The Victron Energy Argo Diode Battery Isolator 80-2AC allows two batteries to be charged simultaneously from a single alternator without directly connecting the battery banks together. This arrangement keeps the batteries isolated during discharge, helping prevent an accessory battery load from also discharging the starter battery.

The ARG080202000 is rated for a maximum charge current of 80A and a maximum alternator current of 80A. Unlike the 80-2SC version, the 80-2AC includes an Alternator Energize Input for alternators that require DC voltage at the B+ output to begin charging. The isolator also uses low-loss Schottky diodes and incorporates voltage-drop compensation functionality. 

Key Technology

• Two-Battery Isolation
  Allows two separate battery banks to receive charging current from a single alternator while preventing the batteries from being directly connected together.

• 80A Current Capacity
  Rated for a maximum charge current of 80A and a maximum alternator current of 80A for compatible charging systems. 

• Alternator Energize Input
  The AC version incorporates a special current-limited energize input that can provide the B+ excitation required by certain alternators to begin charging when the engine run/stop switch is closed. 

• Schottky Diode Technology
  Uses Schottky diodes to reduce the forward-voltage loss associated with diode-based battery isolation.

• Low Voltage Drop
  Victron specifies an approximate voltage drop of 0.3V at low current and approximately 0.45V at rated output. 

• Voltage-Drop Compensation
  A compensation diode can be used to slightly increase alternator output voltage to help compensate for the voltage drop introduced by the isolator.

• Independent Battery Discharge
  Loads connected to an accessory battery can discharge that battery without simultaneously discharging the isolated starter battery.

• Heavy-Duty Stud Connections
  M6 studs provide the primary high-current electrical connections, while the compensation and energize connection uses a Faston terminal.

Best Uses

• Starter & Auxiliary Battery Systems
  Ideal for systems where a single alternator must charge both a starter battery and a separate accessory or auxiliary battery.

• Alternators Requiring B+ Excitation
  Particularly useful with compatible alternators that require voltage at the B+ terminal before charging can begin.

• Vehicle Dual-Battery Systems
  Suitable for properly designed vehicle electrical systems where accessory loads need to remain isolated from the starter battery.

• Marine Battery Systems
  Useful for compatible onboard electrical systems with separate starting and auxiliary battery banks charged from a common alternator.

• RV & Mobile Power Systems
  Suitable for installations where an alternator supplies charging current to separate starting and house battery banks.

• Equipment with Separate Battery Banks
  Provides diode-based isolation for compatible systems requiring simultaneous alternator charging while maintaining battery-bank separation.

Product Specifications

Two-Battery Isolation with Alternator Energize Support

The Victron Energy Argo Diode Battery Isolator 80-2AC provides a practical way to charge two separate battery banks from a single compatible alternator while keeping the batteries isolated during discharge. Its Schottky diode design, voltage-drop compensation capability, and dedicated alternator energize input make it especially useful for properly designed dual-battery systems where the alternator requires B+ excitation to initiate charging.

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