Adding 2 more 6V batteries to Power Bank

[Alargos]

Looking for some clarification on the proper steps i should take to add 2 additional 6V batteries to our current power bank which is presently 2 - 6v batteries. I am adding same brand and size batteries, and will be putting them in series / parallel, but what i want to know is do i simply just turn off the inverter so that the system is not running, or is there something else i need to do before i start to add the wiring between the batteries? thanks.

[sanjaun2]

I wish I had room to add two more batteries!
Before wiring batteries I would disconnect the shore power. Disable power from solar if you have it.Disconnect the negative terminals first. as a precaution safeguard the positive terminal from touching anything metal. Just work slowly and cautiously and you will be fine.

[Long & Winding road]

What he said above.... plus I would trip any breakers next to the battieries - just in case.

Keep in mind the age of the old and new battieries as well.

They like to be the same type and size but also AGE.

IMO 6 mo old + new would be fine. One year old + new = maybe?? Two year old + new = I would not do .... get 4 new ones or wait a couple more years and replace all at the same time. Or put 100 watt of solar on your shed/garage and use the old ones for that system?

Something to think about.

[HaRVey]

In addition to the previous info, be sure your connections to the inverter go across your newly combined battery bank (i.e. the positive of one 6V series-pair and the negative of the second 6V series-pair) this will ensure you draw from and charge across the entire bank evenly ensuring maximum usage of available capacity, uniform charging and maximum life.

[Alargos]

Thanks for the fast responses and support. It suppose to be sunny and dry here tomorrow so i plan to make the changes. btw the batteries are all same age. when i bought MH the dealer wouldn't install the extra two batteries but agreed to provide them and i had to install. So that's what i'm going to do. Again thanks for the info.