From the
IOTA Power Products
Technical Library
Best Solutions
for Series and
Parallel Charger
Installations
Utilizing multiple chargers for
increasing voltage or amperage
Content Highlights
Effect of Series and
Parallel Charger
Configurations
Custom charging configurations can consist of multiple chargers
Common Series and arranged in either series or parallel configurations (or a combination of
Parallel Charging both) to increase output voltage or capacity.
Applications
Series configurations may be used to increase output voltage of the
Typical Series and chargers to match the voltage of the battery and when space constraints
Parallel Wiring require a custom charging design. When the DC voltage requirement is
greater than the charger’s output voltage, chargers of the same voltage
can be connected in series with each charger adding to the total output
voltage, increasing volts with no effect on amps. For example, four 12V
55-amp chargers connected in series totals 48V 55-amps.
Parallel configurations are utilized when more capacity is required than
the capacity of a single charger. Chargers of the same voltage connect-
ed in parallel will increase amps with no effect on volts. For example,
four 12V, 55-amp chargers connected in parallel totals 12V, 220-amps.
Refer to Page 3 for typical wiring configurations for DLS chargers in se-
ries or parallel charging applications.
A common application for multi-charger
systems is in specialty vehicles
Best Solutions for Series and Parallel Charger Installations
Common Application of Series and Parallel Configurations
Operators of emergency response vehicles, mobile command posts, and mobile medical units depend on
the performance and reliability of their auxiliary batteries. Parallel and series battery charging is often used in
these specialty and highly customized mobile applications where auxiliary battery operation is mission critical
to powering onboard communications, medical equipment, computers, and lighting without depleting the
starting batteries.
These types of applications can have unique and demanding charging current and charge time requirements
to meet power supply and design needs. In many mission critical mobile applications, parallel charging is used
more often than series charging because it better meets charging capacity and redundancy requirements.
Careful consideration should be given to utilizing a series configuration for mission critical operations* since
the series is vulnerable to a single point of failure.
Parallel charging – when multiple chargers work together to deliver more capacity – is common in
applications requiring hundreds of amp-hours from the batteries to run communications, lights, and other
electronic equipment. Parallel charging also offers redundancy, which is an advantage to series configuration
in mission critical operations. Series and parallel connections can also be used together in nearly limitless
combinations to meet specific charging requirements.
Built-in Controllers Can Fight in Multi-Charger Configurations
The performance and life of the auxiliary batteries depend on maintaining full charge and not undercharging
or overcharging. Undercharging and overcharging both contribute to decreased performance and shorter
battery life.
Today’s smart chargers – chargers with built-in controllers – automatically apply the correct voltages during
multi-stage charging: bulk, absorption, float, and equalization. Correct application of the charging stages will
maintain a battery at full charge, balance undercharging and overcharging for best performance and long
battery life. In multiple charger configurations, automatic controls are even more important, especially in
series connections where overcharging is a potential hazard.
While smart chargers deliver clear charging benefits, multi-charger applications can present challenges to
chargers with built-in smart charge control technology. In this case, the charge controller manages the individ-
ual charger when the purpose of the series or parallel configuration is for the chargers to work together for to-
tal increased output voltage or increased amps. Chargers with built-in controllers can interfere with each other
in their various charge stages of bulk, absorption, float, and equalization and the batteries may not reach full
charge. In operations where auxiliary battery power is mission critical, chargers with built-in
controllers can contribute to decreased battery performance and battery life.
For this reason, it is recommended that charge control options are not applied to chargers when used in
series or parallel charging applications. For further details for these applications, contact Customer Service.
*See IOTA Life Support Policy on Page 4
2 IOTA ENGINEERING
From the IOTA Power Products Technical Library
Illustrations 1 and 2:
Typical wiring configurations
for multi-charging systems.
Illustration 1
Series Configuration
This illustration demon-
strates a typical series
configuration system.
When the battery chargers
are connected in series,
the system delivers in-
creased output voltage
(output voltage x num-
ber of chargers) but no
change in amperage.
Series configuration example:
Four 12V, 45-amp chargers in
series will provide 48-volts DC
and 45 amps to the battery load.
Illustration 2
Parallel Configuration
This illustration demonstrates
a typical parallel configura-
tion system. When the battery
chargers are connected in
parallel, the system delivers
increased amperage (amps x
number of chargers) with no
effect on the output voltage.
Parallel configuration example:
Four 12V, 45-amp chargers in parallel
will provide 12-volts DC and 180
amps to the battery load.
www.iotaengineering.com 3
Best Solutions for Series and Parallel Charger Installations
About IOTA Engineering
Explore Your Options IOTA®, an Acuity Brands® company, has worked continuously in the electronic R & D
field, designing and manufacturing innovative products for the lighting and elec-
tronics industries since 1968. Initially focused on the development of low voltage
solid state ballasts, IOTA has expanded to include emergency battery packs for
contemporary lighting designs, DC inverter ballasts, and AC/DC power converters
and battery chargers. The company is a leader in developing technology for reliable
chargers for specialty battery charging and power conversion applications. IOTA is
continually expanding its development of state-of-the-art electronics that keep pace
with customer needs and industry demands. From the circuit board design to the
completed unit, IOTA designs and develops products that maintain superior perfor-
mance, and is dedicated to providing the highest levels in customer satisfaction,
The IOTA DLS product line quality and innovation in the industry.
offers a versatile selection of
output voltages and amper-
ages for power conversion
and battery charging applica-
tions. The Series and Parallel
Operation capability of the
DLS expands these applica-
tions to include an additional
level of voltage and amper-
age possibilities.
You can explore the available
IOTA DLS Models at
www.iotaengineering.com.
P.O. BOX 11846 TUCSON, AZ 85734 • 1361 E. WIEDING ROAD TUCSON, AZ 85706 • 1-800-866-4682 • FAX (520) 741-2837
www.iotaengineering.com
IOTA Life Support Policy
IOTA’s products are not authorized for use as critical components in life support devices or systems without the express prior written approval from IOTA
Engineering, LLC. Life support devices are systems which are intended for surgical implant into the body, or support or sustain life and whose failure to
perform when used properly and in accordance with instructions for use provided in the labeling can be reasonably expected to result in significant injury
to the user. A critical component is any component in a life support device or system whose failure to perform can be reasonably expected to cause the
failure of the life support device or system or affect its safety or effectiveness.
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