7 Comments

Mike I clicked the link and end up confused. AA and AAA batteries are 1.5 volts. This charger says input 5 volts and output 1.4 volts. 1.4 will not charge them fully. Is this just a misprint? Thanks

Expand full comment
author

Must be a misprint. It fully charged my batteries.

Expand full comment

When charging wet cells or AGM in parallel the current will divide and the stronger of the batteries will always take the most charge and will dictate when the charger so to speak shuts down. When charging in series both batteries will see the same current flow and charge at the same rate. If you have 4- 6 volt batteries in a series parallel connection one string will always be the better of the two. I am not that versed on the charging of lithium batteries however I would take a guess they would work the same?

Expand full comment

Forgot to mention that all connections, terminals, and battery conditions are important to help maintain equal charging for parallel connected batteries

Expand full comment

Mike,

With this in mind please confirm or deny if the following is fact or fiction: If batteries are connected in parallel and you connect a charger with the positive on the + terminal of the first battery and negative on the - terminal of the last battery they will automatically balance once fully charged. I have heard this repeatedly on other forums so am curious to know if it is true.

Expand full comment
author

Yes, that’s how it works as long as all the batteries are matched in chemistry, size and age. I’ve seen a few RV owners who tried to parallel an AGM with a Lithium battery, and the results were not good.

Expand full comment

I've wondered if this may be happening with my golf cart. I replaced the FLA (6x8v) with 4 12v lifepo4 Ampere Time batteries. Each battery has its own BMS and if the pack gets to 46 or so v it shuts down leaving you stranded. I'm thinking it would be best to break out the cells, remove the 12v BMS's and wire all cells with a single 48v 16s BMS. What are your thoughts? ( I have built lifepo4 packs before so have no problem rearranging the golf cart power)

Expand full comment