Xantrex Technology PS2.5 Cables, Cabling & Hook-up Configurations, Parallel Connection, 50 Ah

Section 7: Batteries

Cables

Inspect all battery cables for missing or damaged insulation or loose connections. Inspect any openings through which the cables pass. Ensure that all such openings are equipped with a rubber grommet or conduit to prevent chafing the cable. If necessary, replace worn grommets. If the cable insulation is worn, replace the cable.

Cabling & Hook-up Configurations

It is possible to connect individual batteries together to make a larger battery “bank” with heavy cables. The actual size of the cable depends upon whether the batteries are connected in parallel or series. Generally, the cables should not be smaller than the inverter cables—if the main cables are 4/0 AWG, the battery interconnects should be 4/0 AWG.

The best configuration is to connect the batteries both in series and parallel—a configuration often called “cross-tying”. This requires additional cables but reduces imbalances in the battery and can improve the overall performance. Consult your battery supplier for more information regarding the hook-up configuration required for your system.

Connect several smaller batteries together when creating a battery bank of substantial size. There are three ways to do this. Batteries can be connected in parallel series or series—parallel and cross-tied.

Parallel Connection

Batteries are connected in parallel when all the positive terminals of a group of batteries are connected and then, separately, all the negative terminals are connected. In a parallel configuration, the battery bank has the same voltage as a single battery, but an amp/hour rating equal to the sum of the individual batteries.

12V

50 Ah

12V	12V	12V
50 Ah	50 Ah	50 Ah

FUSED

DISCONNECT

12V INVERTER12V

(Total Battery Capacity

= 200 Amp Hours)

Prosine 2.5/3.0 Installation & Operation Guide 75