together. Both ground wires were going to the engine block and the second battery had the pos connected to the positive on the first battery and the pos on the first battery is connected to the starter. Both batteries were 12v, now with them connected this way am I running 24v or 12v? And should it be hooked up in a different manner or is this setup ok?

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Current Battery Setup

It is 12V. The batteries are wired in parallel. You may want to run the cables of the two batteries to a battery switch with the common side of the switch going to the starter.

 

[Big Keepers]

Re: Current Battery Setup

Isn't that a series circuit? The starter is drawing from two batteries. Two batteries are linked together via a positive lead and then jump to the starter. Regardless you want to eliminate that setup and use a switch.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Current Battery Setup

Isn't that a series circuit?

Both positives are connected together and both negatives are connected together...that is a parallel circuit.

 

[jtexas]

Re: Current Battery Setup

With your current set-up, you're draining both batteries when you run accessories, and not all motors have alternators capable of keeping two batteries charged - you could end up without sufficient cranking power.

What is the 2nd battery for, and what kind of motor are you charging them with?

 

[Big Keepers]

Re: Current Battery Setup

Both positives are connected together and both negatives are connected together...that is a parallel circuit.

Both negatives are still considered together even though they ground to the engine?

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Current Battery Setup

Both negatives are still considered together even though they ground to the engine?

Yes.

 

[GaBoy]

Re: Current Battery Setup

I am installing a switch to control the usaga and charging. Thanks for the info and replacing all cables also.