Victron Energy Phoenix Inverter VE.Direct, 120V, NEMA GFCI, UL 458

Overview

The Victron Energy Phoenix Inverter VE.Direct is a 120V AC inverter range for boats that need household-style AC power from a 12V, 24V or 48V DC battery bank. The listed configurations cover 375VA, 800VA and 1200VA output ratings, with a NEMA 5-15R GFCI outlet, VE.Direct communication and UL 458 coverage for GFCI output versions.

This is a practical fit for dry interior electrical spaces where a vessel needs AC power away from shore power or a generator. The IP21 enclosure, screw-terminal DC connection and configurable 50Hz or 60Hz output make it better suited to a protected locker, cabin equipment space or console compartment than an exposed deck or cockpit location.

Key features

• 120V AC output with adjustable 50Hz or 60Hz frequency for North American AC loads on board.
• VE.Direct port supports configuration and monitoring through a VE.Direct to USB cable or VE.Direct Bluetooth Smart dongle.
• GFCI protected NEMA 5-15R outlet on the 120V models, with UL 458 coverage for GFCI output versions.
• ECO mode can reduce standby consumption by putting the inverter in standby when the connected load is below a set level.
• Screw-terminal DC connection helps keep battery wiring secure in a protected locker or equipment compartment.
• Protection covers output short circuit, overload, battery voltage too high or too low, high temperature and DC ripple too high.
• Steel chassis with blue RAL 5012 plastic cover and an IP21 protection category for dry, sheltered installation spaces.

Variants

The configurations vary by DC input voltage and VA rating. This listing covers 12V, 24V and 48V battery-bank options, with 375VA, 800VA and 1200VA choices depending on the selected voltage.

The AC side stays focused on 120V use with a NEMA GFCI outlet across these configurations, so the main fit decision is matching the inverter to the vessel's DC system voltage and the expected AC load.

Electrical and system integration

Use the inverter with a battery bank that matches the selected DC voltage. The listed input voltage ranges are 9.2 to 17.0V for 12V systems, 18.4 to 34.0V for 24V systems, and 36.8 to 62.0V for 48V systems.

The 375VA models deliver 300W continuous power at 25°C and 260W at 40°C. The 800VA models deliver 650W at 25°C and 560W at 40°C. The 1200VA models deliver 1000W at 25°C and 850W at 40°C, which helps when sizing the inverter against real AC loads rather than only looking at the VA label.

The VE.Direct port is useful when the inverter is part of a monitored Victron setup or when settings need to be adjusted from a phone, tablet or computer. Low battery alarm, cut-off and restart levels, output voltage, frequency and ECO mode behavior can be configured with the appropriate VE.Direct accessory.

Installation and mounting

Mount the inverter in a dry, ventilated location such as an electrical locker, cabin equipment space or protected console area. It should not be treated as a washdown or deck-mounted device, because the enclosure rating is IP21 rather than a higher ingress rating for spray exposure.

For UL certified NEMA GFCI models, install a fuse or DC circuit breaker close to the battery. Battery cable sizing and overcurrent protection should follow the selected model and the vessel's DC installation standards, especially on boats where vibration and long cable runs can affect voltage drop.

Use cases on board

This inverter range suits boats that need intermittent 120V AC for battery chargers, small tools, lighting power supplies and other AC loads within the selected inverter rating. The higher VA configurations fit larger intermittent loads, while the 375VA option keeps the installation smaller for lighter 24V or 48V systems.