By using a set of diodes on a heat sink, one can ensure no back feed through the diode, thus ensuring that high currents from other battery banks do not flow up the charge lines and cause a fire. This is the most common method by far employed round the world and is the standard in the USA, for 3 reasons, safety, safety and safety. The big down side with a split diode system is the voltage drop across the diode (in the order of 0.8 รป 1.2 volts), which dramatically reduces the charge rate of the alternator. Sterling Marine has developed a range of low cost split charge diodes. These diodes have enhanced performance over conventional diodes and at a lower cost. The difference is in the devices. All other split charge diode manufacturers use conventional alternator diodes, which at low current flow have about a 0.93 voltage drop. When the full rated current of these diodes is approached, the voltage drop increases to about 0.95 volts. This results in excessive heat and power loss across the diode.
