AGM and GELL battery
Submitted: Saturday, Dec 27, 2014 at 13:58
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Member - John C SA
Hi All can anyone tell me If I can run an AGM and a GELL battery in parallel. I have a 120am AGM that I had in my last van. I have just got a new van which has a 100amp Gell installed and would like to run the two batteries. Thanks
John C
Reply By: Dennis Ellery - Saturday, Dec 27, 2014 at 18:14
Saturday, Dec 27, 2014 at 18:14
It’s not recommended to have batteries of different construction and ages connected in parallel.
That being said, I would do it, if the old AGM had plenty of life in it. I would have the charge rate set for the Gel Battery and the old AGM would charge as best it could at that setting.
When the van was not being used I would split them and put them on different chargers.
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Follow Up By: Member - John and Val - Saturday, Dec 27, 2014 at 19:55
Saturday, Dec 27, 2014 at 19:55
John,
I agree with Dennis. Not the best practice, but assuming that charging is optimised for the gel battery, you should get some benefit from the AGM. (AGMs usually have a higher charging voltage than gels so the AGM probably won't get a full charge while in parallel with the gel. Splitting them when the van isn't in use as Dennis suggests and giving the AGM a chance for a full charge should increase its lifespan.)
Cheers
John | J and V
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Follow Up By: Member - Phil G (SA) - Saturday, Dec 27, 2014 at 22:55
Saturday, Dec 27, 2014 at 22:55
Perhaps the easiest way to split the two batteries is with a 2-way battery switch like this:
LINK HERE
That way you can select which battery you want to use and charge, and you can also switch both batteries off during storage. If you want to run off one battery and charge the other, then I'd guess you'd need 2 switches.
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