How to Connect 8 12V Batteries to Make 48V

How to Connect 8 12V Batteries to Make 48V: A Step-by-Step Guide

This blog post will guide you through the process, ensuring you have a solid grasp of how to achieve a 48V system.

Creating a 48V battery system from eight 12V batteries is a common task for many DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike, especially in applications such as golf carts, renewable energy systems, and backup power setups. Understanding how to properly connect these batteries is crucial for safety and efficiency. This blog post will guide you through the process, ensuring you have a solid grasp of how to achieve a 48V system.

Understanding Series and Parallel Connections

First, it’s important to differentiate between series and parallel connections:

  • Series Connection: Increases the voltage output without changing the amp-hour (Ah) capacity. Connecting two 12V batteries in series gives you 24V.
Series Connection
  • Parallel Connection: Increases the amp-hour capacity while keeping the voltage the same. Connecting two 12V batteries in parallel keeps the voltage at 12V but doubles the capacity.
Parallel Connection

Materials Needed

  • 8 x 12V batteries

  • Battery cables

  • Wrenches or tools for connecting terminals

  • Voltage meter (optional, for testing)

Step-by-Step Guide to Making a 48V Battery Array

Step 1: Plan Your Layout

Decide how you will physically arrange your batteries. Ensure you have enough space and that the connections are accessible. It’s a good practice to sketch the layout.

Step 2: Series Connections

To achieve 48V, you need to connect your batteries in series in groups. Here’s how you do it:

  1. Create Two 48V Groups:
    • Group 1: Connect four 12V batteries in series.
      • Connect the positive terminal of Battery 1 to the negative terminal of Battery 2.
      • Connect the positive terminal of Battery 2 to the negative terminal of Battery 3.
      • Finally, connect the positive terminal of Battery 3 to the negative terminal of Battery 4.
      • The remaining free terminals on Battery 1 (negative) and Battery 4 (positive) will be used in the final step.
    • Group 2: Repeat the above steps for Batteries 5 to 8.

Step 3: Parallel Connection of the Two Groups

Once you have two 48V groups:

  • Connect the negative terminal of Battery 1 in Group 1 to the negative terminal of Battery 5 in Group 2.
  • Connect the positive terminal of Battery 4 in Group 1 to the positive terminal of Battery 8 in Group 2.
Two Parallel Sets of 4 Batteries in Series

Step 4: Secure and Check Connections

Ensure all connections are tight and secure. Loose connections can lead to poor performance or safety hazards. Use a voltage meter to check the total output voltage across the system’s main positive and negative terminals to ensure it reads approximately 48V.

Step 5: Test the System

Before putting the system into full operation, test it under load to make sure it operates correctly and safely.

Safety Tips

  • Always wear protective gear, such as gloves and goggles when working with batteries.

  • Ensure the area is well-ventilated when working on battery systems to avoid the buildup of potentially explosive gases.

  • Regularly check and maintain your battery connections to prevent corrosion and ensure optimal performance.

Conclusion

Connecting eight 12V batteries to form a 48V system can seem daunting, but by following these detailed steps, you can safely and effectively set up your battery configuration. This setup is ideal for high-power applications, providing the necessary voltage for efficient performance. Remember, safety is paramount, so take your time to ensure everything is done correctly. Happy wiring!

Leave a comment

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Prices are updated in real time

Lithium Batteries Price List

Lithium Battery Model Price Discounted Buy link
36 volt golf cart batteries ez go 11 36V lithium golf cart battery for EZGO $1,599.99 Save $600.00 Shop Now
36 volt golf cart batteries for Club Car 11 36V 105Ah Club Car golf cart battery $1,599.99 Save $600.00 Shop Now
Vatrer 48V 105Ah ICON golf cart lifepo4 battery 11 48V 105Ah ICON lithium golf cart battery $1,699.99 Save $700.00 Shop Now
Vatrer 12V 100Ah 150A BMS LiFePO4 Battery for Trolling Motors Bluetooth Version 11 12V 100Ah (Trolling Motor) $249.99 Shop Now
Vatrer 12V 100Ah heated lithium battery 11 12V 100Ah (Self-heating) $269.99 Save $100.00 Shop Now
12v 100ah lithium ion battery 11 12V 100Ah $288.99 Save $31.00 Shop Now
12v 100ah lithium ion battery 11 12V 100Ah $169.99 Save $150.00 Shop Now
Vatrer 12V 100Ah(Group 24) Low Temp Cutoff LiFePO4 Battery with Bluetooth 11 12V 100Ah (Group 24) $219.00 Shop Now
Vatrer 12V 12Ah LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Battery 11 12V 12Ah $59.99 Sold out Shop Now
Vatrer 12V 200Ah 100A BMS Low Temp Cutoff LiFePO4 Lithium Battery 11 12V 200Ah 100A BMS $439.99 Shop Now
12V 200Ah Bluetooth LiFePO4 Lithium Battery 11 12V 200Ah (Self-heating) $559.99 Shop Now
Vatrer 12V 200Ah Plus 200A BMS Low Temp Cutoff Lithium Battery 11 12V 200Ah Plus 200A BMS $459.99 Save $130.00 Shop Now
Vatrer 12V 20AH LiFePO4 Rechargeable Deep Cycle Lithium Battery 11 12V 20Ah $69.99 Shop Now
12V 230AH Low Temp Cutoff LiFePO4 RV Battery 11 12V 230Ah $539.99 Save $100.00 Shop Now
12V 300Ah LiFePO4 Lithium Battery 11 12V 300Ah $669.99 Save $220.00 Shop Now
Vatrer 12V 300AH Bluetooth LiFePO4 Lithium Battery with Self-Heating 11 12V 300Ah (Self-heating) $669.99 Shop Now
Vatrer 12V 30AH LiFePO4 Lithium Rechargeable Battery 11 12V 30Ah $89.99 Shop Now
lithium battery for rv 11 12V 460Ah $1,399.99 Save $300.00 Shop Now
Vatrer 12V 50Ah LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Battery 11 12V 50Ah $119.99 Save $80.00 Shop Now
Vatrer 12V 7Ah LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Fish Finder Battery 11 12V 7Ah $29.99 Sold out Shop Now
24V 100Ah LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Battery 11 24V 100Ah $559.99 Save $140.00 Shop Now
24V 200Ah Lithium Battery 11 24V 200Ah $1,099.99 Shop Now
36V 105Ah LiFePO4 Golf Cart Battery 11 36V 105Ah lithium golf cart battery $1,599.99 Save $600.00 Shop Now
48V 100Ah Stacked Cells Modular Battery Pack 11 48V Stacked 2 Cells Modular Battery $4,999.99 Save $400.00 Shop Now
48V 100AH LiFePO4 Server Rack Lithium Solar Battery 11 48V 100Ah $1,199.99 Sold out Shop Now
48V 105Ah lithium golf cart battery for Club Car 11 48V 105Ah Narrow Version Golf Cart Battery $1,699.99 Save $700.00 Shop Now
48V 105Ah LiFePO4 Club Car Golf Cart Battery 11 48V 105Ah Club Car lithium golf cart battery $1,699.99 Save $700.00 Shop Now
48V 105Ah LiFePO4 Golf Cart Battery 11 48V 105Ah EZ GO lithium golf cart battery $1,699.99 Save $700.00 Shop Now
Yamaha golf cart batteries 11 48V 105Ah Yamaha golf cart battery $1,699.99 Save $700.00 Shop Now
48V Golf Cart Battery 11 48V 105Ah LiFePO4 lithium golf cart battery $1,699.99 Save $700.00 Shop Now
48V 105Ah Heated LiFePO4 Golf Cart Battery 11 48V 105Ah (Self-heating) golf cart battery $1,879.99 Save $1,420.00 Shop Now
Vatrer 48V 150Ah High Capacity Lithium Golf Cart Battery, 200A BMS, 7680Wh, Max 10.24kW Power Output 11 48V 150Ah Golf Cart Battery $2,499.99 Save $1,400.00 Shop Now
51.2V 100Ah LiFePO4 Lithium Solar Battery 11 51.2V 100Ah $986.99 Save $313.00 Shop Now
Wall Mounted Lithium Battery 11 51.2V 100Ah Wall-Mounted $1,299.99 Save $300.00 Shop Now
Vatrer 72V Club Car Batteries 6 72V(70.4V) Battery for Club Car $2,499.99 Save $1,200.00 Shop Now
gem lithium conversion 11 72V(70.4V) Battery for GEM $2,499.99 Save $1,200.00 Shop Now
72 volt golf cart battery 11 72V(70.4V) 105Ah $2,499.99 Save $1,200.00 Shop Now

Subscribe to our newsletter

Join our community. Get the latest news & offers!