Product Overview
Victron Energy's ARGOFET Battery Isolators enable simultaneous charging of two or more batteries from a single alternator or battery charger, without connecting the batteries directly. This design prevents the discharge of an accessory battery from affecting the starter battery.
Unlike traditional Diode Battery Isolators, FET Isolators offer virtually no voltage loss, with drops typically less than 0.02 Volt at low current and averaging 0.1 Volt at higher currents. This means the alternator's output voltage does not need to be increased.
For optimal performance, it is recommended to keep cable lengths short and ensure they have sufficient cross-sectional area.
Voltage Drop Example
To illustrate potential voltage drop, consider a 100 A current flowing through a 50 mm² (AWG 0) cable over 10 meters (30 ft). This would result in a voltage drop of 0.26 Volt. Similarly, a 50 A current through a 10 mm² (AWG 7) cable over 5 meters (15 ft) would cause a voltage drop of 0.35 Volt.
Alternator Energize Input
Some alternators require a DC voltage on the B+ output to initiate charging. While direct connection to a battery provides this, a battery isolator can prevent return voltage or current from the batteries to the B+ terminal, potentially preventing the alternator from starting. The ARGOFET Isolators feature a special current-limited energize input designed to supply the necessary B+ voltage when the engine run/stop switch is closed, ensuring proper alternator operation.
Specifications
| Argofet Battery Isolator | Argofet 100-2 | Argofet 100-3 | Argofet 200-2 | Argofet 200-3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum charge current (A) | 100 | 100 | 200 | 200 |
| Maximum alternator current (A) | 100 | 100 | 200 | 200 |
| Number of batteries | 2 | 3 | 2 | 3 |
| Connection | M8 bolts | M8 bolts | M8 bolts | M8 bolts |
| Weight kg (lbs) | 1,4 (3.1) | 1,4 (3.1) | 1,4 (3.1) | 1,4 (3.1) |
| Dimensions: h x w x d in mm (h x w x d in inches) | 65 x 120 x 200 (2.6 x 4.7 x 7.9) | 65 x 120 x 200 (2.6 x 4.7 x 7.9) | 65 x 120 x 200 (2.6 x 4.7 x 7.9) | 65 x 120 x 200 (2.6 x 4.7 x 7.9) |
Wiring Diagram Description
The diagram shows the ARGOFET Battery Isolator unit with terminals labeled INPUT, OUTPUT 1, OUTPUT 2, OUTPUT 3, and D+ (61). The INPUT terminal connects to the alternator's B+ output. OUTPUT 1, OUTPUT 2, and OUTPUT 3 terminals are for connecting to separate batteries. The D+ (61) terminal is connected to a circuit that includes an engine run/stop switch, facilitating the alternator's start-up. The negative terminals of all batteries are connected to a common ground point.
Contact Information
Victron Energy B.V. | De Paal 35 | 1351 JG Almere | The Netherlands
General phone: +31 (0)36 535 97 00 | E-mail: sales@victronenergy.com
