Overview

The Victron Energy BPP900800150 is the GX IO-Extender 150, a USB-connected I/O expansion module for Victron GX systems on boats and other off-grid electrical installations. It extends the available ports on GX devices such as the Cerbo GX and Ekrano GX, adding 8 digital I/Os, 4 PWM outputs, 2 latching relays and 1 solid switch in a compact unit. It is powered through the GX device's USB connection, so the module itself does not need a separate DC supply.

In a marine installation, this is useful when a GX device has run out of onboard connections or when signal wiring needs to be brought back to a central monitoring and control point. The digital inputs can be used for functions such as bilge pump status, bilge alarm, door alarm, smoke alarm, fire alarm, CO2 alarm, generator status or pulse metering, while outputs and relays can support automation logic through the GX interface and Node-RED where supported.

Key features

• USB-connected expansion module for Victron GX devices, with power supplied through the same USB connection.
• 8 digital I/Os split into two banks of four, configurable as 8 inputs, 8 outputs or 4 inputs plus 4 outputs via DIP switches.
• 4 PWM ports with 0 to 5 V output in 0.05 V steps for low-level device regulation such as LED dimming and similar control tasks.
• 2 potential-free latching relays that hold their A/B position when power is lost.
• 1 solid switch for DC circuits, rated for up to 70 VDC battery voltage and 4 A load current.
• Pluggable spring terminals help keep installation work manageable in electrical lockers, helm consoles and other tight onboard spaces.
• Blue and orange LEDs on the ports show current state, making setup and troubleshooting easier at the panel.
• Compact 123 x 67 x 23 mm enclosure with 0.170 kg weight, suitable for wall mounting or DIN rail mounting with the adapter accessory.

Installation and setup

Connection is through an available USB port on the GX device. Once connected, the added relays, PWM channels and digital I/O points can be reviewed from the GX remote console. Each bank of four digital I/Os is set as input or output using DIP switches, and the unit must be power cycled after a DIP switch change for the new mode to take effect.

The terminals are arranged for signal wiring rather than heavy load switching, so plan the installation around short, tidy control runs and access for future service. The module can be wall-mounted as supplied, or fitted to a DIN rail when the separate adapter accessory is used.

Electrical and system integration

The digital outputs are for signalling and must not be used to switch loads directly. They provide 5 V output with 4 mA maximum current, so a suitable driver, relay interface or external switching device is needed when the connected circuit requires more current.

The latching relays are rated for resistive loads up to 3 A at 30 VDC, 1 A at 60 VDC, 0.3 A at 220 VDC, 2 A at 60 VAC, 1 A at 125 VAC or 0.5 A at 250 VAC, with maximum ratings of 90 W DC and 125 VA AC. The solid switch electronically switches the positive side of a DC circuit and is rated for up to 70 VDC battery voltage and 4 A load current. This makes the module better suited to monitoring, signalling and controlled auxiliary functions than to replacing a boat's main distribution switching.

Use cases on board

For boats already using a Cerbo GX, Ekrano GX or another GX device, the extender adds more low-current control points without adding another main monitoring unit. It suits installations where the Victron system needs to react to vessel status inputs, show alarm states, trigger indicator circuits, manage PWM-based controls or run custom onboard automation through Node-RED.