Victron Energy Blue Smart IP22 Battery Charger, 12V, 120V, Bluetooth, Dry Mount

Overview

The Victron Energy Blue Smart IP22 is a dry-mount 12V battery charger range for boats and other DC systems that need shore-power charging with Bluetooth setup and monitoring. This 120V AC range covers 15A, 20A, and 30A charge outputs, with either a single output or three outputs depending on the selected configuration.

The charger uses a 6-stage adaptive charging program with Normal, High, and Li-ion modes, plus an optional recondition stage for lead-acid batteries when appropriate. For a 12V battery, the standard absorption voltage is 14.4V in Normal mode, 14.7V in High mode, and 14.2V in Li-ion mode. The housing is IP22 rated, so it belongs in a protected, dry location such as a cabin locker, electrical compartment, workshop area, or another ventilated space away from direct spray.

With up to 93% efficiency on the 12V models, 0.5W no-load power consumption, screw terminals for DC wiring, and a 6 ft AC cable with a NEMA 5-15 plug, the Blue Smart IP22 suits owners who want a permanently mounted charger that is easy to monitor from the VictronConnect app while the boat is at the dock, on a trailer, or stored between trips.

Key features

• 12V charger range with 15A, 20A, and 30A output options for matching charger size to battery capacity and onboard loads.
• Available with 1 output for a single battery bank or 3 isolated outputs for charging up to three separate batteries or battery banks from one charger.
• Bluetooth Smart connection lets you check voltage, current, charge state, settings, and history through the VictronConnect app.
• 6-stage adaptive charge algorithm covers bulk, absorption, recondition, float, storage, and repeated absorption for long-term battery care.
• Charge modes support common flooded lead-acid, AGM, Gel, and LiFePO4 battery types when the correct mode is selected for the battery.
• Night and low-current modes reduce output to 50% and disable the cooling fan, useful for quiet charging during overnight stays aboard.
• IP22 enclosure with aluminium housing, 245 x 108 x 65 mm dimensions, and 1.3 kg weight for protected dry-mount installations.
• Input accepts 100 to 130 VAC at 45 to 65 Hz, with a 6 ft cable and NEMA 5-15 plug for standard 120V AC supply.
• Built-in protection covers battery reverse polarity by fuse, output short circuit, and over-temperature conditions.
• VE.Smart Networking can share voltage, temperature, and current data with compatible Victron devices and can synchronize compatible chargers in one Bluetooth network.

Variants

This Blue Smart IP22 12VDC 120V charger range varies by charge amperage and number of outputs. The amperage options are 15A, 20A, and 30A, while the bank options are 1 bank or 3 banks.

The 1-bank versions suit a single house, start, or service battery bank. The 3-bank versions add multiple isolated outputs for charging separate batteries or battery banks, with total combined output limited to the rated charger amperage and one common charge algorithm applied across the outputs.

Installation and setup

This charger is intended for permanent mounting by the tabs on the base. Mount it vertically with the terminals facing down, leaving room for airflow and keeping the unit protected from water, high moisture, dust, flammable vapors, and battery gases. It should not be mounted directly above a battery or inside a sealed battery compartment.

DC cables are installer-supplied and connect to rising clamp screw terminals that accept up to 16 mm2 or AWG6 cable. Cable size, fuse or breaker rating, and cable run length should be matched to the selected 15A, 20A, or 30A model. For hardwired marine installations, an inline fuse or circuit breaker should be placed as close as practical to the battery or battery bank.

Battery and system compatibility

The Blue Smart IP22 works well for boats with conventional 12V house and starting batteries, including flooded lead-acid, AGM, Gel, and LiFePO4 chemistries when the charger mode is set correctly. The selectable voltage profiles make it easier to match the charger to the battery maker's charging recommendations instead of relying on one fixed profile for every battery type.

For more refined charging on larger or more sensitive systems, the charger can work with compatible Victron battery monitors and sensors through VE.Smart Networking. In those setups, the charger can use battery-side voltage and temperature information to account for cable voltage drop and changing battery temperature.

Use cases on board

This range is a strong fit for cruisers, fishing boats, trailer boats, and small workboats that spend time connected to shore power and need a fixed charger for battery maintenance between outings. The Bluetooth interface is especially useful when the charger is installed behind a panel or in a locker, since charge status and settings can be checked without opening up the compartment every time.

The IP22 rating makes placement important. It is not the right choice for an exposed cockpit, open deck, or wet bilge area, but it works well in dry electrical spaces where ventilation, wiring access, and service access are considered during installation.