Overview

The Victron Energy BPP900450120 is a Cerbo-S GX communication centre for monitoring and controlling a Victron energy system from one place. It is the basic Cerbo-S GX version, with limited inputs and no BMS-Can port, which makes it a practical fit for less complex marine electrical installations that still need clear system visibility.

This unit accepts 8 to 70V DC power, so it can work with common 12V, 24V, and higher-voltage DC battery systems within that range. It brings together data from connected Victron equipment such as inverter/chargers, solar chargers, battery monitors, and DC-DC chargers, then makes that information available through VRM, Remote Console, a compatible MFD, VictronConnect, or an optional GX Touch display.

For onboard use, the important fit details are its 3 VE.Direct ports, VE.Bus connection, non-isolated VE.Can port, Ethernet, 2.4GHz WiFi, Bluetooth Smart, 4 digital inputs, and 2 programmable relays. The enclosure is IP20 and measures 78 x 154 x 48 mm, so it belongs in a dry, protected electronics space rather than an exposed cockpit, deck, or wet locker.

Key features

• Central monitoring point for Victron power systems, with local and remote access through VRM, Remote Console, VictronConnect, compatible MFD integration, or an optional GX Touch display.
• 8 to 70V DC supply range supports many marine DC battery systems, including 12V and 24V installations.
• 3 isolated VE.Direct ports support up to 15 VE.Direct devices in total when direct and USB-connected devices are counted together.
• Includes a VE.Bus connection for compatible Victron inverter/charger systems and a non-isolated VE.Can port for supported CAN-based integrations.
• 2 USB host ports, 1 USB power-only port, Ethernet, built-in 2.4GHz WiFi, WiFi Access Point mode, and Bluetooth Smart give installers several ways to connect, configure, and expand the system.
• 4 digital inputs and 2 programmable NO/NC relays allow practical control functions such as alarm signalling, generator start and stop, tank pump control, manual relay control, or temperature-based relay use when supported by the installation.
• Basic Cerbo-S GX configuration omits the BMS-Can port, resistive tank level inputs, and temperature sense inputs found on higher-input GX versions.
• IP20 housing and a -20 to +50°C operating temperature range suit protected helm consoles, electrical panels, nav stations, and equipment lockers.

Installation and setup

The Cerbo-S GX mounts on a wall or on 35 mm DIN rail when the proper DIN rail adapter is used. In a boat installation, it should be placed where cable runs to the battery system, inverter/charger, solar equipment, network hardware, and display location stay manageable, while the unit remains protected from spray and washdown water.

Power is supplied through the Power in V+ connector, not through Ethernet or USB. The included DC power cable has an inline 3.15 A slow-blow fuse and M8 terminal eyes for connection to a battery or DC busbar. For reliable monitoring during faults or shutdowns, the unit should be powered from a stable DC source rather than from the AC-out side of an inverter/charger.

Electrical and system integration

This model is suited to boats where the main goal is energy visibility and control rather than extensive tank and temperature monitoring from the GX unit itself. It can collect system data, provide a Remote Console interface, support remote firmware updates, and allow remote configuration changes when the system has internet access.

The relay outputs are potential-free NO/NC contacts. Relay ratings are 6 A up to 30V DC, 1 A up to 70V DC, and 6 A at 125V AC, so connected loads and control circuits need to stay within those limits. Relay 1 is commonly used for alarm, generator start and stop, tank pump, manual operation, or supported helper relay functions, while Relay 2 can be used for manual or supported temperature-based relay functions.

Marine use

This Cerbo-S GX is a good match for cruisers, fishing boats, workboats, and sailboats that already rely on Victron charging and inverter equipment and need a clearer view of battery state, charging sources, AC loads, solar input, and generator activity. It is especially useful where the owner wants remote access at the dock, at anchor, or away from the vessel through VRM.

Because it has no BMS-Can port, it should not be selected for systems that require that dedicated managed-battery connection. For installations that only need the available VE.Direct, VE.Bus, VE.Can, USB, Ethernet, WiFi, digital input, and relay functions, it keeps the system layout cleaner without paying for unused tank, temperature, or BMS-Can hardware.

What’s included

• Cerbo-S GX unit
• Power cable with inline fuse and M8 terminal eyes
• 2 VE.Can terminators
• Terminal blocks for the side connectors