Victron Energy Argodiode Battery Isolators, 12V/24V, Alternator Energize Input

Overview

The Victron Energy Argodiode is a battery isolator range for charging two or three separate battery banks from one alternator without tying those banks together. It is used in 12 V and 24 V DC systems where the starter battery, house bank and accessory banks need to receive charge while staying electrically separated during discharge.

These AC Argodiode models use Schottky diodes, with voltage drop of approximately 0.3 V at low current and approximately 0.45 V at rated output. Each listed variant includes an alternator energize input, which helps installations where the alternator needs DC voltage on the B+ output before it will start charging.

This makes the range useful on cruising boats, fishing boats and workboats with one alternator feeding more than one battery bank. The right variant depends mainly on alternator current and whether the vessel has two or three battery outputs to serve.

Key features

• Charges two or three battery banks from one alternator while keeping the banks isolated from each other during discharge.
• Supports 12 V and 24 V nominal battery systems across the listed models.
• Uses Schottky diode isolation with approximately 0.3 V drop at low current and approximately 0.45 V drop at rated output.
• Includes alternator energize input for alternators that need B+ voltage before charging begins.
• Includes a compensation diode connection to help offset voltage drop through the isolator when used with a compatible alternator sense circuit.
• Uses M6 connection studs on the 80 A and 100 A variants, and M8 connection studs on the 120 A and 140 A variants.
• Uses 6.3 mm Faston terminals for the compensation diode and energize connections.

Variants

The range is offered in four configurations that vary by current rating and number of battery outputs. All listed variants are AC Argodiode models with alternator energize input for 12 V and 24 V nominal battery systems.

The two-output versions suit vessels with separate start and house banks, while the three-output versions suit layouts with an additional bank such as a thruster, electronics or accessory battery. Stud size also changes with current rating, with M6 studs on the 80 A and 100 A models and M8 studs on the 120 A and 140 A models.

• ARG080201000: 80 A current rating with outputs for 2 batteries. This configuration fits a two-bank charging layout where the alternator output is within the 80 A rating.
• ARG100301000: 100 A current rating with outputs for 3 batteries. This version separates three battery banks while allowing them to receive charge from the same alternator feed.
• ARG120201020: 120 A current rating with outputs for 2 batteries. The higher current rating gives more alternator capacity in a two-bank system without adding a third output.
• ARG140301020: 140 A current rating with outputs for 3 batteries. This is the highest-rated three-output option in this group for boats with three battery banks and a matching alternator installation.

Installation and setup

Mount the isolator on a non-flammable surface, since the unit can become hot under load. In a boat engine room or electrical locker, keep cable runs short and size the cable cross-section for the alternator current and run length to reduce voltage drop and heat.

The alternator positive output connects to the isolator input, and each battery bank positive connects to its own output. The battery negatives remain connected through the vessel common negative bus. The energize blade terminal can be connected to the engine run/stop switch where the alternator needs B+ voltage before it will begin charging.

Compatibility and use on board

This isolator range is a practical match for boats with a single alternator feeding separate start, house, electronics, thruster or accessory battery banks. It is especially useful where one bank may be drawn down at anchor, during fishing or while operating onboard equipment, while the start battery needs to stay separated for engine starting.

The unit is not a battery charger by itself. It distributes charge from an alternator, so the selected variant should match the alternator output, battery bank count, DC cable size and protection used in the vessel electrical system.