Victron Orion DC-DC converters are the plain voltage converters in Victron’s Orion family. They’re not battery chargers with a charge algorithm like the Orion XS or Orion-Tr Smart. Instead, they turn 24V or 48V into 12V, or 12V into 24V, to run equipment or buffer-charge a battery. Here’s what Victron’s datasheet for the high-power, non-isolated models says.
Victron Orion DC-DC Converters: Specs
| Model | Input | Output | Continuous / max | Efficiency | Parallel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24/12-30 | 18–35V | 10–15V (set 13.2V) | 30A / 40A | 96% | Yes |
| 24/12-60 | 18–35V | 13.2V fixed | 60A / 70A | 95% | No |
| 24/12-80 | 18–35V | 10–15V (set 13.2V) | 80A / 90A | 92% | Yes |
| 48/12-60 | 38–66V | 10–15V (set 13.2V) | 60A / 65A | 92% | Yes |
| 12/24-8 | 9–18V | 24V fixed | 8A / 20A | 95% | No |
| 12/24-10 | 9–18V | 20–30V (set 26.4V) | 10A / 20A | 95% | Yes |
| 12/24-20 | 9–18V | 20–30V (set 26.4V) | 20A / 30A | 93% | Yes |
Source: Victron Orion DC-DC converters, high power, non-isolated (latest models) datasheet.
None of these models has galvanic isolation. Off-load current ranges from under 10mA to under 30mA, depending on the model.
Features
- Remote on/off on most models, so a small switch or the engine run signal can control it instead of a high-current switch.
- Adjustable models can buffer-charge a battery, for example a 12V accessory battery in a 24V truck.
- Up to five adjustable units in parallel for more current.
- Fan cooling on the 60A, 80A and 12/24-20 models.
- Faston tabs, M6 studs or binding posts, depending on the model.
Converter or Charger?
Use a converter to power 12V loads from a 24V or 48V bank, or for simple buffer charging. Use an Orion XS or Orion-Tr Smart charger to charge a house battery from an alternator, especially a lithium bank, a smart alternator, or anywhere you need a proper absorption and float profile.
Who They’re For
- 24V trucks and boats running 12V radios, lights or fridges.
- 48V off-grid systems that need a 12V circuit, using the 48/12-60.
- 12V vehicles powering 24V equipment.
Good to Know Before You Buy
- No Bluetooth or charge algorithm.
- Fixed-output models (24/12-60, 12/24-8) can’t be paralleled or used to buffer-charge.
- Not isolated. Victron’s Orion-Tr isolated models cover that.
- Derate 3% per °C above 40°C.
For the complete spec sheet and current manual, see the Victron Orion DC-DC converters page.
Worked Example: A 12V Fridge and Radio in a 24V Truck
A 24V truck needs to run a 12V compressor fridge (about 5A while running) and a 12V CB radio (about 2A receive, more on transmit), plus a 12V USB outlet (about 3A).
- Total continuous load: roughly 10A, with peaks maybe to 15A (estimate).
- Pick: the 24/12-30 gives 30A continuous and 40A max, leaving plenty of headroom. The 24/12-60 is overkill unless more loads are planned.
- Input current: at 96% efficiency, 10A at 13.2V is about 137W, or roughly 5.7A from the 24V side (estimate).
Worked Example: A 12V Circuit From a 48V Home Battery
An off-grid cabin runs on 48V but has 12V LED lights, a water pump and a router totalling about 25A at peak. The 48/12-60 supplies up to 60A continuous at 13.2V. At 92% efficiency, the 25A load draws about 7.5A from the 48V bank (25 × 13.2 ÷ 0.92 ÷ 48, estimate). Fusing the input and output per the manual keeps the 12V circuit protected.
Worked Example: Buffer-Charging a 12V Accessory Battery
In a 24V truck with a 12V accessory battery for a winch controller and lights, an adjustable 24/12-30 can hold that battery at a set voltage. For a lead-acid accessory battery, setting the output to around 13.2–13.8V (within the 10–15V range) keeps it topped up without a charge algorithm (example settings; follow the battery maker’s float voltage). For a lithium accessory battery, use an Orion-Tr Smart charger instead.
Installation Steps
- Mount the converter on a vertical surface with airflow, especially for the fan-cooled 60A and 80A models.
- Fuse the input close to the source battery and the output close to the load or 12V battery, sized from the manual.
- Size the cables for the maximum current; the 80A model needs heavy cable on both sides.
- Wire the remote on/off to an ignition feed or a small switch if you want the converter off when the vehicle is parked.
- On adjustable models, set the output voltage with the potentiometer and check it with a meter before connecting loads.
Paralleling for More Current
Up to five adjustable models can share a load. Two 24/12-80 units can supply up to about 160A for a large 12V system on a 24V vehicle. Set each to the same output voltage, and use equal cable lengths so they share current evenly.
Derating in Hot Spaces
Victron derates output by 3% for every °C above 40°C. In a 50°C engine compartment, a 24/12-30 delivers about 70% of its rating, roughly 21A (30 × (1 − 0.3), estimate). For hot spaces, choose the next size up or mount it somewhere cooler.
FAQ
Can an Orion 24/12 charge a lithium battery?
The adjustable models can buffer-charge at a set voltage, but they have no charge algorithm. Use an Orion charger for lithium.
How many can I parallel?
Up to five of the adjustable models.
Does the converter drain the battery when the vehicle is off?
Off-load current is under 10–30mA depending on the model. Use the remote on/off to switch it off fully when parked.
Can I use it to run a 24V pump from a 12V boat?
Yes. The 12/24-10 or 12/24-20 converts 12V up to 24V for that kind of load.
Are the outputs regulated?
Yes. The output holds its set voltage across the input range, which is the point of using a converter instead of a simple voltage dropper.
Which model for a 12V car stereo amplifier in a 24V truck?
Add up the amplifier’s average current draw; most suit the 24/12-30, while large systems may need the 24/12-60 or 24/12-80.
Sources: Victron Orion DC-DC converters high power non-isolated (latest models) datasheet; product page, victronenergy.com, accessed Oct 2026.
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