12v Battery - Many Uses

12 volts come in several different models, but there are two general types, rechargeable and non rechargeable. While non rechargeable batteries are less expensive up front, the price of buying them over and over quickly outweighs the cost of buying rechargeable batteries and a charger just once. If you go through large quantities of 12v battery packs in a short amount of time, then investing in rechargeable models May save you hundreds of dollars each year.
There are a lot of uses for these types of batteries including twelve volt portable power devices like travel fridges, fish radars and much more. The 12v battery is a popular item with many hunters and campers because of its portability and the number of devices that can use it. Many fishermen use them to operate portable refrigerators which keep fish and bait fresh throughout the trip. Campers use them for similar types of portable items as well.
Some rechargeable 12v batteries can be used with a solar charger to make them even more eco-friendly. Investing in a solar charger will allow you to recharge your power sources throughout the day regardless of your location. Whether you are sitting at home, camping out by the lake or fishing in an old fashioned boat, solar 12 volt battery charger panels can effectively collect sunlight and charge your batteries while you go about your business.
If you need 12 volts to run an electrical appliance but only have 3- or 6-volt batteries nearby, you can connect your batteries in series to create a 12-volt battery pack. Connecting batteries in series combines the voltage from each battery, so joining four 3-volt batteries in series combines to make 12 volts. It's easy to do and requires minimal tools.
Twelve volt portable power batteries come in dozens of shapes and sizes to fit your needs, whatever they may be. From flashlights and toys to boating equipment, the uses for batteries are constantly growing, and with solar charging options your power source can keep going strong without costing you anything extra. Whether you are a camper, a fisher, a kid with a battery operated jeep or just a gadget lover you can be sure to meet your needs with a 12v battery collection.
Work out how many strips of electrical wire you need. For example, if you are using three batteries to make a 12-volt battery pack you need four wires: two wires to connect the batteries together and two wires to attach to your appliance.
Connect one of the pieces of wire you intend to connect to your appliance to the positive terminal of your first battery (usually marked "+"). Either use the clips or screws on the battery terminal to hold the wire in place, or use electrical insulating tape to fasten the wire to the terminal.
Connect a second piece of short wire to the negative terminal of your second battery and connect the other end to the positive terminal of your third battery. Repeat the process (negative to positive) as necessary if you are connecting more than three batteries to make your 12-volt battery pack.
Check the voltage on your batteries. For example, if you have one 6-volt and two 3-volt batteries, once you wire them in series, you will have a 12-volt battery pack.
Use the battery for a short period of time in whatever appliance it's used for. If you are testing the battery in your car, start your car, run your high beams for three minutes, then turn off your car.
Test each cell on your 12V battery individually by removing the cap on the first cell with a screwdriver, placing the syringe portion of your hydrometer into the liquid part of the cell and squeezing the hydrometer's top to extract fluid into your tool. Note the position of the bubble on the hydrometer and the battery's gravity reading. Repeat this step for each of the cells of your battery.
Check that the gravity readings of each of the cells don't vary by more than 0.5 from one another. Refer to the table found at BatteryStuff.com to make sure the cell gravities are correct based on the level of charge in your 12V battery.