Victron Mains Chargers Compared

Which Victron Mains Charger is Right for You? A Comparison Table & Guide

Welcome, fellow tech enthusiasts! Choosing the right battery charger can make all the difference in the efficiency and longevity of your batteries. Today, we'll explore three popular ranges from Victron Energy: the Blue Smart IP22, IP65, and IP67. Each charger offers unique features suited for various applications. Let's dive into the details to help you make an informed decision. Key Features and Benefits Victron Energy offers a range of mains chargers designed to meet different needs.

Key Features and Benefits

• Blue Smart IP22: Ideal for fixed use in indoor environments, this charger provides efficient charging with Bluetooth connectivity and protection from dust and moisture.

• Blue Smart IP65: Built tough for workshop use, the IP65 charger is portable and offers excellent protection against dust and water, making it perfect for mobile applications.

• Blue Smart IP67: For the most demanding environments, the IP67 charger is fully encapsulated, providing the highest level of durability and protection against water and dust.

Differences Between IP Chargers

• Durability: The IP67 charger offers the highest durability with its fully encapsulated design, followed by the IP65 with a tough plastic case, and the IP22 with a thinner metal case.
• Charging Current: The IP22 being open is easier to cool and therefore has a higher charging current for the given weight and size.
• Operating Temperature: The IP22 and IP67 will feel hotter to the touch as they have a metal case, all three will have similar operating temperatures however.
• Portability: The IP65 is designed for workshop use, whereas the IP22 and IP67 are designed for permanent fixing.
• Victron Integration: The IP22 and IP67 are designed with Victron Smart Networking capability, so if you have a Smart Battery Sense or BMV-712, they can communicate to allow more efficient charging on permanent installations.

Victron Charger Comparison Table

Practical Considerations for Choosing a Victron Charger

When selecting a Victron charger, consider the following factors:

1. Environment: Choose based on where you will use the charger. The IP22 is great for indoor use, the IP65 for workshops, and the IP67 for the harshest conditions.
2. Durability: The IP65 and IP67 models offer higher protection levels, making them suitable for more demanding environments.
3. Portability: The IP65 range is the most portable, ideal for on-the-go use.
4. Configuration Options: If you prefer physical buttons for quickly setting the charger, opt for the IP22 or IP65. The IP67 relies solely on Bluetooth for configuration.
5. Noise Levels: The IP22 includes a fan, which might be a consideration if noise is a concern, albeit it is incredibly quiet. The IP65 and IP67 are fanless and quieter.
6. Budget: Evaluate the value each charger offers relative to its price and your specific needs.

Example Use Cases Blue Smart IP22 Ideal for Indoor Fixed Use:

• Home Workshop: Keep your batteries charged and ready in a protected indoor space. Upgrading to Victron means that when your lithium battery is flat, it will automatically wake up the BMS when plugged in. Furthermore, if the battery does fail, the charger can act as a power supply, enough to power basic 12V (or 24V needs depending on the model) with no battery connected.
• Caravan: Perfect for use in caravans where dust protection is necessary but the environment is relatively controlled. The IP22 ensures your batteries are maintained efficiently, providing reliable power during your travels.

Blue Smart IP65 Perfect for Portable, Tough Environments:

• Mobile Workshops: Rugged and portable, the IP65 can handle the rigors of mobile environments. Using the IP65 range of chargers around the workshop means they can be quickly connected to car batteries. The charge status is easily checked via the lights on the front, and the app allows reviewing the charge cycle, verifying the total current used by the battery, which assists technicians in diagnostics.
• Outdoor Use: Its high dust and water protection make it suitable for temporary outdoor charging needs. The IP65 is robust enough to withstand various weather conditions, ensuring uninterrupted power supply in your outdoor projects.

Blue Smart IP67 Best for Harshest Conditions:

• Marine Applications: Fully encapsulated and highly durable, ideal for use on boats where exposure to water and harsh conditions is a given. The IP67 charger can be installed without worry of hose contact or water sprays, making it a reliable choice for marine environments.
• Industrial Settings: Withstands the toughest industrial environments, providing reliable charging even in extreme conditions. The IP67's robust design ensures it can handle heavy-duty usage and accidental water exposure, maintaining efficiency and safety in industrial applications.

Ready to find the perfect Victron charger for your needs? Explore our range and choose the one that best fits your requirements.

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Exploring Other Victron Chargers: IP43 Phoenix and IP65 Skylla

While the Blue Smart IP22, IP65, and IP67 are among the most popular choices, Victron also offers other high-quality chargers suited for specific needs. Let’s take a look at the IP43 Phoenix and IP65 Skylla chargers.

IP43 Phoenix Charger

• Versatile Use: The IP43 Phoenix charger is ideal for marine, automotive, and industrial applications. It provides reliable charging with a compact design.
• Expanded Features: It offers extra features, such as remote on/off terminals, relays, trickle charge output (for a starter battery), or multi-output models.
• Communications: The IP43 Phoenix charger has a VE.Direct port for connection with the Cerbo or Ekrano GX as well as Bluetooth built-in.
• Ideal For: Moderate power applications where full-featured communications and features are required, such as controlling a relay to start a hot-water heater once the charger is at float (i.e., battery full).
• Most Popular Model: The Victron IP43 Phoenix Smart Charger 12/50(1) is the most popular 12V model, and the Victron IP43 Phoenix Smart Charger 24/25(1+1) is the most popular 24V model.

IP65 Skylla Charger

• Heavy-Duty Performance: The IP65 Skylla charger is designed for demanding industrial and marine environments. It offers high output and efficient charging.
• Rugged Design: With its robust construction, the IP65 Skylla can withstand harsh conditions, making it a reliable choice for heavy-duty use.
• Highly Configurable: Expansive charging options for unique installations.
• Communications: The IP65 Skylla includes CANBus protocols for connection with the Cerbo or Ekrano GX.
• Ideal For: High power applications where advanced communications and synchronization are required to ensure efficient charging.
• Most Popular Model: The Victron IP65 Skylla 12/70(1+1) Charger is the most popular 12V model, and the Victron IP65 Skylla 24/35(1+1) Charger is the most popular 24V model.

Happy Charging!