Battery question

[altpwr]

Hi,

I am looking to set up a 12v system, and just received (2) 13.2 volt batteries.  I am planning on hooking these up to my existing batteries in parallel, to increase  my amp hrs.  My Q is: Will this harm existing batteries/inverter in any way?

Thanks in advance,

Altpwr

[RobD]

You want to try and keep the batteries:

1. About the same age.
   
2. Same type (ex. flooded)
   
3. Same voltage.
   
4. Same rating (amp hours)
   

[wpowokal]

13.2Volt batteries, me thinks these are 12volt batteries holding 13.2v.

regards allan

[gatu]

13.2 v may be the charge voltage, 12 volts delivered. If the voltage is different, however, and you connect in parallel, then the voltage will tend to equalise, so that the higher voltage mis-matched batteries will constantly be at part load and so deteriorate rapidly (assuming lead acid). If you connect in series, using a step up transformer, you overcome this problem, but may run into others, as if any cell in series breaks down, none of the cells will charge