Victron Phoenix Smart IP43 Charger: Setup & Wiring
Updated 16 September 2026 · By SolarNevs Research Desk, Dealer surveys + verified sources · 1 source · Method ↗
Key Takeaways
- The Phoenix Smart IP43 Charger line offers adaptive multi-bank charging for marine, RV, and commercial DC power systems.
- Operates on universal utility and generator power: Nominal input voltage - AC supply 120 - 240VAC and Input voltage range - AC supply 85 - 250VAC (full power from 100VAC, startup from 90VAC) across Input frequency - AC supply 45 - 65Hz.
- Supports high-voltage DC generator systems with an Input voltage - DC supply 90 - 375 VDC rating.
- Maximizes electrical efficiency with active power factor correction: Power factor >0.99.
- Implements an intelligent charging process: Charge algorithm 6-stage adaptive (3 stage for Li-ion).
- Provides dedicated starter battery maintenance: Max output current - Starter battery 4A (1+1 output models only).
- Eliminates parasitic battery drain with Back drain current <1mA.
- Offers seamless monitoring and control: Data communication VE.Direct and Bluetooth (via VictronConnect app).
- Integrates dry-contact alarm automation: Programmable relay Yes (SPDT - 5A up to 250VAC / 5A up to 28VDC).
- Engineered with dual-zone protection: Protection category Electronic components: IP43 | Connection area: IP22 across Operating temperature -20 to +60°C (0 - 140°F) Full rated output up to 40°C.
AC Power Architecture & Multi-Bank DC Outputs
The Phoenix Smart IP43 Charger is designed for marine craft and specialized mobile machinery requiring reliable multi-output charging. Its dual-zone casing isolates sensitive power electronics (IP43) from the lower terminal connection compartment (IP22).
The Victron Phoenix Smart IP43 Charger accepts universal 85–250 VAC (45–65Hz) and 90–375 VDC input (>0.99 power factor), utilizing a dual-zone housing with an IP43 electronics compartment and IP22 terminal strip:
- Main Battery Output: 12V (30A/50A), 24V (16A/25A), 6-Stage Adaptive Charging, Full Power to 40°C.
- Starter Trickle: 4A Auxiliary Output, Isolated Diode, 1+1 Models Only, <1mA Back Drain.
- Comms & Relays: Bluetooth BLE, VE.Direct Port, SPDT 5A Relay, Remote On/Off.
Installation & Wiring Best Practices
- Universal Mains Input: Connect AC power to the AC mains inlet. The unit handles Nominal input voltage - AC supply 120 - 240VAC and accommodates extreme voltage drops down to Input voltage range - AC supply 85 - 250VAC (full power from 100VAC, startup from 90VAC) across Input frequency - AC supply 45 - 65Hz.
- Service Bank Connection: Wire primary DC positive cables to the main output terminals, sizing conductors for full rated current.
- Engine Starter Auxiliary: Connect the engine starting battery to the isolated trickle terminal (Max output current - Starter battery 4A (1+1 output models only)), keeping starting batteries charged without discharging into the house bank.
Bluetooth Configuration & Relay Automation
The Phoenix Smart IP43 Charger combines local wireless intelligence with hardware automation:
- VictronConnect Integration: Using **Data communication VE.Direct and Bluetooth (via VictronConnect app)**, technicians can adjust charge voltages, select battery chemistries, or activate low-current charging modes.
- Adaptive 6-Stage Algorithm: The Charge algorithm 6-stage adaptive (3 stage for Li-ion) algorithm cycles through bulk, absorption, recondition, float, storage, and refresh phases to maximize battery health.
- Ultra-Low Standby Drain: Disconnecting AC power leaves the charger in an ultra-low quiescent state with Back drain current <1mA.
- Programmable SPDT Relay: The built-in Programmable relay Yes (SPDT - 5A up to 250VAC / 5A up to 28VDC) can be configured to trigger remote visual alarms, audible horns, or generator auto-start contacts.
- Thermal Resilience: Designed to deliver full rated charging across Operating temperature -20 to +60°C (0 - 140°F) Full rated output up to 40°C within its Protection category Electronic components: IP43 | Connection area: IP22 enclosure.
Technical Specifications & Connectivity Summary
Parameter | Engineering Rating | Design Significance |
|---|---|---|
Nominal AC Supply | Nominal input voltage - AC supply 120 - 240VAC | Universal compatibility with global shore power and generators |
Operating AC Range | Input voltage range - AC supply 85 - 250VAC (full power from 100VAC, startup from 90VAC) | Wide brownout tolerance on heavily loaded generators |
Supply Frequency | Input frequency - AC supply 45 - 65Hz | Stable operation on variable frequency marine gensets |
DC High Voltage Supply | Input voltage - DC supply 90 - 375 VDC | Enables charging from high-voltage DC microgrid buses |
Power Factor | Power factor >0.99 | Active PFC minimizes generator kVA loading |
Charging Curve | Charge algorithm 6-stage adaptive (3 stage for Li-ion) | Optimizes lead-acid absorption times and protects LiFePO4 cells |
Starter Trickle Current | Max output current - Starter battery 4A (1+1 output models only) | Dedicated maintenance trickle charge for crank batteries |
Quiescent Back Drain | Back drain current <1mA | Negligible battery discharge during shore-power disconnection |
Connectivity Ports | Data communication VE.Direct and Bluetooth (via VictronConnect app) | Dual wireless and wired telemetry options |
Alarm Relay | Programmable relay Yes (SPDT - 5A up to 250VAC / 5A up to 28VDC) | Dry contacts for generator starting and fault signaling |
Ingress Category | Protection category Electronic components: IP43 | Sealed electronics section resistant to splashing water |
Thermal Range | Operating temperature -20 to +60°C (0 - 140°F) Full rated output up to 40°C | High-temperature tolerance for engine spaces |
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Frequently asked questions
What AC and DC input voltage ranges are supported by the Phoenix Smart IP43?
The unit accepts a **Nominal input voltage - AC supply 120 - 240VAC** with an **Input voltage range - AC supply 85 - 250VAC (full power from 100VAC, startup from 90VAC)** across **Input frequency - AC supply 45 - 65Hz**, and an **Input voltage - DC supply 90 - 375 VDC** with **Power factor >0.99** (August 2026).
What charging algorithm and starter battery capabilities are provided?
It provides a **Charge algorithm 6-stage adaptive (3 stage for Li-ion)** and includes a **Max output current - Starter battery 4A (1+1 output models only)** (August 2026).
What data communications and relay switching ratings are integrated?
It features **Data communication VE.Direct and Bluetooth (via VictronConnect app)**, an ultra-low **Back drain current <1mA**, and a **Programmable relay Yes (SPDT - 5A up to 250VAC / 5A up to 28VDC)** (August 2026).
What are the environmental ratings and operating temperature specifications?
The charger features **Protection category Electronic components: IP43 | Connection area: IP22** and operates from **Operating temperature -20 to +60°C (0 - 140°F) Full rated output up to 40°C** (August 2026).
References
- Victron Energy: Phoenix Smart IP43 Charger Manual — accessed 31 August 2026
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