Victron Energy Skylla-IP65 Battery Charger, 120-240VAC, IP65, 7-Stage Charging, Li-ion Mode

Overview

The Victron Energy Skylla-IP65 is a mounted AC battery charger for 12V and 24V battery banks, with 120-240VAC input, IP65 enclosure protection, and model options for 70A at 12V or 35A at 24V.

This charger fits marine charging systems where shore power or generator AC needs to recharge house banks with controlled charge stages. The input range covers 90-265VAC at 45-65Hz, which helps on boats that move between marinas, countries, or generator setups with different AC supply conditions.

The Skylla-IP65 uses a 7-stage adaptive charge curve for lead-acid batteries and includes a Lithium-ion charge mode. The housing is steel with an IP65 protection category, so it is a practical match for machinery spaces, technical lockers, and other well-ventilated onboard locations where humidity, salt air, and washdown exposure are real concerns.

Key features

• Available for 12V systems at 70A or 24V systems at 35A, so the charger can be matched to the vessel battery voltage.
• 120-240VAC nominal input with a 90-265VAC operating range for shore power and generator installations in different regions.
• IP65 protection category for use in demanding marine spaces exposed to moisture, salt air, and dust.
• 7-stage adaptive lead-acid charging and a Lithium-ion charge mode for common onboard battery chemistries.
• 1+1 versions include one main output plus an isolated starter-battery top-up output.
• 3-output versions include three isolated outputs that can each supply the full rated charging current.
• Two RJ45 CAN bus ports use NMEA 2000 protocol for system communication and remote control integration.
• Remote on-off port, temperature sensor support, external voltage sense, remote alarm relay, and power supply function are included for more controlled installations.
• M6 battery connections and screw-clamp AC mains terminals support fixed onboard mounting and wiring.

Variants

The Skylla-IP65 range is offered in four configurations that change the DC system voltage, charging amperage, and output arrangement.

The shared platform keeps the same AC input range, IP65 steel enclosure, communication ports, charge logic, and installation style across the range. The main selection point is whether the boat uses a 12V or 24V battery system, and whether the installation needs three full-current outputs or a main output with a separate starter-battery top-up output.

• SKY012070000: 12V, 70A, 1+1 outputs. This version suits a 12V house bank layout where the charger also needs a separate starter-battery top-up output.
• SKY012070100: 12V, 70A, 3 outputs. This version supports three 12V battery banks from isolated outputs that can each carry the full rated charging current.
• SKY024035100: 24V, 35A, 3 outputs. This version matches 24V vessels that need charging distributed across three isolated battery outputs.
• SKY024035000: 24V, 35A, 1+1 outputs. This version fits a 24V main bank with a separate starter-battery top-up output.

Installation and setup

The charger may be mounted on a wall or floor, with vertical wall mounting commonly used to keep the unit secure and easy to service. It should be installed in a dry, well-ventilated area, with airflow kept clear at the back of the cabinet for cooling.

Battery cable length between the charger and the battery should be kept under 6 meters. For cable runs up to 1.5 meters, the 12/70 model uses a minimum 10 mm2 cable section and the 24/35 model uses a minimum 6 mm2 cable section. For runs from 1.5 to 6 meters, the 12/70 model uses a minimum 16 mm2 cable section and the 24/35 model uses a minimum 10 mm2 cable section.

The earth point must be connected to the vessel earth plate or hull ground in accordance with the boat’s electrical standards. The cable glands and terminal openings should be properly closed with cable or suitable blanking material to maintain protection against water and dust entering the enclosure.

Electrical and system integration

The two VE.Can connectors allow the charger to be integrated into compatible onboard monitoring and control systems using NMEA 2000 protocol. Several chargers can also be synchronized through the CAN interface when a larger charging installation calls for parallel operation, provided the connected chargers use matching settings.

The remote shut down input can be used in controlled charging systems, including installations where a lithium battery management system needs to turn charging on or off. External voltage sensing and external temperature sensing are useful on boats with long cable runs or battery compartments that see changing temperatures during use.

Use cases on board

This charger is a good match for cruising boats, workboats, fishing vessels, and larger mobile power systems that need a fixed charger with higher output than a small portable unit. The 1+1 versions make sense where a house bank is the main charging load and the starter battery only needs maintenance charging, while the 3-output versions fit installations with multiple battery banks that need full-current charging access.

Materials and protection

The enclosure is steel with a blue RAL 5012 finish, and the unit carries an IP65 protection category. It is not a submersible charger, but the enclosure rating and fixed cable-gland layout make it well suited for protected marine spaces where equipment still has to cope with humidity, salt air, heat, and occasional spray.

The specified operating temperature range is -20 to 60 C, with full output current available up to 40 C ambient. Forced cooling is built in, so the mounting location should leave enough space for airflow rather than enclosing the charger in a tight, unventilated compartment.