Car Battery Isolators Explained: How to install on your car! 

Parts linked in the description!

those two seconds at the beginning when he didn't know he was recording so he just stood completely still.

Great video that really went in depth, my local audio shop told me i needed an isolator and i never fully understood why, until i saw this video

Great video. I would definitely cover the positive post on that solenoid just in case...so if something does happen you dont have to replace a fuse.

Wow where were ya 3 wks ago?! I mustve watched a dozen vids before installing my isolator when i just gave up & hoped for the best. Im sure many to come will be very thankful when coming across your vid. Hope it gets pushed to the top! Great vid thanx!

The fuse is to protect the wire/cable so it should be placed near the source (alternator or main battery). The isolator sense the main battery voltage to determine when to turn on the charging of the secondary battery, hence the isolator should be placed close to the main battery.

Taught me exactly what I needed to know which wasn't even in the manual. THANK YOU!

Excellent video. Sometimes it's hard to find install videos as straight forward and simple as this one. Do you have any videos of how to run or connect multiple(2) amplifiers?

Awesome job and Great Explanation for those who doesn’t understand Isolators

Great explanation and at 3:41 it was all I needed to know. I’m dissecting a solid state one on my old truck and now I see what I inherited and go from there. Saved me hours of research. Cheers!

This is the most helpful video yet ! Love the setup !! I have one question tho: How do you choose the fuses Amperage of your isolator ?

Thanks for the quick concise information. I will be doing this to isolate a second battery running my inverter in my car. Currently I just have a AGM in the engine bay and a jump starter thing for when I kill it. Probably abusing this battery a little much.

Great video!! Straight to the point and great work, thank you for your help.

Good explanation, I want to add one for a truck camper, I believe there isn't much difference. Thanks.

Thanks, i'm putting my system back in next week with new batteries. That wiring is really nice.

I am needing experience and installing this particular item you guys are a lifesaver

I watched countless videos to figure this out and almost bought a vsr. Your video saved the day. Thanks

Can you show/ demonstrate how to wire in the cable for the ignition wire? You only talked about how to do it.

Hey man you should do another video explaining the diode type isolators, great informational video also.

I'm doing a dual battery set up today. I was told by an audio company that the isolator should be closer to the primary battery for it to work correctly I've noticed your isolator is way back in the trunk. I showed them this video and they said with any dual battery system isolators need to be closest to the primary battery.

Mr. Beast, with your permission I'd like to track down all the individuals that gave this video a thumbs down and ask them for a good explanation on why they did that. I'd give it all the thumbs up in the world if I could.

Normally your head unit switches off (and your amp's go off as well) when your ignition is turned off-switch wire. How can the second battery then take over if the equipment was signalled to go off. What am I missing about how the second battery would operate your audio system with the ignition off?

if my research is correct this would allow for a lithium alongside led acid?

I bought a 500amp NVX isolator before i saw this informative video.. My system will pull about 3500 watts with a XS Power D6500 as my auxiliary battery running 300amp in line fuses.. My question is could i have use the 200amp isolator & is my 500 amp a good idea or not..also I'm curious on why you went with the 200amp on this install in the video?..thank you

That is one fine install you guys did. Thank you for teaching me about battery isolators

What do you mean that the isolator (large relay) remote/trigger "...which is essentially only on when the car is running and running only" by connecting the remote to the fuse panel? -----If the ignition is switched on, and that remote wire is hooked up to a switched power source at the fuse panel, then it will trigger the isolator to turn on, even if the engine is NOT running. -----So, where in the fuse panel (block) are you connecting that remote turn-on, or what switchable +12v supply, that only has +12v when the engine is ON, i.e., running? -----In newer cars, you likely would have to tap the ECU for a +12v supply that is on ONLY when the engine is RUNNING. Otherwise, you would need to make your own circuit using whatever components you can find, or simply install a switch that one can manually operate or even both, just for safety. Heck, adding a switch would be better anyway, so one can manually kill the power, if needed; that is of course unless that isolator/relay short circuits. -----In your wiring, once the ignition is on, and that remote is connected to a switchable +12V supply, it will trigger the isolator on, thus connecting the two batteries, thus starting from both batteries, and in which case, the dead battery can short the "Start" battery. It seems to me that one would want a circuit that uses only the front battery for starting the car, and then once running, the isolator can turn on, as to charge the both batteries. -----I also do not believe it is a good idea to run the back battery dead, then start the vehicle, which turns on the connection between the batteries, thus putting a strain on the alternator and/or front battery, which will eventually kill the alternator. -----Also, in your case, if that remote does indeed turn on when the ignition is on, then one runs the possibility of too much power being pulled frontward, thus blowing one/more fuses in the system. -----I have thought of circuit designs for large, high-amperage 12v system relays to use to prevent amplifiers from having the constant +12V connection from having power when the vehicle is off; thus, isolating the power up front, near the battery (or in the rear/both). You need to utilize 2+ relays, one low current, and one high current, esp. in a multi-amp system with same idea applied. ----You could potentially find a switch that is very voltage sensitive that turns on only at say > 13V, but good luck there.

Isolator prevent Drains!!! FYI Good video

Awesome video, audio, explanation, details & clarity 👍👍

first time viewer and wow sor u helped me learn about something i didn't know that I didn't know and thank you sir

Great Job, looks very Professional. You answered all my questions in this video. Thanks.👍

Hello, this is Just my opinion but that thing needs a cover. Too many exposed 12v connections.

This was extremely helpful since I am currently doing this to my system. I do have 1 question though, (I quickly watched this video so hopefully I'm not asking a ? That was clarified already in the video lol) but I purchased a Stinger Isolator/Relay & it's a nice solid looking item however it came w/ NO instructions which is why this vid was so helpful, but my ? Is, the small post's that are meant for ground & +12V input.... my Stinger doesn't clarify which is which, so does this mean it doesn't matter either small post will work for either process? Just as long as it's grounded? Or do I need to contact stinger & find out which post is for what? Thanks for any help with this & big props for making this tutorial it was a life saver for me!

Couldn’t be explain better bro awesome work

This works like a relay

Where did u connect the true ignition wire

Can you run off the same ignition wire your amp is connected to for the positive switch that separates it?

Trying to install a battery isolator on my 2017 Ford Transit 250. Not only is the primary battery under the driver’s seat, there are CCP (Customer Connection Points) to which, if I understand correctly, you can tie a second battery, via battery isolator, onto rather than directly to the alternator. I’m sure this was intended to be a convenience rather than a nightmare but no one, from my local Ford dealer’s service department to the peanut gallery on RU-vid seems to understand how to accomplish this... They’re happy to charge me $500. for a chance at figuring it out though 😒

So isolator when we have different battery sizes. Got it. :)

Could that ignition source be tapped from the remote wire for the amplifier from the stereo head unit?

Hey Provo Beast Audi Install, thanks for the informative video. Nice clean looking install. I believe you said you use 1 gauge wire. Could you tell me what size fuse you like to use? Do you size the fuse to the load, or do you size the wire gauge to the load and size the fuse to the max recommended current?......or what has worked for you? Thanks!

😂 Excellent video, bit i have to say the comments are overwhelming full of questions that were addressed already, or people who shouldn't be anywhere near automotive electrical systems.

First off thanks for the video and the install looks good. Now, are these more of a fail safe than a necessity? I am probably going to do it because it seems like it’s the right way, but is it’s sole purpose to protect the main battery from being drawn down by the secondary battery? That should only happen if you play music with the car off, if the vehicle sits for an extended period of time, or if there is a short or parasitic draw of some sort. Correct me if I am wrong.

What fuse did you use in the wrx? I have the same car but can’t find a fuse that won’t give me a parasitic draw :(.

Would we still need this is I always have the car on when I listen to music?

Get the NVX 500 amp relay for bigger systems. ✌🏽

Im just curious…it might be a dumb question but could you replace the ignition switch wire that goes to the isolator with a remote wire from your car/trucks remote wire?

Do I need a battery isolator for my main lead acid starting battery if I want to add a headway bank..?? I'm so confused I DONT listen to music when the car is off

So if the alternator is charging the other battery then when your not useing your amp wouldn't it get over charged and damage the battery?

After the shop installed a Stinger Isolator for me (recommended by them), I would play my music loud while driving the car. But the next time I turn on the car, code P0603 would come on. Never had the code the week before the isolator was put in. Do you think an isolator would mess with the cars voltage? I most likely will have this removed. Batteries and Alternator reads proper Voltage. Maybe the issue has something to do with the isolator on how it is wired to the ignition?

Hi mate can I connect isolator to cigarette lighter instead of battery positive wore

Great video.. but i wonder how much amp should i get for dual 70a batteries

What if I’m getting a battery bank? Do I still need one?

What size fuses are you using on everything??

Does your car engine start faster like more voltage to the starter with this setup?

Did you run an extra fuse from you’re main battery to the isolator

Will this stop my amp from cutting out I have a start and stop vehicle if it does I don’t have to buy start and stop compatible amp

Is it possible to use one of these for a dual compressor set up on my air suspension?!

Great video, so if you need to turn on the acc for the head unit to come where would you hook up the switch wire for the isolator? Wouldn't want the circuit to connect the two batteries with car not running.

Why I'm not seeing the vedio ? I'm hearing the audio and not see what you're explaining

I’m some what new to audio car but know basics as in wiring subs and speakers but wanted to do a big system for my 2001 Chevy express and was wondering how you pick out a secondary battery

Is it OK to have a isolator and a capacitor

The small 12V wire in the isolator cant be hooked up to the power wire for the amp?

Since the Isolater is in the trunk can I run the ground and live wire from the amp remote wire to the isolator???

Could you use a lead battery under the hood and have a lithium bank in the rear for an audio system and run one of these and be fine?

Is that isolator really designed to have 1cm gap seperating wires caring hundreds of amps?

Would I be able to use the remote wire since it uses 12v power to turn on?

Great video, I have a question for you? Does the cheaper battery isolator do the same job? Or will it be you get what you pay for kinda thing?

Can I use this isolator on lithium battery?

I have the same isolater. I have a agm battery under the hood and a 40ah agm in the trunk. Can I swap the trunk agm battery with a marine non agm battery?

🔴 Can i run a positive wire from my alternator directly to my secondary agm battery in the trunk

What gauge of wire do u use..? Nice professional job.

Why don't these isolators come with a cap i don't like exposed positive terminals something touches that positive terminal sparks will fly...

Could you just use a normal remote wire for the smaller one that isn’t the ground

i think i need extra battery completely isolated from the car battery because i play music for hours with the engine off, we drink and dance on the road side so we gotta save fuel. what is your opinion

Interestingly all these isolators do not have any protection. I plan to up my near the firewall. while no worries under normal circumstances if anyone needs to work on anything near the firewall there is a chance of shorting out either side to the ground and blowing the fuse.

Hello there can you help me out by telling me which fuze or power did you used for the power positive that is going to turn on and off when the car turns off or ON. what cable did you choose for your Ignition+ 12V source. thank you. If you can help me out that would be terrific

I hooked up a second battery and I'm not getting 14v out of it. It stays around 13v. It should read 14v plus, could I have a bad ground?

Does it matter which post you use for ground and ignition? Thanks in advance.

I think i have my small negative and positive terminals hooked opposite. Would explain alott

Can you just run the isolator remote wire to the amplifier remote wire?

I'm not sure, LoL, did you mention BOTH BATTERIES M U S T BE EXACTLY THE SAME? Reason is, if the second battery is smaller capacity, main battery will be never fully charged by alternator... 🙄 Personally I'm thinking about adding a second battery to my cargo van for use with small refrigerator and other electric stuff i use when park the car and waiting for next cargo loads and keep main battery in perfect shape ready to start my car at any time. So far I'm looking for some sort of intelligent DC DC converter or, if I'll not find any, I'm going to use regular DC AC inverter and regular car battery charger to charge second battery when driving..

So the is charging wire coming from the battery a separate cable from the one powering the vehicle's primary accessories?

I see zero gauge wire used for the power, why is the ground for the isolator so small in comparison?

what size of an isolator would i need, the smallest?

the best part is if the main starter battery dies you have an instant back up depending on how you wired it.

Never showed the other ends of the wiring. Like wires coming from the Ignition or ground how to n where to connect.

Can you start the car off the 2nd battery in an emergency situation?

So if I don’t play music while it’s off it’s not necessary?

Why so many fuse 2 should be enough, 1 comes from primary battery and the other from secondary battery

Out of curiousity... does this not create an easy way to have your vehicle started without your keys if you have ignition lock disabled like wouldnt someone just have to see this in the trunk undo the ignition wire and touch it to the woofer battery and bam car starts no keys if your car is old enough to not have push button and require it in the vehicle

Hi I have BMW e91 318d And i have 5000rms amp for subwoofer and another 1500rms amp for front. I wanna put second battery inside for more power. Can you tell me how to do that in BMW

can you just hook that remote wire up to the same remote that your amplifier uses?

So basically it's just a solenoid . Old Ford's have the same thing. It actually has many applications. It can be used to disconnect the battery so it won't dran . It can be s used on the starter too. They're good on hydraulics too. Like electric dump or the old Mexican jumping cars if you are in to that.

HOW CAN I INSTALL ON A MOTORCYCLE TO HAVE A BATTERY BACK UP? YES I HAVE A STORGE BOX THAT I IGHT BE ABLE TO HAVE THE 2ND BATTERY.

What will happen to the starter battery that is full when the alternator starts charging the secondary battery? Won't overcharge the main battery that's the question?

If I'm running accessories such as leds and air compressors for air system when the car is off an isolater is needed

Can't the ignition on isolator be ran from remote wire

If I plan to add a solar installation to the car, how could I connect the panel here?

Thank you great example.

Give me an example of what circuit would be ignition on and car running only. Most all circuits of course are on when the key is on but what did you use for key on and car running?