What are the advantages of connecting electrical devices in parallel with the battery instead of connecting them in series?

Connecting electrical devices in parallel with a battery, as opposed to connecting them in series, offers several advantages:

A) Independent Operation:
Parallel Connection: In a parallel connection, each electrical device has its own separate path to the battery. This means that devices operate independently of each other. If one device fails or is removed, it does not affect the operation of the other devices.
Series Connection: In a series connection, devices are connected end-to-end, forming a single loop. If one device fails in a series circuit, it can break the entire circuit, and all devices in the series may cease to function.

B) Voltage Across Devices:
Parallel Connection: Devices in parallel receive the full voltage of the battery. Each device maintains the same voltage across its terminals as the battery voltage. This is advantageous when different devices require different operating voltages.
Series Connection: In a series connection, the total voltage is distributed among the devices. Each device receives a portion of the total voltage. If devices have different voltage requirements, a series connection may not be suitable.

C) Increased Current Handling Capacity:
Parallel Connection: The total current supplied by the battery is shared among the devices connected in parallel. This can be advantageous when multiple devices collectively require a higher current than the battery could provide individually. Parallel connections allow for increased overall current handling capacity.
Series Connection: In a series connection, the same current flows through all devices. If one device has a lower current rating, it limits the overall current that can pass through the circuit. This may lead to issues if one device requires more current than the others.

D) Redundancy and Reliability:
Parallel Connection: The redundancy in a parallel connection ensures that if one device fails, the others continue to operate. This contributes to the reliability of the system, making it less prone to complete failure.
Series Connection: The failure of one device in a series circuit can disrupt the entire circuit, reducing overall reliability. The reliability of a series circuit is only as strong as its weakest component.

In summary, connecting electrical devices in parallel with a battery provides independence, ensures that each device receives the full voltage, allows for increased current handling capacity, and enhances system reliability through redundancy. These advantages make parallel connections suitable for various applications where devices need to operate independently or have different voltage and current requirements.