6v vs. 12v house batteries
If you have 4 6v house batteries, would you be better off to replace them with 2 12V house batteries.
Forum Discussion
Hi Folks,
I'm a twelve volt proponent (because I can't afford the modifications needed to use 2 volt jars). The chances of a cell failing are statistically greater using 12 volt jars, because there are often twice as many cells. Since there ARE twice as many, each cell has to work 50% less. That tends towards better voltage drop under high loads (275 amps, in my case).
In real life, failure due to shorting out a cell is a rather rare occurrence. It is certainly not an argument I'd use to support 12 volt being "superior" to 6 volt.
Choose what ever voltage works for you. Maintain what ever that is to the best of your knowledge and ability (including balanced wiring)--and the life span may surprise you. Ignore routine maintenance as well as leaving the bank partly charged--and the jars will almost certainly fail prematurely.
I'm a twelve volt proponent (because I can't afford the modifications needed to use 2 volt jars). The chances of a cell failing are statistically greater using 12 volt jars, because there are often twice as many cells. Since there ARE twice as many, each cell has to work 50% less. That tends towards better voltage drop under high loads (275 amps, in my case).
In real life, failure due to shorting out a cell is a rather rare occurrence. It is certainly not an argument I'd use to support 12 volt being "superior" to 6 volt.
Choose what ever voltage works for you. Maintain what ever that is to the best of your knowledge and ability (including balanced wiring)--and the life span may surprise you. Ignore routine maintenance as well as leaving the bank partly charged--and the jars will almost certainly fail prematurely.
