3-battery distributor 200A Argo Fet 200-3 - Victron Energy

Description

Similar to conventional diode splitters, FET splitters allow multiple batteries to be charged from a single alternator (or a single-output battery charger), without the need to connect the batteries to each other. Discharging the auxiliary battery, for example, will not cause the starter battery to discharge.

Unlike diode splitters, FET splitters have virtually no voltage loss. Voltage drops are less than 0.02 Volts for low currents, and on average 0.1 Volt for higher currents.

By using ARGO FET splitters, it is not necessary to also increase the alternator's output voltage. It is still advisable to use short cables with a sufficiently effective cross-section.

Example:
If a current of 100 A flows through a cable with an effective cross-section of 50 mm2 (AWG 0) and a length of 10 m, the voltage drop across the cable will be 0.26 Volt. Similarly, for a current of 50 A flowing through a cable with an effective cross-section of 10 mm2 (AWG 7) and a length of 5 m, the voltage drop will be 0.35 Volt!

Alternator power input

Some alternators require a DC voltage on the B+ terminal output to start charging.
Obviously, there will be DC when the alternator is directly connected to the battery. However, inserting a FET or Diode splitter will prevent any voltage/current feedback from the batteries to the B+ terminal, and the alternator will not start.

The new Argofet splitters have a special current-limited power input that will supply the B+ terminal when the engine Start/Stop switch is closed.