Victron Energy chargers

If you've landed here, you're probably not looking for just any charger. You're looking for a reliable, intelligent and durable solution for your self-sufficient power system. And you've probably already noticed that the market is full of cheap offers, well-intentioned advice from internet forums and dangerous half-knowledge.

At Verkauf-Bochum.de, we don't just sell products. We have been planning and implementing complete system solutions for electricity self-sufficiency for years. We know the expensive mistakes that result from incorrect advice or cheap components - from destroyed lithium batteries to fire-hazardous installations.

That's why we'll show you here what makes a Victron charger stand out technically and help you choose the right model for your system.

Why a cheap charger destroys your expensive batteries

Honestly, we see it every day. Customers come to us with batteries that are broken after just one or two years. The reason is often enough an unsuitable or inferior charger.

A cheap charger from the DIY store often works with a simple constant voltage. It simply "pumps" current into the battery until a certain voltage is reached and then switches off or goes into an inaccurate trickle charge. This leads to two major problems:

1. Sulfation in lead-acid batteries: The battery never really gets 100% full, which leads to the formation of lead sulphate crystals. The capacity gradually decreases until the battery is unusable.
2. Cell damage in lithium batteries (LiFePO4): Incorrect charging voltages or a lack of balancing can permanently damage the sensitive lithium cells. In the worst case, there is a risk of overheating, overcharging and safety risks.

A Victron charger, on the other hand, actively maintains your battery. It analyzes the condition and intelligently adapts the charging cycle (Bulk, Absorption, Float, Storage). The special storage mode for gel or AGM batteries, for example, lowers the float voltage after long periods of inactivity to actively prevent the battery from ageing. This is the difference between a battery that lasts two years and one that lasts eight years or longer.

How to find the right power (amperes) for your battery charger

Now you know which series fits. But are you using the 15A, 25A or 30A version?

The rule of thumb for lead-acid (AGM/GEL):

The charging current (i.e. the output current of the device) should be 10 % to 20 % of the battery capacity (Ah).

• Example: You have a 100Ah AGM battery.
• Calculation: 100Ah * 0.15 = 15A.
• Result: A Victron Blue Smart Charger with 12V and 15A is the perfect choice.

The special feature of lithium (LiFePO4):

Lithium batteries can often accept significantly higher charging currents (often up to 50% of their capacity, i.e. 50A for a 100Ah battery). But beware: higher is not always better! A more gentle charging process with e.g. 20-30A is often more beneficial for the service life. Always check the specifications of your battery manufacturer!

The efficient solution for every application: Where Victron chargers shine

A charger is only as good as its suitability for the specific application. Victron's strength lies in offering a technically superior and efficient solution for every requirement. solution for every requirement. Whether in vehicles such as cars, boats and mobile homes or for off-grid projects - here you can see where the devices show their strengths in practice:

In a motorhome & camper: be self-sufficient without worries

In a mobile home, one thing counts above all: reliability. A Victron charger ensures that your body battery - the heart of your self-sufficiency - is always perfectly charged and maintained. The intelligent storage mode (only for lead batteries) is worth its weight in gold for winter storage, as it actively protects the battery from ageing. Models such as the fanless Blue Smart IP65 work absolutely silently, while the Blue Smart IP22 with three outputs is ideal for permanent installation to keep the supply and starter battery fit at the same time. You can always keep an eye on the charge status via Bluetooth without having to open a flap.

On the boat & yacht: safety without compromise

There are no second chances on the water. Moisture, salty air and vibrations place the highest demands on electronics. Victron chargers are built precisely for this. With high protection classes such as IP 43, IP65 or IP67, they are protected against water and corrosion. The robust housing and high-quality components ensure safe operation, even in rough seas. You can rely on a stable power supply for navigation, radio and on-board electronics - that is non-negotiable safety.

In self-sufficient systems & off-grid: intelligent integration

This is where the full strength of the Victron ecosystem comes into play, especially in self-sufficient systems such as in a camper, on a boat or in a garden shed. Via the integrated VE.Smart Network, your Blue Smart charger communicates wirelessly via Bluetooth with other smart components, for example a solar charge controller or a battery monitor (such as the SmartShunt). These devices constantly exchange important data such as the exact battery voltage and temperature. In this way, the system intelligently coordinates with each other and ensures that your batteries are always charged under the optimum conditions. The result is no longer a network of individual parts, but a small, smart overall network that maximizes the efficiency and service life of your battery storage system.

Why Bluetooth makes the difference: The VictronConnect app

The "Smart" in the name stands for the integrated Bluetooth function. With the free VictronConnect app on your smartphone or tablet, you have full control:

• Live monitoring: see in real time which charging phase (bulk, absorption, float) the battery is in, how much current is flowing and how high the voltage is.
• Simple configuration: Simply select your battery type (AGM, GEL, LiFePO4) from a menu. The charger immediately sets the perfect charging algorithm.
• Expert mode: Here you can make detailed settings for the charger and adjust each individual charging voltage and time as required - perfect for special batteries or system requirements.
• History data: Analyze the charging cycles of the last 30 days and detect problems early.

This app transforms the charger from a "black box" into a transparent and controllable battery maintenance tool.

From charger to intelligent system: VE.Smart Networking

This is where the true strength of the Victron ecosystem is revealed. A charger offers the possibility to communicate wirelessly with other Victron components, e.g. with a Smart Battery Sense (a small voltage and temperature sensor directly on the battery) or a SmartShunt (a precise battery monitor).

The charger then receives the exact battery voltage and temperature directly from the terminal and can adjust the normal charging process even more precisely. This compensates for voltage losses due to long cables and ensures absolutely perfect charging. This is the basis for seamless Victron Energy Monitoring, in which all components work together as a team.

Installation & first steps: it's that simple

The good news first: the basic installation of a Victron charger is uncomplicated and quick. The following steps are a quick guide to getting started. Always follow the detailed safety instructions in your device manual. However, our most important
advice: If you are unsure about handling electricity and batteries, always consult a qualified professional. Your safety first!

1. Safety first: Always disconnect the battery from the rest of the system before changing connections. Remove the positive terminal connection, this is usually sufficient.
2. Correct connection: Connect the red cable (+) of the charger to the positive terminal of the battery. Then connect the black cable (-) to the negative terminal. This sequence is important to avoid sparking.
3. Mains connection: Only connect the charger to the 230V socket once the connection to the battery has been securely established.
4. App connection: Open the VictronConnect app on your smartphone. The charger should automatically appear in the device list.
5. Configuration: Connect to the charger. The first time, the app will ask for the PIN code; you can find this on the product sticker, usually near the serial number. Then tap on the cogwheel symbol for the settings and select the appropriate type under "Battery" (e.g. AGM, GEL or LiFePO4).

Invest in the life of your batteries with a Victron charger

A Victron charger is an investment, not an expense. It is the right choice for anyone who:

• values the longevity of their expensive batteries and low energy consumption.
• wantfull control and transparency over the charging process.
• are looking for a reliable, robust and safe device for use in vehicles such as cars, boats and motorhomes.
• is planning an expandable energy system and is looking for the perfect coordination of components.

If you are looking for self-sufficiency, safety and maximum battery life, the quality and intelligence of a Victron charger is the professional and more cost-effective long-term solution.

Not sure which model or power is right for your system?

That's exactly what we're here for. Contact us for a no-obligation consultation or find the right charger for your project now.