Victron Energy Phoenix 250VA Inverter, 120V Output, VE.Direct, NEMA GFCI

Overview

The Victron Energy Phoenix Inverter VE.Direct 250VA 120V NEMA GFCI is a compact DC to AC inverter for boats that need small 120V AC loads powered from a house battery bank. This parent product covers 12V, 24V, and 48V DC input versions, each with a 250VA rating, 120V AC output, VE.Direct communication, and a NEMA GFCI outlet.

For the 250VA models, continuous output is 200W at 25°C and 175W at 40°C, with 400W peak power for brief start-up demand. The enclosure is rated IP21 and measures about 85 x 182 x 255 mm for the 120V NEMA GFCI version, so it belongs in a dry, protected onboard location rather than an exposed cockpit, deck, or washdown area.

It is a practical fit for modest AC loads on cruising boats, fishing boats, and refit projects where the DC system voltage is already set and a full inverter charger would be more than the job requires.

Key features

• Available for 12V, 24V, or 48V DC battery systems while keeping the same 250VA class and 120V AC output format.
• 200W continuous output at 25°C, 175W continuous output at 40°C, and 400W peak power for short start-up loads.
• NEMA GFCI output for 120V AC connection in the GFCI version of the inverter.
• VE.Direct port supports monitoring and configuration through a VE.Direct to USB interface or VE.Direct Bluetooth Smart dongle.
• Configurable low-battery alarm, low-battery cut-off and restart levels, ECO mode, and 50Hz or 60Hz frequency setting.
• ECO mode can reduce default zero-load draw to 0.8W, 1.3W, or 2.5W depending on the DC voltage version.
• IP21 enclosure with steel chassis and blue plastic cover, suited to dry interior installation spaces.
• DC screw-terminal battery connection with up to 10mm² or AWG8 cable cross-section on the 250VA model.

Variants

This inverter is offered in three configurations so the DC input matches the vessel battery bank.

The battery voltage changes between variants. The 250VA rating, 120V AC output, VE.Direct communication, NEMA GFCI outlet style, IP21 protection category, and 120V GFCI enclosure size are consistent across these 250VA configurations.

• PIN122510510: Battery voltage 12V. This version matches boats with a 12V house bank and keeps the AC load capacity in the small-load 250VA range.
• PIN242510510: Battery voltage 24V. This version matches systems built around a 24V house bank while keeping the same 120V AC output format.
• PIN482510510: Battery voltage 48V. This version matches 48V DC battery systems used in higher-voltage onboard energy setups.

Installation and setup

Mount the inverter in a dry electrical locker, cabin utility area, or other protected compartment with enough clearance for cable routing and cooling airflow. The IP21 rating means the unit should not be placed where it can be hit by spray, bilge moisture, or washdown water.

The DC side uses screw terminals, which keeps installation straightforward for a properly sized short cable run from the battery or DC distribution point. Final cable sizing, over-current protection, and AC wiring should be handled to the vessel’s electrical plan and applicable marine electrical practice.

Electrical and system integration

The VE.Direct connection is useful when the inverter needs to be configured or checked during commissioning. Through the appropriate VE.Direct accessory, settings such as battery cut-off behavior, ECO mode, alarm points, and frequency can be adjusted for the way the boat is used.

This is an inverter only, not an inverter charger and not a shore-power transfer system by itself. For installations that need automatic transfer between inverter output and another AC source, the surrounding AC system has to be planned separately.

Use on board

The 250VA size is best suited to light AC duties such as small electronics, chargers, and other loads that stay within the continuous output rating. Before connecting equipment, check both its running wattage and its start-up demand against the inverter’s 200W continuous rating and 400W peak rating.

For owners working with limited locker space and a known DC battery voltage, this model keeps the installation focused: battery input on one side, a protected 120V AC GFCI output on the other, and VE.Direct access for setup and monitoring.