Thread: Batteries in parallel .

Hi Loanrangie, it all depends on location of the two batteries and what is likely to be the heaviest charge and discharge current loads.

Discharge current loads are usually the highest current loads encounter, so look at what you are likely to be using.

For instance, 12v to 240vac inverters are probably the highest loads you will need to cater for.

Next is the location of the two batteries. Are they going to be side by side, one battery on one side of your van and the other on the opposite side of your van.

If you can use something like 6B&S ( 13.5mm2 ) for both the Positive ( + ) and the Negative ( - ) cables, as 6B&S can safely handle a continuous current load of just over 100 amps, you should pretty well cover any event you are likely to come across.


Where high current handling cable is concerned, bigger is always better.

Originally Posted by drivesafe

Hi Loanrangie, it all depends on location of the two batteries and what is likely to be the heaviest charge and discharge current loads.

Discharge current loads are usually the highest current loads encounter, so look at what you are likely to be using.

For instance, 12v to 240vac inverters are probably the highest loads you will need to cater for.

Next is the location of the two batteries. Are they going to be side by side, one battery on one side of your van and the other on the opposite side of your van.

If you can use something like 6B&S ( 13.5mm2 ) for both the Positive ( + ) and the Negative ( - ) cables, as 6B&S can safely handle a continuous current load of just over 100 amps, you should pretty well cover any event you are likely to come across.


Where high current handling cable is concerned, bigger is always better.

Thanks Tim, batteries are side by side and I just bought a 2000w inverter so that will be the highest load.

Also, do you know what these fitting are called? They fit into the junction box on the house type solar panels I have on the van but can't find where to buy them from.
I thought they were the same as MC4 connector pins but they are slightly smaller.

Best to have an air gap between the batteries.

Hi again LoanRangie, those type of terminals are call Bootlace crimp terminals and they come in a variety of size and shapes.

There are very common and you should be able to get them in places like JayCar.

Originally Posted by drivesafe

Hi again LoanRangie, those type of terminals are call Bootlace crimp terminals and they come in a variety of size and shapes.

There are very common and you should be able to get them in places like JayCar.

I looked at bootlace crimps but these have little springs on them and are a snug fit, will try jaycar tomorrow and see what they have.

Sorry LoanRangie, I did not realise it had the fluting on the terminal.

They are called BANANA PLUGS and again, you should be able to get them at JayCar.

Yep, banana plugs, e.g.,

Black Banana 4mm Plug | Jaycar Electronics

Originally Posted by p38arover

Yep, banana plugs, e.g.,

Black Banana 4mm Plug | Jaycar Electronics

Very similar but without the flat shoulder where the screw clamps it into the fitting like the ones i have.