Victron Energy Quattro Inverter/Charger, 230V, Two AC Inputs

Overview

The Victron Energy Quattro is a 230V inverter/charger family for boats that use a large battery bank with shore power, a generator, or both. It combines a true sine wave inverter, an adaptive battery charger, and an integrated transfer switch in one unit, with models covering 12V, 24V, and 48V battery systems from 3000VA up to 15000VA.

Two independent AC inputs allow a marine electrical system to connect separate shore and generator feeds. The Quattro automatically connects to the active AC source, while the main output has no-break transfer in less than 20 milliseconds, which helps keep onboard electronics running when shore or generator power drops out.

For 230V AC installations, the inverter output is 230 VAC at 50 Hz, with the frequency adjustable to 60 Hz where the system calls for it. AC input range is 187-250 VAC at 50/60 Hz, and PowerControl and PowerAssist help manage limited shore or generator capacity without overloading the supply.

Key features

• Combined inverter, charger, and transfer switch for central 230V AC power systems on board.
• Two AC inputs support separate shore power and generator connections, with automatic transfer to the active source.
• Main AC output has no-break functionality, with transfer in less than 20 milliseconds for sensitive onboard loads.
• Second AC output is live only when external AC is available, useful for loads such as a water heater that should not discharge the battery bank.
• PowerControl limits charger draw when shore or generator capacity is restricted, while PowerAssist can add battery power during short load peaks.
• VE.Bus communication supports parallel operation, three-phase operation, remote monitoring, and integration with GX devices.
• Lithium-ion compatible charger range, with battery temperature sensor support and adaptive charging for properly configured battery systems.
• IP20 aluminum enclosure for installation in an interior electrical space that stays dry and has ventilation.

Variants

The available configurations vary by nominal battery voltage and apparent power. The range covers 12V, 24V, and 48V DC battery banks, with inverter classes at 3000VA, 5000VA, 8000VA, 10000VA, and 15000VA.

The model naming also reflects charger current and AC transfer ratings, so the selected unit should match the vessel battery bank, expected AC loads, shore power arrangement, generator capacity, and available installation space. Larger models bring higher output and charging capacity, while the 12V, 24V, and 48V options align the Quattro with the vessel’s DC architecture.

Installation and setup

This is an equipment-room product, not a wet-location fitting. Mount it in a protected onboard space where salt spray, washdowns, and standing moisture cannot reach the enclosure, while leaving enough room for airflow, cabling, and service access. The IP20 rating makes placement especially important on boats with damp lockers or hot engine-room areas.

Battery-side cable sizing, AC protection, grounding, ventilation, and overcurrent protection should be matched to the selected model and installed by a qualified marine electrical technician. The battery connection uses M8 hardware across the range, and the AC connection style varies by power class.

Electrical and system integration

VE.Bus is the key integration path for this range. It allows the Quattro to work in larger Victron systems with remote monitoring, parallel inverter setups, and three-phase configurations where the vessel power system requires more than one unit.

With a Cerbo GX, Ekrano GX, or other compatible GX device, the system can be monitored locally and remotely through VRM. This is useful on cruising boats, liveaboards, workboats, and offshore fishing vessels where shore power, generator runtime, charging status, and battery-backed AC loads all need to be managed from one system view.

Compatibility and fit

This 230V Quattro range fits vessels built around 230V AC distribution, or systems engineered around a 230V inverter output. Boats with North American split-phase service, mixed 120V and 240V loads, or non-standard shore power arrangements may require additional Victron system components and careful AC design before installation.

For vessels with higher hotel loads, electric cooking, water heating, refrigeration, navigation electronics, or extended time away from dockside power, the Quattro gives the installer a scalable base for shore charging, generator integration, and battery-backed AC supply. The correct variant should be selected around the real AC load profile, not only the battery voltage.