Victron Energy Blue Smart IP65 Battery Charger, Bluetooth

Overview

The Victron Energy Blue Smart IP65 Charger is a portable smart battery charger range for 12V or 24V battery banks, with variant choices covering 12V charging at 7A and 24V charging at 5A. It brings together an IP65 protection category, built-in Bluetooth, a 7-stage adaptive charge algorithm, Li-ion mode, and a power supply mode in a compact charger format used for marine, vehicle, workshop, and off-season storage charging.

For boat owners, this charger is a good fit for keeping smaller start batteries, tender batteries, and compact house banks maintained when AC power is available at the dock, in the shed, or from a suitable onboard supply. The 12V 7A and 24V 5A versions share the same compact 47 x 95 x 190 mm charger size, making the unit easy to place in a locker, service area, or onboard tool kit while still leaving room for cable bend and safe ventilation.

Key features

• Available for 12V battery systems at 7A or 24V battery systems at 5A, depending on the selected variant.
• IP65 protection category helps the charger cope with spray, dust, and chemical exposure common around boats, docks, and workshops.
• Built-in Bluetooth works with the VictronConnect app for voltage and current readout, charger setup, and status checks from a phone.
• 7-stage adaptive charging supports lead-acid battery care, with a dedicated Li-ion mode for LiFePO4 batteries.
• Power supply mode can deliver constant DC voltage for suitable equipment, with or without a battery connected.
• Reverse polarity, output short circuit, and over-temperature protection are built into the charger.
• Convection cooling means there is no fan, which keeps operation silent and avoids moving parts.
• Supplied with a 1.5 m battery connection lead and interchangeable battery connections for practical portable or semi-fixed charging setups.

Variants

This range varies by DC output, charge current, AC plug, and supply region. The 12V variants provide 7A charging, while the 24V variants provide 5A charging. Regional AC plug choices include 230V AU/NZ, 230V UK, 230V CEE 7/16, 230V CEE 7/17, and 120V NEMA 1-15P versions.

The main buying decision is the boat battery voltage and the mains plug required for the charging location. The same Blue Smart IP65 Charger format is used across these options, with the output voltage, charge current, and regional mains connection defining the selection.

Installation and setup

The charger can be used as a portable service charger or mounted near the battery bank in a protected onboard location. It should have ventilation during charging, and the DC connection should be made with correct polarity before AC power is applied. For hardwired installations, a suitably rated fuse or circuit breaker should be located as close as practical to the battery.

The IP65 housing suits damp lockers, workshop benches, and cockpit-adjacent service areas, but it is not a submersible charger. Check that the chosen AC plug matches the shore-side or workshop supply, and allow space around the 1.5 m battery lead so the cable is not strained when connected to terminals or clamps.

Battery charging and onboard use

Normal, high, and Li-ion charge profiles let the charger match common battery needs. In 12V mode, absorption charging is 14.4V in normal mode, 14.7V in high mode, and 14.2V in Li-ion mode. In 24V mode, absorption charging is 28.8V in normal mode, 29.4V in high mode, and 28.4V in Li-ion mode.

The charger can recover deeply discharged batteries by starting from very low battery voltage and then moving into normal charging once the battery can accept charge. For marine use, that is helpful during seasonal layup, after long periods away from the boat, or when a smaller battery has been run down by electronics, pumps, or lighting.

What’s included

• Blue Smart IP65 charger with regional AC plug according to the selected variant.
• M8 eyelet battery connection.
• Battery clamp connection.