Recreational Vehicle (RV) Technician Practice Test

What is the effect of paralleling batteries on overall performance?

1. Increases voltage

2. Decreases voltage

3. Increases capacity

4. Decreases capacity

The correct answer is: Increases capacity

Paralleling batteries is an effective way to enhance the overall capacity of a battery system. When batteries are connected in parallel, the capacity of the system is equal to the sum of the capacities of each individual battery. This means that if you have multiple batteries with a certain amp-hour rating, their combined capacity increases, allowing for longer usage time and improved performance before needing to recharge. For instance, if you connect two batteries rated at 100 amp-hours each in parallel, the total capacity of the system becomes 200 amp-hours. This enhancement in capacity is particularly beneficial in applications like recreational vehicles, where extended power availability is often necessary for various onboard systems. The increase in capacity does not affect the voltage, which remains the same as that of a single battery. This is why the correct response emphasizes that paralleling batteries increases capacity, making the system more efficient for prolonged energy demands.