Product Card

Argo Diode Battery Isolator 80-2SC 80-2AC 100-3AC 120-2AC 140-3AC 160-2AC 180-3AC
Maximum charge current (A)
80
80
100
120
140
160
180
Maximum alternator current (A)
80
80
100
120
140
160
180
Number of batteries 2 2 3 2 3 2 3
Alternator Energize Input no yes yes yes yes yes yes
Connection M6 Studs M6 Studs M6 Studs M8 Studs M8 Studs M8 Studs M8 Studs
Compensation diode and
Energize connection
6,3 mm
Faston
6,3 mm
Faston
6,3 mm
Faston
6,3 mm
Faston
6,3 mm
Faston
6,3 mm
Faston
6,3 mm
Faston
Weight kg (lbs) 0,5 (1.3) 0,6 (1.3) 0,8 (1.8) 0,8 (1.8) 1,1 (2.5) 1,1 (2.5) 1,5 (3.3)
Dimensions h x w x d in mm
(h x w x d in inches)
60 x 120 x 75
(2.4 x 4.7 x 3.0)
60 x 120 x 90
(2.4 x 4.7 x 3.9)
60 x 120 x 115
(2.4 x 4.7 x 4.5)
60 x 120 x 115
(2.4 x 4.7 x 4.5)
60 x 120 x 150
(2.4 x 4.7 x 5.9)
60 x 120 x 150
(2.4 x 4.7 x 5.9)
60 x 120 x 200
(2.4 x 4.7 x 7.9)
Diode battery isolators allow simultaneous charging of two or more batteries from one alternator, without
connecting the batteries together. Discharging the accessory battery for example will not result in also
discharging the starter battery.
The Argo Battery Isolators feature a low voltage drop thanks to the use of Schottky diodes: at low current the
voltage drop is approximately 0,3 V and at the rated output approximately 0,45 V.
All models are fitted with a compensation diode that can be used to slightly increase the output voltage of the
alternator. This compensates for the voltage drop over the diodes in the isolator.
Please see our book ‘Energy Unlimited’ or ask for specialist advice when installing a diode isolator. Simply
inserting the isolator in the cabling between the alternator and the batteries will slightly reduce charge voltage.
The result can be that batteries are not charged to the full 100% and age prematurely.
Alternator energize input
Some alternators need DC voltage on the B+ output to start charging. Obviously, DC will be present when the
alternator is directly connected to a battery. Inserting a Diode or FET splitter will however prevent any return
voltage/current from the batteries to the B+, and the alternator will not start.
The new ‘AC’ diode isolators feature a special current limited energize input that will power the B+ when the
engine run/stop switch is closed.
Argo Diode Battery Isolators
Argo Diode Isolator
140-3AC
Argo Diode Isolator
120-2AC
Alternator
Energize