The Victron Blue Smart IP22 charger is Victron’s indoor AC battery charger for RV, boat and garage use. The 120V version comes in 12V 15, 20 and 30A and 24V 8, 12 and 16A models, with a choice of one output or three isolated outputs. It is bigger and more powerful than the sealed IP65 model, but it needs a dry spot. This review covers the specs from Victron’s datasheet, what the 3-output version actually does, and who should buy one.
Victron Blue Smart IP22 Charger Specs (120 VAC)
| Spec | 12V models | 24V models |
|---|---|---|
| Charge current | 15 / 20 / 30A | 8 / 12 / 16A |
| NIGHT or LOW mode | 7.5 / 10 / 15A | 4 / 6 / 8A |
| Outputs | 1 or 3 | 1 or 3 |
| Efficiency | 93% | 94% |
| No-load draw | 0.5W | 0.5W |
| Absorption (Normal / High / Li-ion) | 14.4 / 14.7 / 14.2V | 28.8 / 29.4 / 28.4V |
| Float (Normal / Li-ion) | 13.8 / 13.5V | 27.6 / 27.0V |
| AC input | 100–130 VAC, NEMA 5-15 plug | 100–130 VAC, NEMA 5-15 plug |
| Weight | 1.3kg (3lb) | 1.3kg (3lb) |
Source: Victron Blue Smart IP22 Charger 120 VAC datasheet. Full rated output up to 40°C.
Source: Victron Blue Smart IP22 Charger 120V manual. All models: NEMA 5-15P plug on a 1.8m cable, 6 AWG screw terminals, 1.3kg, 245 x 108 x 65mm, -20 to 50°C with full output up to 40°C.
12V charge voltages: Normal 14.4V absorption and 13.8V float, High 14.7V and 13.8V, Li-ion 14.2V and 13.5V.
Features Worth Knowing
- Adaptive 6-stage algorithm: test, bulk, absorption, recondition, float and storage.
- Storage mode. After 24 hours without a discharge it drops to 13.2V on a 12V lead-acid battery, and once a week raises the voltage back to absorption to stop stratification and sulfation.
- Li-ion mode uses a simple bulk, absorption and float profile, and the charger will reconnect to a lithium battery whose BMS has shut it off.
- NIGHT and LOW modes halve the output and make it silent. NIGHT ends automatically after 8 hours.
- Power supply mode lets it act as a fixed DC source.
- VE.Smart networking. A SmartShunt, BMV-712 or Smart Battery Sense can send it real battery voltage and temperature, and up to ten chargers can synchronize and charge as one.
How the 3-Output Version Works
Viewers often ask whether the three outputs each deliver full current. They share the charger’s total rating; they don’t multiply it. The outputs are isolated, so one charger can maintain, for example, a house bank, a starter battery and a generator battery without connecting them together. Check the manual for how current is split between outputs.
Who It’s For
- RV and boat owners who want a shore-power charger for a 100–300Ah bank. Rule of thumb: a 30A charger refills about 100Ah in around 3.5 hours. This is an estimate that ignores absorption time.
- Garage and winter storage, thanks to storage mode.
- Not for wet locations. IP22 means it needs to be indoors and dry; buy the IP65 model for exposed spots.
Setup and Troubleshooting Tips
- “It gets really hot.” Victron rates full output only up to 40°C ambient. Above that, the output derates in a straight line from 100% at 40°C to 25% at 50°C. Give it airflow and keep it out of closed lockers.
- Fan noise at night. The fan only runs when needed. Turn on NIGHT or LOW mode: output drops to 50% and the fan stays off. NIGHT mode ends after 8 hours.
- Blown fuse after connecting. Reverse polarity blows the user-replaceable output fuse. Replace it with the rating in the table.
- Lithium battery won’t take a charge. If the BMS has tripped under-voltage protection, the charger resets it and starts charging. Don’t charge Li-ion below 0°C.
- Lost Bluetooth PIN. Hold MODE for 10 seconds until all mode LEDs blink twice. The PIN resets to 000000, not the code on the label.
- Error LEDs blinking. The LEDs can’t show which error it is. Open VictronConnect for the error number and description.
- Wrong 3-output model for 24V. The 24/8 and 24/12 come with a single output only.
Manual Settings Worth Checking
- Pick the right charge preset in VictronConnect: Normal, Normal + Recondition, High, High + Recondition or Li-ion.
- Turn on low current mode if the full rating is too much for a small battery.
- VictronConnect shows history for the last 40 charge cycles.
Charge Time and AC Draw Worked Examples
| Charger and battery | Approx. bulk time |
|---|---|
| 12/20 into a 100Ah AGM at 50% | about 2.5 hours, plus absorption |
| 12/30 into a 200Ah LiFePO4 at 20% | about 5.3 hours |
| 24/16 into a 200Ah 24V bank at 50% | about 6 hours, plus absorption |
On the AC side, a 12/30 delivering 30A at 14.4V puts out about 430W. At 93% efficiency that’s roughly 3.9A from a 120V outlet, comfortable on a 15A circuit or a small generator. NIGHT or LOW mode halves the current for quieter overnight charging.
Worked examples are arithmetic estimates from the published ratings above, not test results. Real numbers depend on temperature, cable runs, battery state and load.
For the complete spec sheet and current manual, see the Victron Blue Smart IP22 charger page.
FAQ
Is the IP22 good for LiFePO4?
Yes. It has a Li-ion mode (14.2V absorption, 13.5V float on 12V) and a fully programmable profile via Bluetooth.
Can I leave it plugged in all the time?
Victron designed storage mode for that, and the no-load draw is 0.5W.
IP22 or IP65?
IP22 for higher current and multiple outputs indoors; IP65 for sealed, wet or dusty locations.
Why does it repeat absorption every week?
In storage mode, a 1-hour absorption charge runs automatically every 7 days to refresh the battery.
How long does float last?
It adapts between 4 and 8 hours, then the charger moves to storage.
Is it safe to mount outdoors?
No. IP22 is for dry, indoor locations. Use an IP65 or IP67 outdoors.
Sources: Victron Blue Smart IP22 Charger product page and 120 VAC datasheet (victronenergy.com); Kemp Outside, “Victron Energy Blue Smart IP22 Charger Review”.
Related: LiTime 12V 20A Lithium Battery Charger Review, LiTime 12V 50Ah LiFePO4 Battery Review, MHPOWOS Solar Battery Trickle Charger Review, plus the Victron Energy Guide
