The Difference Between 6V & 12V Batteries

A battery is a container for chemical reaction that produces electrical energy measured in volts. Sealed lead acid batteries (SLAs) are made of cells. Each cell produces about two volts. A six-volt battery has three cells and a 12-volt battery has six.

Batteries

Uses

Sealed lead acid batteries are used when high power is needed and weight and cost are lesser factors.

Voltage

What an SLA can power and how long it will last depends on voltage and amp-hours. Voltage is a measurement of electrical strength. An amp-hour (Ah) measures stored usable energy. A six-volt battery has a lower Ah capacity than a 12-volt battery.

Charging

Two six-volt batteries can be wired to equal a 12-volt battery. Batteries wired in series can be charged to the capacity of the weakest battery. Batteries wired in parallel will equalize the charge, with higher charges flowing to lesser charges until equalized. SLAs generally take six to 18 hours to charge.

Longevity

The heavier plate structures within each cell of the six-volt battery compared to the cells in the 12-volt battery contribute to longer life in deep charge and discharge cycles. Batteries used in deep-cycle service average four to eight years of life.

Weight

Six-volt batteries weigh less than 12-volt batteries and can be handled more easily by one person. This is often a significant decision-making element when considering a six-volt vs.12-volt battery.

The Drip Cap

A battery is a container for chemical reaction that produces electrical energy measured in volts.
Each cell produces about two volts.
A six-volt battery has a lower Ah capacity than a 12-volt battery.
Six-volt batteries weigh less than 12-volt batteries and can be handled more easily by one person.