{"product_id":"victron-energy-argodiode-80-2sc-dual-output-diode-battery-isolator-2-battery-80a-schottky-low-voltage-drop","title":"Victron Energy ArgoDiode 80-2SC dual-output diode battery isolator — 2-battery 80A, Schottky low voltage drop","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVictron Energy ArgoDiode 80-2SC is a dual-output diode battery isolator that lets one alternator charge two batteries independently while preventing one battery from discharging the other.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIf you run multiple 12 V battery banks in a vehicle, boat, or off-grid vehicle, the ArgoDiode 80-2SC provides a simple, maintenance-free way to let one alternator charge both batteries without tying the banks together. It uses Schottky diodes for lower voltage drop, and each output includes a compensation diode so alternator voltage can be slightly raised to offset the diode drop. The unit is compact, rugged, and designed for continuous automotive or marine duty where keeping starter and accessory batteries separate is essential.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow does the ArgoDiode keep batteries from draining one another?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe isolator routes alternator charge to each battery through individual Schottky diodes, so current cannot flow back from one battery to the other. That means if an accessory battery runs flat, it cannot discharge the starter battery through the isolator.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eIndependent outputs prevent reverse current between battery banks.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eSchottky diodes provide low forward voltage drop for efficient charging.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eSolid-state design avoids mechanical wear or relay failure.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWill this isolator let my alternator properly charge both batteries?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes — the ArgoDiode 80-2SC allows simultaneous charging of two batteries from one alternator while avoiding battery interconnection. It includes a compensation diode that slightly raises alternator voltage to offset the diode drop, improving charge acceptance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eDual outputs sized for up to 80 A each throughput under normal conditions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eCompensation diode adjusts alternator output to ensure full-charge voltages reach batteries.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eDesigned for use with standard vehicle and marine alternators without complex controls.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat are the practical installation and performance details I should know?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe ArgoDiode mounts close to the alternator or in a protected electrical compartment and connects via heavy-gauge battery cable to the alternator and each battery. Its Schottky diodes reduce heat and voltage loss compared with traditional silicon diodes, increasing charging efficiency while minimizing temperature rise.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eCompact housing for easy mounting in engine bays or electrical lockers.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eLow voltage drop improves final charge voltage delivered to each battery.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eRobust enough for continuous automotive and marine service; wiring must match rated amperage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow does this compare to relay-based battery isolators or automatic isolators?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSolid-state diode isolators like the ArgoDiode have no moving parts, providing silent, maintenance-free operation and faster switching than mechanical relays. They do allow a small voltage loss across the diode, which the compensation diode helps correct, whereas relays provide near-zero voltage drop when closed but rely on mechanical contacts that can fail.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eSolid-state = no contact wear, instant operation, silent performance.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eSchottky diodes reduce forward voltage loss compared with older diode designs.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eCompensation diode mitigates charging voltage reduction common to diode isolators.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWho is this for: The Victron Energy ArgoDiode 80-2SC is aimed at vehicle owners, professional installers, boaters, and off-grid enthusiasts who need a reliable way to charge two 12 V batteries from a single alternator while keeping battery banks electrically separate. Choose this model if you want a compact, maintenance-free diode isolator with low voltage drop and compensation features to improve charge acceptance across both starter and accessory batteries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"product-faq-snippet\"\u003e\u003ch3\u003eFAQ\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-q\"\u003eQ: Can one alternator charge two batteries with the ArgoDiode 80-2SC?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-a\"\u003eA: Yes. The ArgoDiode lets a single alternator charge two separate batteries simultaneously without connecting them together.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-q\"\u003eQ: Does the diode cause charging voltage loss?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-a\"\u003eA: Schottky diodes reduce voltage drop, and the built-in compensation diode helps restore alternator voltage so batteries reach proper charge levels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e","brand":"Victron Energy","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55168308937047,"sku":"B08L5RRQJR","price":56.31,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1050\/1524\/7191\/files\/victron-argodiode-front-panel.jpg?v=1790399428","url":"https:\/\/britishgarage.co.uk\/products\/victron-energy-argodiode-80-2sc-dual-output-diode-battery-isolator-2-battery-80a-schottky-low-voltage-drop","provider":"British Garage","version":"1.0","type":"link"}