Can you mix different voltage batteries?

Can you mix different voltage batteries?

Summary. In short, connecting batteries of different voltages in series will work, but damage will be done to both batteries during the discharge and recharge cycles. The more one is damaged, the more the other one will be damaged and both will need replacing long before needed.

Can you connect batteries in parallel with different voltages?

Connecting batteries of different voltage ratings in parallel is not possible. It will result in very large current flowing from battery of higher voltage rating to battery of lower voltage rating.

What happens when you put two batteries of different voltages in parallel?

If two batteries of different voltage rating are connected in parallel, they will fight each other and try to balance the voltage. In case of small voltage difference between two batteries the current will start flowing from higher voltage battery into lower voltage battery.

How do batteries with different voltages affect the electric current in the same circuit?

The current in a circuit is directly proportional to the electric potential difference impressed across its ends and inversely proportional to the total resistance offered by the external circuit. The greater the battery voltage (i.e., electric potential difference), the greater the current.

What happens if I connect rechargeable batteries in parallel?

If you connect rechargeable batteries in parallel and one is discharged while the others are charged – the charged batteries will attempt to charge the discharged battery.

Can I connect my load to more than one battery?

You CAN connect your load to ONE of the batteries, and it will drain both equally. However, the preferred method for keeping the batteries equalized is to connect to the positive at one end of the battery pack, and the negative at the other end of the pack. It is also possible to connect batteries in series and parallel configuration.

Can you put two power supplies of the same voltage together?

Putting two power supplies of equal voltage together is not likely to result in a good distribution of current. Putting two power supplies of different voltage together is an even more terrible idea. Either the lower voltage supply shuts off (and is useless) or it sinks current.

Is it safe to connect +5V and +12V in series?

Most likely you’ve back-biased the +5V and put 12V on some electrolytic capacitors that are probably only rated at 10V. Connecting the +12V and +5V in series is only “safe” if one of those rails has a return independent of the other.