Victron Energy Phoenix Inverter Smart 230V (1600VA–5000VA)

The Victron Phoenix Inverter Smart is the standalone inverter for a boat or rig that already has its charging sorted and just needs clean, quiet AC power. It turns your 12V, 24V, or 48V battery bank into a true 230V pure sine wave supply — the right answer when you have a good battery charger or DC-DC charger already aboard and don't want to pay for a second charger built into an inverter/charger you won't use.

Available in ten variants spanning 12V, 24V and 48V battery banks and 1600 VA to 5000 VA of continuous output, every one is a pure sine wave inverter with Bluetooth built in, a VE.Direct port for monitoring, ECO mode for low idle draw, and the proven full-bridge-plus-toroidal-transformer design Victron has shipped for years. Output is 230V (adjustable 210–245V, 50 or 60 Hz) — so it suits a 230V European-spec boat directly, and can be set to 240V / 60 Hz and paired with an autotransformer for US split-phase work.

Available versions

Choose your battery voltage and continuous output from the Select an Option selector above. All variants are 230V Smart models; SKUs are Victron's PIN article numbers.

• 12/1600 230V — 12V / 1600 VA (3000 W surge). A smaller 12V house bank running a coffee maker, laptops, a blender, or hand tools one at a time.
• 12/2000 230V — 12V / 2000 VA (4000 W surge). A microwave plus a few smaller loads together on a 12V bank.
• 12/3000 230V — 12V / 3000 VA (6000 W surge). The largest 12V model — induction burner, microwave, or a larger tool. At this power a 24V bank moves the same watts at half the current; pick 12V if your bank is already 12V.
• 24/1600 230V — 24V / 1600 VA (3000 W surge). Light AC needs on a 24V system, with half the battery current of the 12V version for the same output.
• 24/2000 230V — 24V / 2000 VA (4000 W surge). A mid-size 24V inverter for a microwave plus electronics, with efficient cabling.
• 24/3000 230V — 24V / 3000 VA (6000 W surge). A popular cruising size on a 24V bank — induction cooking, microwave, and tools, one heavy load at a time.
• 24/5000 230V — 24V / 5000 VA (10,000 W surge). The flagship — whole-galley AC on a liveaboard or large rig: induction, microwave, and a residential fridge together.
• 48/2000 230V — 48V / 2000 VA (4000 W surge). For a 48V house bank — the lowest battery current of any voltage at this power, so light cabling and minimal voltage drop.
• 48/3000 230V — 48V / 3000 VA (6000 W surge). A 48V workhorse for off-grid cabins, liveaboards, and large rigs running induction, microwave, and tools.
• 48/5000 230V — 48V / 5000 VA (10,000 W surge). Top of the line on a 48V bank — whole-galley AC at the lowest current draw of the 5000 VA models.

Not sure which fits your bank? Get a custom quote or book a system consultation and our ABYC-certified Advisors will size the inverter, bank, fusing, and cable runs for your system.

Who the Phoenix Inverter Smart is built for

• 230V boats that already have a charger — the core case. If your shore/charging side is already handled by a Victron Blue Smart charger, a Phoenix Smart charger, or a DC-DC charger, you don't need an inverter/charger. This gives you clean AC for the cabin without paying twice for charging.
• Cruising sailboats and powerboats on 230V — European-spec and export boats wired for 230V get a direct match: 230V pure sine out, Bluetooth setup, and low idle draw for life at anchor.
• RVs, vans, and overland builds running 230V appliances from a 12V or 24V lithium house bank.
• Off-grid cabins and workshops that need a simple, reliable inverter on an existing battery-and-charger setup — the 48V models suit larger off-grid lithium banks at the lowest battery current.
• US split-phase installs (advanced) — set the output to 240V / 60 Hz and pair the inverter with a Victron Autotransformer to derive 120/240V split-phase for North American loads.

Why this is the Phoenix Inverter Smart, not just any inverter

Bluetooth built in — set it up from your phone

Every variant has Bluetooth on board. Open VictronConnect on a phone or tablet and set the output voltage (210–245V), frequency (50 or 60 Hz), ECO-mode thresholds, and the low-battery alarm, cut-off, and restart levels — no extra dongle, no laptop. You can also monitor input and output voltage, load, and alarms live.

ECO mode keeps idle draw tiny

In ECO mode the inverter drops to standby when the load falls below a level you set, then pulses on briefly every couple of seconds (adjustable) to watch for a load. Idle consumption falls to roughly 0.6–3.2 W depending on model — so leaving the inverter on overnight barely touches the bank, and it wakes the moment you switch something on.

High start-up power for real-world loads

Pure resistive watt ratings don't tell the whole story. The Phoenix Smart delivers high surge power — up to 3000 W on the 1600 VA model and 10,000 W on the 24/5000 — to start the demanding loads that trip lesser inverters: power converters for LED and halogen lighting, pumps, and electric tools.

Dynamic, load-dependent cut-off

Instead of a single fixed shut-down voltage, the Phoenix Smart uses dynamic cut-off: it allows a lower voltage under light load and pulls the cut-off up under heavy load, protecting the bank while squeezing out usable runtime. The thresholds are configurable in VictronConnect.

Proven, rugged topology

The full-bridge plus toroidal-transformer design has proven its reliability over many years in marine and off-grid service. The inverter is short-circuit proof and protected against overload and overheating, whether from a heavy load or a hot engine room, with fan-assisted cooling.

VE.Direct + GX monitoring

The VE.Direct port connects to a Cerbo GX or Ekrano GX so inverter status, load, and alarms show on the GX touchscreen and in the free VRM Portal — readable from anywhere. A VE.Direct-to-USB cable also lets you configure and monitor from a computer.

Remote on/off and a programmable relay

A two-pole connector takes a remote on/off switch or relay contact, so you can wire a panel switch or let a BMS or other control gear start and stop the inverter. A programmable relay (AC 230V / 4A) can drive a general alarm, signal DC undervoltage, or start a generator.

Full technical specifications

AC output (inverter mode)

• Output voltage: 230 VAC ±2%, adjustable 210–245V via VictronConnect
• Output frequency: 50 Hz or 60 Hz ±0.1%, selectable
• Wave form: true pure sine wave
• Crest factor: non-linear load 3:1

Continuous output, surge, and efficiency (per variant)

Variant	Cont. @ 25°C	Cont. @ 40°C	Peak / surge	Max efficiency	Idle draw
12/1600 230V	1600 VA / 1300 W	1200 W	3000 W	92%	8 W
12/2000 230V	2000 VA / 1600 W	1450 W	4000 W	92%	8 W
12/3000 230V	3000 VA / 2400 W	2200 W	6000 W	93%	12 W
24/1600 230V	1600 VA / 1300 W	1200 W	3000 W	94%	9 W
24/2000 230V	2000 VA / 1600 W	1450 W	4000 W	94%	9 W
24/3000 230V	3000 VA / 2400 W	2200 W	6000 W	94%	13 W
24/5000 230V	5000 VA / 4000 W	3700 W	10,000 W	95%	20 W
48/2000 230V	2000 VA / 1600 W	1450 W	4000 W	94%	11 W
48/3000 230V	3000 VA / 2400 W	2200 W	6000 W	95%	15 W
48/5000 230V	5000 VA / 4000 W	3700 W	10,000 W	96%	20 W

Continuous power at 65°C: 800 W (1600 VA), 1000 W (2000 VA), 1700 W (3000 VA), 2800 W (24/5000). 48V continuous output matches the 24V figures. Idle draw drops further in ECO mode (roughly 0.6–3.2 W by model).

DC input (battery side)

• 12V models: input range 9.3–17V
• 24V models: input range 18.6–34V
• 48V models: input range 37.2–68V
• Dynamic (load-dependent) low-voltage cut-off, fully configurable
• Battery connection: M8 bolts

Control and communication

• Bluetooth: built in, for setup and monitoring in VictronConnect
• VE.Direct port: for a GX device or a VE.Direct-to-USB connection to a computer
• Remote on/off: two-pole connector (switch, relay, or BMS signal)
• Programmable relay: AC 230V / 4A; DC 4A up to 35 VDC, 1A up to 60 VDC. Settings: general alarm, DC undervoltage, or genset start/stop
• Monitoring: input and output voltage, load, and alarms

Protection

• Output short circuit
• Overload
• Battery voltage too high or too low
• Temperature too high
• 230 VAC on inverter output (back-feed)
• Input voltage ripple too high

Enclosure and environment

• Material and color: steel, blue (RAL 5012) / black (RAL 9017)
• Protection category: IP21 (dry-mount — install in a vented, dry compartment)
• Operating temperature: -40 to +65°C (-40 to +149°F), fan-assisted cooling
• Humidity (non-condensing): max 95%
• AC connection: screw terminals

Dimensions and weight (per variant)

Variant	H × W × D (in)	H × W × D (mm)	Weight
12/1600 230V	19.1 × 8.6 × 4.9	485 × 219 × 125	26.5 lb (12 kg)
12/2000 230V	19.1 × 8.6 × 4.9	485 × 219 × 125	28.7 lb (13 kg)
12/3000 230V	21.0 × 11.2 × 5.9	533 × 285 × 150	41.9 lb (19 kg)
24/1600 230V	19.1 × 8.6 × 4.9	485 × 219 × 125	26.5 lb (12 kg)
24/2000 230V	19.1 × 8.6 × 4.9	485 × 219 × 125	28.7 lb (13 kg)
24/3000 230V	19.1 × 11.2 × 5.9	485 × 285 × 150	41.9 lb (19 kg)
24/5000 230V	23.4 × 11.6 × 6.3	595 × 295 × 160	63.9 lb (29 kg)
48/2000 230V	19.1 × 8.6 × 4.9	485 × 219 × 125	28.7 lb (13 kg)
48/3000 230V	19.1 × 11.2 × 5.9	485 × 285 × 150	41.9 lb (19 kg)
48/5000 230V	21.9 × 11.6 × 6.3	555 × 295 × 160	61.7 lb (28 kg)

Standards

• Safety: EN 60335-1
• Emission / immunity: EN 55014-1, EN 55014-2, EN-IEC 61000-6-1, EN-IEC 61000-6-2, EN-IEC 61000-6-3
• Automotive: ECE R10-5

All spec values above are taken from the Victron Inverters Smart 1600–5000 VA datasheet. For the full datasheet, see the Victron product page.

Recommended accessories

• Victron Autotransformer — to derive 120/240V split-phase from the 240V / 60 Hz output for North American loads.
• Filax 2 Automatic Transfer Switch — to switch loads cleanly between shore/generator and the inverter (under 20 ms changeover). See note below.
• Cerbo GX or Ekrano GX — system monitoring over VE.Direct, with live VRM data.
• SmartShunt or BMV-712 Smart — precise battery state-of-charge.
• VE.Direct-to-USB interface cable — for configuration and monitoring from a computer.
• Compatible lithium banks from Victron, Epoch, and MG Energy Systems.

Installation and sizing help

The Phoenix Inverter Smart is a pure inverter — it has no built-in charger and no built-in transfer switch. That keeps it simple, but it means two things matter at install time.

Switching between shore/generator and the inverter

Because there's no internal transfer switch, you switch loads between an incoming AC source and the inverter with an external automatic transfer switch — Victron recommends the Filax 2 for low-power inverters, with a sub-20 ms changeover so computers and electronics ride through without dropping. If you'd rather have charging and transfer in one box, that's exactly what a MultiPlus-II does instead.

Battery cables and DC fusing

Size the DC cable and battery fuse to the variant and your run length, and use copper rated for 90°C. A note on what ships from us vs. what's sourced locally: VE.Direct communication cables and solar PV cables ship from our Seattle warehouse. High-current battery cables aren't something we stock — the right AWG depends on your bank-to-inverter run length, so most installers cut these to length locally or have them fabricated. Our Advisors will tell you the AWG and lug sizes to order.

Location and ventilation

• Dry, well-ventilated compartment, as close to the batteries as practical to minimize cable losses
• Leave clearance around the unit for cooling airflow
• Never mount the inverter directly above the batteries — off-gassing corrodes electronics
• The IP21 enclosure is for dry locations only — keep it out of spray and bilge water

Free sizing references

• Victron Wiring Unlimited — the canonical reference for sizing the DC and AC sides of a Victron system.
• Our AWG-to-Metric conversion chart for sizing battery and inverter cables.

Want a second set of eyes on your install or bank pairing? Our ABYC-certified Advisors do system consultations and full custom quotes. Email support@bluemarine.com or call (800) 628-6306.

Care and maintenance

The Phoenix Inverter Smart is a low-maintenance unit. Per Victron's manual: check all battery and AC connections once a year for tightness and corrosion, keep the enclosure clean and dry, and avoid environments with oil, soot, or condensing humidity. We handle warranty intake at support@bluemarine.com.

Frequently asked questions

Is this an inverter/charger, or just an inverter?

Just an inverter. It turns battery power into 230V AC but does not charge your batteries and has no transfer switch. That's the point: if you already have a good charger or DC-DC charger, this is the lower-cost, simpler way to add clean AC without paying for charging hardware twice. If you need charging and shore transfer in one unit, look at the MultiPlus-II instead.

Will it run my 120V appliances in the US?

Its native output is 230V, so it's a direct fit for 230V-wired boats and export builds. For a North American 120V or 120/240V system, set the output to 240V / 60 Hz and add a Victron Autotransformer to derive split-phase 120/240V. If most of your loads are plain 120V, our Advisors can help you decide whether this plus an autotransformer is the right path or whether a 120V unit fits better.

How does ECO mode save power?

In ECO mode the inverter sleeps when the load drops below a threshold you set, waking briefly every couple of seconds to check for demand. Idle draw falls to roughly 0.6–3.2 W depending on model, so you can leave it on without watching the bank drain.

What can I set over Bluetooth?

Output voltage (210–245V), frequency (50 or 60 Hz), ECO-mode on/off and sense level, the low-battery alarm, and the dynamic cut-off and restart levels — plus live monitoring of voltage, load, and alarms. All from VictronConnect on a phone or tablet, no extra hardware.

How do I switch between shore power and the inverter?

With an external automatic transfer switch. Victron recommends the Filax 2 for inverters in this class; its sub-20 ms changeover keeps sensitive electronics running through the switch. The Phoenix Smart does not have a built-in transfer switch.

Which battery voltage should I choose — 12V, 24V, or 48V?

Higher voltage pulls less battery current for the same output — lighter cable, less voltage drop, and an easier install. Match the inverter to your existing house-bank voltage: 12V for smaller banks, 24V for mid-size systems (the sweet spot at 3000 VA), and 48V for larger lithium / off-grid banks. 5000 VA is available in 24V and 48V only.

What warranty does it come with?

A 5-year limited warranty from Victron Energy. Blue Marine handles the claim process for you — email support@bluemarine.com to start a claim.

Is it waterproof?

No. The enclosure is IP21 — protected against vertical drips only, not spray or immersion. Install it in a dry, vented compartment away from bilge water.

Why buy your Phoenix Inverter Smart from Blue Marine

• Authorized Victron Energy Distributor — we carry the full Victron line and know it inside out.
• ABYC-certified marine electrical Advisors on the phone — (800) 628-6306 for sizing, troubleshooting, and warranty support.
• 5-year Victron warranty — we handle the claim process for you.
• Free US shipping over $49 from our Seattle warehouse.
• 60-day hassle-free returns.
• Local pickup available in Seattle, WA.
• Custom quotes and full system design — our Advisors spec the inverter, battery bank, fusing, monitoring, and the AWG sizes for your battery cables as one package. (We ship the comms and solar cables; battery cables are sourced or fabricated locally to length.)
• Dealer and installer program with trade pricing. Apply here.