I think I have this correct but I've never done 6 batteries before so I just want to make sure I have it wired correctly.

The system consists of six 6 volt Golf Cart batteries with an output of 12 volts.  Do I have the wiring correct?

/? Clark wrote:

Dave, NO!!!! You will have one big explosion. Relook at the top two batteries, ignore the remainder for now, and you will see you have the two 6 volt batteries in a complete loop with each other. The moment you finish connect the loop there will be a short circuit with catastrophic results. Leave the batts as they are physically drawn and redraw as follows. On the FAR L.H pos terminals - join them all with jumpers. Join all the FAR R.H. neg. terminals with jumpers. Then join each HORIZONTAL battery pairs central neg and pos terminals - Horizontally , not vertical. Then add one pos lead at one corner and one neg lead at the opposite corner for your connection to the boat system. I don't see how I can add a dwg to this or I would.

Clark wrote 10:21 AM

Thank you JH Jensen for the redraw. I guess I need to study computerese and this site more. I usually like to see the final pos & neg system leads taken catty corner from the battery set. It helps to even out the draw and recharge current split so each battery contributes and is recharged more evenly. Keep the jumpers the same size as the main output conductors. It's a small point but I think worthwhile when the total cost and hoped for life of our systems is considered.

(Corrected Image per Clark's latest post and follow Clark's directions above)

Dave, I redrew your diagram per Clark's excellent instructions for you...He is correct. I am so glad you aked first! Someone could have been hurt badly or killed had this been hooked up as drawn.  I also color coded it so you can see what is what. Does not mean you have to color it that way. Red and Black are for your parallel wiring for the three 6 volt series pairs at 12 volts. Red for positive and  Black for neg as shown. Yellow for the series jumpers to bring each 6 volt pair to 12 volts.

Clark, Great catch and excellent instructions!  You get the good guy hat today!

Dave, You get a good guy hat too for taking the time to ask when you were not sure!

On a separate note. Here in the United States today July 1st has been declared "National Boating Day".  The exhange of safe information amongst boaters such as on  this board is what it is all about. The information in this thread is an excellent example of the good work being done.

Hope this helps and everyone have a safe "National Boating Day" !

John

NTSB Trained: Marine Surveyor/Investigator

ABYC Master Technician

Marine Educator/Trainer

"It's not just about the vessel... more importantly it is about the people, their safety and their vessels in that order. "(PFJ 1952-1986)