Understanding Battery Connections: Series vs. Parallel for DIY Gate Automation

Hello, Graeme here again from Gatehouse Security! Today, we’re diving into a topic that’s essential for anyone working with automatic gate kits, solar-powered gate systems, or off-grid power solutions—battery configurations.

If you've ever wondered how to connect batteries properly for gate motors, solar systems, or backup power, you need to understand the difference between series and parallel connections.

Series vs. Parallel Battery Connections: What’s the Difference?

🔋 Series Connection (Increasing Voltage)

When you connect two or more batteries in series, the voltage increases while the amp-hour (Ah) capacity stays the same.

How to Wire Batteries in Series:

• Connect the positive (+) terminal of one battery to the negative (-) terminal of the next.
• The remaining terminals (one positive, one negative) will provide the total output.

Example:

• Two 12V 9Ah batteries in series = 24V 9Ah
• Four 12V 100Ah batteries in series = 48V 100Ah

This setup is commonly used in automatic gate kits, which often require 24V power systems.

🔋 Parallel Connection (Increasing Capacity)

A parallel battery connection keeps the voltage the same but doubles (or multiplies) the amp-hour capacity, giving you more stored energy.

How to Wire Batteries in Parallel:

• Connect positive to positive and negative to negative across all batteries.
• The voltage remains unchanged, but the total amp-hour capacity increases.

Example:

• Two 12V 9Ah batteries in parallel = 12V 18Ah
• Four 12V 100Ah batteries in parallel = 12V 400Ah

This setup is useful for solar-powered gates or backup power systems, where you need longer battery life.

Combining Series and Parallel Connections

For larger systems, like solar storage or off-grid power, you can combine both series and parallel configurations.

🔹 Example: Building a 48V 200Ah Battery Bank

1. Connect four 12V 100Ah batteries in series → 48V 100Ah
2. Create another set of four batteries in series → 48V 100Ah
3. Connect both sets in parallel → 48V 200Ah

This setup doubles the storage capacity while maintaining 48V output, which is ideal for solar inverters and large-scale power systems.

Why This Matters for DIY Gate Automation

• Most automatic gate kits run on 24V power, so you need two 12V batteries in series.
• If using solar, a parallel setup increases battery life, ensuring gates function even during cloudy days.
• Choosing the right battery configuration prevents system failures and extends battery lifespan.

Need Batteries for Your Gate System?

At Gatehouse Security, we supply high-quality batteries for gate motors, solar systems, and backup power.

📩 Contact Graeme at graeme@gatehousesecurity.com.au for expert advice and battery solutions.