Victron Argo Diode 160A 2-Battery Isolator

Description

The Victron Argo Diode 160A 2-Battery Isolator allows two separate battery banks to be charged from one alternator while keeping those banks electrically isolated. On a boat with a starting battery and a house or accessory battery, that separation helps ensure accessory loads cannot automatically discharge the starting bank after the engine is shut down.

The isolator uses high-efficiency Schottky diodes to reduce charging-voltage loss. Voltage drop is approximately 0.3V at low current and about 0.45V at rated output. Because even this reduced voltage loss can affect the final charging voltage reaching the batteries, the unit includes a compensation diode that can be used to raise alternator output slightly and offset the drop across the isolator.

The 160A rating provides capacity for substantial alternator output and larger two-bank charging systems. Correct alternator capacity, cable sizing, terminal protection, and compensation setup should be considered as part of the overall charging-system design.

For boats that need robust diode-based battery separation between two banks while maintaining efficient charging, the Victron Argo Diode 160A provides a proven high-current isolation approach. See the rest of our battery isolators & charging relays.