Recreational Vehicle (RV) Technician Practice Test

In a parallel battery connection, how is the total available current determined?

1. By the highest amp hour rating

2. By the lowest amp hour rating

3. By the sum of all amp hour ratings

4. By the average amp hour rating

The correct answer is: By the sum of all amp hour ratings

In a parallel battery connection, the total available current is determined by the sum of all amp hour ratings of the individual batteries involved in the connection. When batteries are connected in parallel, the voltage remains the same as that of a single battery, while the capacity (measured in amp hours) increases. This is because each battery contributes its capacity to the overall system. By adding the amp hour ratings together, you create a larger capacity for the overall battery bank, which effectively allows for a higher total current to be drawn from the batteries. This setup is typically used to extend the runtime of the battery system, especially in applications requiring more energy, such as in recreational vehicles. The other options do not accurately represent how total current is calculated in a parallel configuration. The highest amp hour rating would only indicate the capacity of one battery, while the lowest rating does not provide a complete picture. The average would also not accurately represent the overall capacity, as it would dilute the contributions of each battery.