Forum Discussion
ken_white
Sep 18, 2014Explorer
This is a much debated topic, but for the minimal series/parallel battery systems typically found in an RV, cable lengths really don't have a very significant effect on charging if a quality multi-stage charger is used.
During heavy battery loading/charging, there will be a slight imbalance in current flow due to varying cable resistance which creates a corresponding voltage drop across the connections.
If the batteries are in good condition and of the same type/size, then as they approach full charge current is reduced and voltage drop issues are reduced too, so the charge starts to balance and is eventually very close as long as the varying cable lengths are not severe.
Having mixed age, size and type batteries will typically create an imbalance condition that has a much worse charging/discharging effect than cable lengths.
During heavy battery loading/charging, there will be a slight imbalance in current flow due to varying cable resistance which creates a corresponding voltage drop across the connections.
If the batteries are in good condition and of the same type/size, then as they approach full charge current is reduced and voltage drop issues are reduced too, so the charge starts to balance and is eventually very close as long as the varying cable lengths are not severe.
Having mixed age, size and type batteries will typically create an imbalance condition that has a much worse charging/discharging effect than cable lengths.
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