Description
xVictron Argodiode 140-3AC Battery Isolator 3 Batteries 140A
The Victron Argodiode 140-3AC is a diode-based battery isolator designed for 12V, 24V and 48V systems where a single alternator must charge up to three independent battery banks simultaneously. It is suited to marine, vehicle and off-grid applications where preventing discharge between banks is a hard requirement.
Key Features
- 140A continuous rated current, suitable for high-demand charging systems with large alternators.
- Supports up to three separate battery banks from a single alternator input, with full electrical isolation between banks.
- Diode isolation prevents any battery bank from discharging into another, regardless of state of charge differences.
- Compatible with 12V, 24V and 48V DC systems, making it usable across a wide range of vehicle and off-grid configurations.
- Aluminium heat sink body for passive thermal management under sustained high-current operation.
- Compact, robust construction with straightforward busbar-style connections for clean installation.
Product Overview
The Argodiode 140-3AC uses Schottky diodes to split alternator output between multiple battery banks without any electronic switching or control wiring. Current flows from the alternator input through to each battery output independently. If one bank is fully charged and another is depleted, the diodes ensure charge flows where it is needed without any back-feed between banks.
The trade-off with diode isolators is a voltage drop across each diode, typically 0.5V to 0.7V under load. This means the alternator output voltage seen at the batteries is slightly lower than the alternator terminal voltage. In systems with a smart alternator or external voltage regulator, this can be compensated by raising the regulator set point. Victron's own battery chargers and MPPT controllers can also be configured to account for this offset. Installers should factor this into system design, particularly for AGM or lithium battery banks with tighter charge voltage tolerances.
The 140A rating covers the total input current. Distribution across the three output banks is determined by the relative state of charge and internal resistance of each battery. The unit weighs 1kg and is supplied in retail packaging, making it suitable for both trade and end-user supply.
Specifications
- SKU: ARG140301020R
- GTIN: 8719076019107
- Maximum input current: 140A
- Number of battery outputs: 3
- Alternator inputs: 1 (AC = single alternator input)
- Compatible system voltages: 12V, 24V, 48V
- Weight: 1kg
- Packaging: Retail
Applications
- Marine vessels with separate starter, domestic and bow-thruster battery banks charged from a single alternator.
- Motorhomes and campervans requiring isolation between the vehicle starter battery and one or more leisure banks.
- Off-grid cabins or vehicles with alternator charging and multiple battery banks serving different loads.
- Commercial vehicles where auxiliary battery banks must remain isolated from the engine start battery.
- Retrofit installations replacing older split-charge relay systems where diode isolation is preferred.
What Is Included
- 1 x Victron Argodiode 140-3AC diode battery isolator (retail packaging)
Installation Notes
Installation should be carried out by a qualified auto-electrician or marine electrician familiar with high-current DC systems. The unit must be mounted on a surface that allows adequate airflow around the heat sink, as thermal performance depends on passive convection. Ensure all cable connections are correctly rated for 140A continuous use and that appropriate fusing is fitted on the alternator feed. Account for the diode voltage drop when setting alternator or regulator output voltage, particularly with AGM or lithium battery chemistries. For marine installations, follow NMEA or RYA wiring guidelines as applicable.
Return Policy
xWe offer a 14-day, no-quibble returns or replacement policy because we want you to be totally satisfied with your purchase.
If you are unhappy in any way with your purchase, you can return it for a refund or a replacement, as long as you return it in the same condition as it arrived (original/undamaged packaging and product) and within 30 days of receiving it. We will pay for your return postage on a faulty item as long as you send it using Royal Mail 2nd class recorded delivery (for EU or International Shipments, you have to use our UPS account, we will provide you with a return label)
Please keep in mind the following:
- Items returned within 14 days but not in their original and undamaged packaging will also incur a -15% charge per package.
- If you return an item that doesn't adhere to our returns procedure or doesn't include a returns form, you may be liable for a £10 administration fee
- Individual items from a bundle can't be returned, refunded or exchanged. If you want a refund/credit/exchange for a bundle, all items must be returned to us.
Before you return your item, please make sure that:
- You follow our returns process (outlined below)
- The goods and packaging are undamaged
IMPORTANT: We need to be able to identify an item with your order. We can only do this if you follow our returns process. Please do not send us items back that do not follow this process as they cannot be identified properly and will not be replaced or refunded.
What delivery method do I need to use when returning an item?
You must send the goods back to us via Royal Mail 2nd class recorded delivery. Refunds on faulty items returned are reimbursed within 5 working days.
Can I return just one item from multiple purchases?
Yes. Once you start the returns process you will go to a page that will allow you to choose which items you want to be replaced or refunded.
Returning faulty goods
If your item is faulty, you need to follow the returns policy, where you will be able to state that it’s faulty. The product will then arrive at our warehouse for testing.
If your purchase is not within 14 days
You can still exchange your item for a different product or for credit to use on the Voltacon Solar or Ledison-led-lights.co.uk websites (-15% from the credit amount).
Returns outside of the 14-day period do not qualify for the free returns policy.
Returning an item within the warranty
If you have a warranty and want to return a faulty item, you just need to follow our standard returns process. When we receive your item, we will then check that it’s within warranty and for any faults before arranging a replacement.