Checking voltage on connected 6 volt batteries

[LeBout]

When checking the voltage on linked 6 volt deep cycle batteries is it important where the leads from the voltage tester are contacting the batteries? In other words, can the testing be done on one battery alone when they are linked?

[bob213]

Take a look at the red 6v batteries here and make sure that is how you have them hooked up.
12 volt side of life

[MFL]

Yes, while I said parallel, the two 6Vs would need to be in series to achieve the proper operating voltage. IIRC, I think it was mentioned in other thread, "now everything is working properly". If that was the case, then maybe improper measurement is the problem.

Jerry

[wnjj]

Boon Docker wrote:

LeBout wrote:

MFL wrote:
To get the paralleled voltage of the two 6s, you need to do the pos of one battery, and the neg of the other.

Jerry

It's weird. Whether I test one battery on the positive and negative terminal or whether I test the positive terminal of one battery and the negative terminal of the other battery I get the same reading. About 6.5 volts

It sounds like the two batteries are connected in parallel (positive to positive, negative to negative) instead of in series (positive to negative).

Or the measurement is actually being taken between pos and pos or neg and neg.

[Boon_Docker]

LeBout wrote:

MFL wrote:
To get the paralleled voltage of the two 6s, you need to do the pos of one battery, and the neg of the other.

Jerry

It's weird. Whether I test one battery on the positive and negative terminal or whether I test the positive terminal of one battery and the negative terminal of the other battery I get the same reading. About 6.5 volts

It sounds like the two batteries are connected in parallel (positive to positive, negative to negative) instead of in series (positive to negative).

[enriquecruz8519]

I always test each batteries separately for the 1st time because if you have different charge levels on each battery it uncertain condition for the road. However after few charge cycles it doesn't require much attention.

[LeBout]

MFL wrote:
To get the paralleled voltage of the two 6s, you need to do the pos of one battery, and the neg of the other.

Jerry

It's weird. Whether I test one battery on the positive and negative terminal or whether I test the positive terminal of one battery and the negative terminal of the other battery I get the same reading. About 6.5 volts

[MFL]

To get the paralleled voltage of the two 6s, you need to do the pos of one battery, and the neg of the other.

Jerry

[Ed_Gee]

LeBout wrote:
When checking the voltage on linked 6 volt deep cycle batteries is it important where the leads from the voltage tester are contacting the batteries? In other words, can the testing be done on one battery alone when they are linked?

If you are only intending to check the status of the one battery, then yes, you can test that battery by placing your leads on the posts of that battery. However, if your intent is to check the status of your entire battery bank you need to measure across both linked batteries.....negative lead on the post going to chassis ground and positive lead on the OTHER batterie's hot lead.

[westernrvparkow]

Yes, you can test voltage on a single battery when they are hooked in series. Just remember that voltage can vary significantly depending upon whether or not there is any load. If you are testing house batteries, a good idea is to be running the microwave or another high amperage appliance when testing. Also remember to have the rig unplugged and the generator not running since that would activate the battery charging functions of the converter.

[rjstractor]

I read your other thread to get some context of your issue. Yes, you can test the voltage on the batteries individually, but obviously you will only get a reading of the individual battery (about 6.6 volts), not the two combined.