Charge Batteries in Series

[mcasey]

I have two 12 volt batteries wired in series producing 24 volts. Can I charge them wired this way with a standard 12v charger?

 

[Alec_t]

No. Charge them individually.

 

[mcasey]

Please explain. How are golf carts charged? They have several batteries wired in series. They do not have to be charged individually....

 

[BobK]

They are probably charged in series. If the batteries are identical and in the same condition, it will sort of work. A balancing charger can charge batteries in series while treating each one individually by bypassing it once it becomes fully charged. This is typically done with LiPo batteries.

Bob

 

[Alec_t]

In other words, you need a special charger to charge batteries in series; not a standard 12V charger.

 

[davenn]

I have two 12 volt batteries wired in series producing 24 volts. Can I charge them wired this way with a standard 12v charger?

does 24V = 12V ..... no

use a 24V charger

 

[Kiwi]

Two 12v batteries in series require a 24v charger.
Batteries have to be identical for this to work correctly.
The charger also has to be the correct type for the batteries being charged.