Victron Blue Smart IP22 vs IP65 vs IP67 is mostly a question of where the charger will live. All three share Bluetooth, VictronConnect, a Li-ion mode, storage mode and the same 12V charge voltages. They differ in how much current they deliver, how many batteries they can charge, how they cool, and how much water and dust they can handle.
Victron Blue Smart IP22 vs IP65 vs IP67 Compared
| IP22 | IP65 | IP67 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12V models (120V) | 15, 20, 30A | 5, 7, 10, 15, 25A | 7, 13, 17, 25A |
| 24V models (120V) | 8, 12, 16A | — | 5, 8, 12A |
| Outputs | 1 or 3 isolated | 1 | 1 |
| Cooling | Fan on most models | Convection, no fan | Cast aluminium, resin-encapsulated, no fan |
| Full output up to | 40°C | 30°C | 40°C (runs to 60°C, derated) |
| Low current mode | 50% (NIGHT/LOW) | 2–10A by model | 2–10A by model |
| Efficiency (max) | About 95% | 94% | Up to 96% |
| Weight | 1.3kg | Varies by model | 1.8–2.4kg |
| Where it goes | Dry indoor spot | Damp or dusty spots | Engine bays, boats, outdoors |
Sources: Victron Blue Smart IP22 120V manual, IP65 120V manual, IP67 120VAC datasheet.
Shared Charge Voltages (12V)
| Mode | Absorption | Float |
|---|---|---|
| Normal | 14.4V | 13.8V |
| High | 14.7V | 13.8V |
| Li-ion | 14.2V | 13.5V (IP65: storage at 13.5V) |
Each charger uses a 0.5W standby draw and enters storage mode after 24 hours without a discharge.
Which One Should You Buy?
- IP22: the most current in a compact unit and the only one with 3 outputs. Choose it for an RV bay or a boat cabin with a house bank plus a starter battery. Keep it dry.
- IP65: silent and sealed, and the best choice for small batteries (motorcycles, lawn tractors, a 50–100Ah lithium). Its low current mode suits small batteries well.
- IP67: fully waterproof and shockproof, rated by Victron as ignition protected (SAE J1171 certificate listed). Choose it for permanent installs in engine compartments or exposed lockers.
A Note on Heat
The IP65’s full output is only rated to 30°C. The IP22 and IP67 hold full output to 40°C. In a hot garage or engine room, that matters more than the label rating.
See the Blue Smart IP22, the Blue Smart IP65 and the Blue Smart IP67.
Worked Example: How Long a Charge Takes
These are rough figures for a 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 battery charged from 20% to full (about 80Ah to replace). Bulk current is the charger’s rated output; the final absorption stage adds a little time on top.
| Charger | Rated current | Bulk time (estimate) |
|---|---|---|
| IP65 12/5 | 5A | ≈ 16 hours |
| IP65 12/15 | 15A | ≈ 5.5 hours |
| IP67 12/25 | 25A | ≈ 3.2 hours |
| IP22 12/30 | 30A | ≈ 2.7 hours |
Estimates: Ah to replace ÷ charger amps, before losses and absorption time. For a lead-acid battery, the absorption stage takes longer, so add a few hours. A common rule of thumb is to keep lead-acid charge current around 10–20% of the battery’s Ah rating, which points a 100Ah flooded battery to a 10–20A charger.
Worked Example: The 3-Output IP22 on a Boat
Picture a 30A IP22 with three outputs, wired to a 200Ah house bank, a starter battery and a bow thruster battery. All three draw from the same 30A pool. If the house bank is low and the other two are nearly full, most of the current goes to the house bank, since a full battery accepts very little. Plan on the full 30A being shared, not 30A per output (example, based on the manual’s shared-current rating).
The Charge Stages They Share
Victron describes an adaptive multi-stage charge on all three ranges:
- Bulk: full rated current until the battery reaches absorption voltage.
- Absorption: constant voltage, with the time adapted to how deeply the battery was discharged.
- Recondition (optional): a higher-voltage stage for some lead-acid batteries. It’s off by default and not used for lithium.
- Float: holds the battery full at a lower voltage.
- Storage: after 24 hours without a discharge, voltage drops further to limit gassing and corrosion.
- Refresh: a short absorption period every so often during storage keeps a lead-acid battery from self-discharging.
Setting One Up in VictronConnect
- Connect the clamps or ring terminals to the battery before plugging the charger into the wall.
- Open VictronConnect and pair over Bluetooth with the PIN on the label (change it after pairing).
- Choose the charge mode that matches your battery’s datasheet, or enter custom voltages in expert mode.
- Turn on low current mode for small batteries, such as a 20Ah motorcycle battery.
- If you have a Smart Battery Sense or a compatible Victron battery monitor, add the charger to a VE.Smart network so it charges using the real battery voltage and temperature.
Picking by Battery Size
| Battery | Sensible pick |
|---|---|
| Motorcycle or lawn tractor (5–30Ah) | IP65 12/5 or 12/7 |
| Single 100Ah lithium in a camper | IP65 12/15 or IP67 12/13 |
| 200–300Ah house bank | IP22 12/30 or IP67 12/25 |
| House bank plus starter battery | IP22 12/30 with 3 outputs |
FAQ
Can I leave any of them connected all winter?
Yes. All three use storage mode for long-term maintenance.
Which one charges LiFePO4 best?
All three have the same Li-ion preset. Choose based on current and location.
Does the 3-output IP22 triple the current?
No. The outputs share the charger’s rated current.
Can I mount the IP65 or IP67 in a dusty garage?
Yes. Both are sealed against dust, and the IP67 is also rated for immersion. The IP22 needs a dry, clean spot with airflow for its fan.
Do they work with 24V batteries?
The IP22 and IP67 come in 24V versions. The 120V IP65 range in the table above is 12V only.
Can the charger run lights while connected?
Some models have a power supply mode in VictronConnect, which holds a fixed voltage to run DC loads without a battery charge profile. Check your model’s manual for support.
Sources: Victron Blue Smart IP22 Charger 120V manual, IP65 120V manual, IP67 120VAC datasheet and product page (victronenergy.com, accessed Oct 2026); Blue Marine Power; Mobile Solar Consulting.
Related: LiTime 12V 20A Lithium Battery Charger Review, MHPOWOS Solar Battery Trickle Charger Review, NOCO Boost Plus GB40 Jump Starter Review, plus the Victron Energy Guide