Victron Energy Blue Smart IP67 Battery Charger, 120V, NEMA 5-15, Bluetooth

Overview

The Victron Energy Blue Smart IP67 Charger 120V is a waterproof battery charger range for 12V and 24V battery banks, with built-in Bluetooth for setup, monitoring, and configuration through the VictronConnect app. This family covers 12V charge currents from 7A to 25A and 24V charge currents from 5A to 12A, so it can be matched to smaller service batteries, auxiliary banks, and larger onboard DC systems.

The charger is well suited to boats that need a fixed AC shore-power charger in a location exposed to moisture, dust, and normal onboard vibration. Its IP67 enclosure uses a cast aluminium casing with electronics moulded in resin, and the 120V models use a 1.5 m mains cable with a US NEMA 5-15P plug.

Charging is managed by an adaptive algorithm for lead-acid batteries, with presets for common chemistries including AGM, gel, flooded lead-acid, and LiFePO4. The range also includes storage charging, low-current mode, deeply discharged battery recovery, reverse polarity protection by fuse, output short circuit protection, and over-temperature protection.

Key features

• IP67-rated charger body for installations where spray, dust, and bilge-area moisture are part of the environment.
• Built-in Bluetooth works with VictronConnect for charge mode selection, current limit adjustment, status checks, history, and firmware updates.
• 120V AC input range of 100 to 130V AC and 45 to 65Hz for use with standard North American shore-power supply through a NEMA 5-15P plug.
• Available for 12V systems at 7A, 13A, 17A, and 25A, and for 24V systems at 5A, 8A, and 12A.
• Adaptive charging supports normal, high, and Li-ion voltage profiles, with a 6-stage adaptive charge algorithm for lead-acid batteries and a 3-stage algorithm for Li-ion mode.
• Storage mode lowers the maintenance voltage when the battery is not being used, helping reduce gassing and plate corrosion during longer periods at the dock.
• Low-current mode lets the charger work with smaller batteries without forcing the full rated current.
• Fanless convection cooling keeps operation quiet in cabins, lockers, workshops, and other onboard spaces.
• Operating temperature range is -20°C to 60°C, with full rated output up to 40°C.
• Hardwired 1.5 m red and black DC battery cable with M8 ring terminals supports a clean permanent installation.

Variants

This product range is offered in 12V and 24V versions, with the charge current changing by model. The 12V options cover 7A, 13A, 17A, and 25A output, while the 24V options cover 5A, 8A, and 12A output.

Across the range, the charger family keeps the same Blue Smart IP67 platform, Bluetooth setup through VictronConnect, 120V AC input, NEMA 5-15P mains plug, IP67 enclosure rating, and hardwired DC battery leads. The physical size, weight, cable gauge, and fuse details vary between some output ratings, so the selected variant should match the battery bank size, available mounting space, and protection plan for the installation.

Installation and setup

The charger is intended for permanent mounting using the tabs on the base. It should be installed vertically with the AC and DC cables facing down, in a location with natural airflow and enough clearance around the unit for heat to leave the enclosure. Even with an IP67 rating, a sheltered mounting location is still the better practice on a boat, especially away from battery gases, fuel vapors, and areas where gear can sit on top of the charger.

DC connection is made through the supplied red and black battery leads with M8 ring terminals. For hardwired marine installations, an inline fuse or circuit breaker should be placed close to the battery or DC bus so the cable is protected if a short occurs between the charger and the battery bank.

Battery and system compatibility

The range supports common lead-acid battery types and LiFePO4 batteries when the correct charge preset is selected in VictronConnect. For lead-acid batteries, normal and high voltage profiles are available. For Li-ion mode, the charger uses the Li-ion voltage profile and disables temperature compensation, which is important when matching the charger to the battery manufacturer’s charging requirements.

These chargers make sense for owners who want a compact fixed charger for dockside maintenance, trailerable boats, fishing boats, cruisers, tenders, and auxiliary battery banks. The key buying decision is the vessel’s battery voltage first, then the charge current that suits the battery capacity and how quickly the bank needs to recover after use.

Onboard use and monitoring

With Bluetooth monitoring, routine checks can be made from a phone or tablet without opening a locker or lifting a berth cushion to look at the LEDs. That is useful when the charger is mounted in a machinery space, lazarette, console, or service compartment where access is limited but battery status still matters.

The charger can also operate as a DC power supply with a configurable constant output voltage. That mode is useful for service work or for powering suitable DC loads when a battery is not connected, provided the connected equipment and installation remain within the charger’s rated limits.