Victron Phoenix Smart IP43 Charger: Setup & Wiring

Updated 6 September 2026 · By SolarNevs Research Desk, Dealer surveys + verified sources · 1 source · Method ↗

Victron Phoenix Smart IP43 battery charger mounted on a marine bulkhead with isolated DC wiring connecting service and starting battery banks — SolarNevs spec card

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

  1. 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.
  2. Service Bank Connection: Wire primary DC positive cables to the main output terminals, sizing conductors for full rated current.
  3. 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

References

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