Inverter powered by a 12vdc alternator ?

[Lloyd]

Here is a proper post clamp

But don't stack the cable...one to each side only

This is an improper post clamp, , as it only allows you to stack the cable lugs...lug to lug.

Lloyd

[squarebob]

Please look at the attached pic. What would be the "correct" way to wire the 3 banks to the load. I labeled all the terminals to make it easier to explain.

Thanks

Bob

[mbryner]

Hi squarebob,

Your diagram shows each bank of batteries in parallel, not in series.   To get 24 V out of each group, your cables will have to go diagonal, + to -, to connect in series to get 24 V.   So, using your diagram: in each bank, connect the (-) of the top battery to the (+) of the next battery down, and so on.   You will use half the number of battery cables as you have shown.

Then you connect the (+) of all 3 banks together and the (-) together (parallel) to get more amps.  i.e. A-B-C together, and E-F-G together.

A-B-C  -->  D
E-F-G  -->  H

Make sure you use large enough cables and keep the cable lengths the same to minimize losses.   Tape up your wrenches w/ electrical tape (or insulate them somehow) so you can't inadvertently touch 2 terminals together.   With that many batteries together the amount of juice is tremendous and you can weld wrenches to terminals and fry yourself.   Be careful!

Marcus

[squarebob]

OOPS............ Let me redo that!!!!!!

[squarebob]

I think this is the correct way

A to B
B to C
G to F
F to E

Cable Length all the same

C to D
E to H

Cable Length all the same

[mbryner]

Yep, much better.   

[mike90045]

for multiple battery connections, read this site
http://www.smartgauge.co.uk/batt_con.html
about proper battery connections. (on the Diagonal)

Also connect your loads and sources to the SAME terminals on the battery.