{"id":8448,"date":"2023-04-28T09:28:48","date_gmt":"2023-04-27T23:28:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/batterytools.net\/?p=8448"},"modified":"2023-05-19T11:40:10","modified_gmt":"2023-05-19T01:40:10","slug":"can-i-connect-two-batteries-of-different-voltage-in-parallel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/batterytools.net\/can-i-connect-two-batteries-of-different-voltage-in-parallel\/","title":{"rendered":"Can I Connect Two Batteries of Different Voltage in Parallel?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Connecting two batteries with the same voltage in parallel generates output. However, if you connect them at different voltages, you’ll create a complex short circuit. The battery with the higher voltage sends a charging current to the lower voltage until it’s equal. If this happens, you and your device will be severely harmed. If you want to learn more about connecting two batteries with different voltages in parallel and its possible harmful effects, continue reading.<\/p>\n

Can you connect different amp-hour batteries in parallel?<\/h2>\n

Many have thought, what happens if you put two batteries in parallel? You should not connect two batteries of different voltages in <\/span>parallel<\/span><\/a>\u00a0as this would damage them by reducing the battery’s charge to a lower voltage. If they are rechargeable, the impact might be less since the\u00a0<\/span>battery with a lower capacity will stop accepting a charge<\/span><\/a>\u00a0beyond a certain extent even though the current will keep flowing.<\/span><\/p>\n

If the difference in voltage between the two batteries is minor, the current will pass from the higher to the lower voltage, leading to overheating and stopping the current flow. But, if the voltage difference is higher, the current flow causes the battery to leak,\u00a0<\/span>discharge<\/span><\/a>, or even explode, leading to a hazardous situation.<\/span><\/p>\n

Can You Connect Batteries in Parallel from Different Brands?<\/h2>\n

Ideally, you should not connect\u00a0<\/span>batteries in parallel<\/span><\/a>\u00a0from different brands, even if they have the same voltage or if the voltage difference is only 0.5 volts since it would cause the current to flow from a higher to a lower voltage.<\/span><\/p>\n

Although this might not cause significant damage, like leakages or explosions, it might still cause the battery to overheat, leading to minor damage in terms of how long the battery can function well.<\/span><\/p>\n

Can You Connect Discharged and Charged Batteries in Parallel?<\/h2>\n

You cannot connect discharged and charged batteries in parallel. With a higher voltage capacity, the current will flow from the charged to the discharged battery to bring the batteries to a balance.<\/p>\n

However, instead of creating a balance, the charged and discharged batteries<\/a> will only take more heat than they can handle, causing them to leak or explode.<\/p>\n

Can You Connect New and Old Batteries?<\/h2>\n

Connecting new and old batteries will not be efficient. Since batteries tend to lose charge<\/a> as time passes, the old batteries will reduce capacity and cannot create a balance with the new batteries.<\/p>\n

Although the consequent impact of connecting new and old batteries in parallel might not be extreme, it could still lead to a lower output than required for your device. Additionally, the new battery’s lifespan is quickly reduced when combined with the older battery.<\/p>\n

Things to consider<\/h2>\n

To ensure a balance between the batteries when they are connected in parallel, consider the following:<\/p>\n