Victron Orion-Tr Smart Non-Isolated: Specs and Setup

The Victron Orion-Tr Smart non-isolated is a Bluetooth DC-DC charger for charging a house battery from a vehicle’s alternator. It’s built for smart alternators, which often supply too little voltage for a full charge. The non-isolated version shares the negative between input and output, which suits most vans and RVs with a common chassis ground. Here’s what Victron’s datasheet says.

Victron Orion-Tr Smart Non-Isolated: Specs

	12/12-30	12/24-15	24/12-30	24/24-17
Input range	8–17V	8–17V	16–35V	16–35V
Continuous output (40°C)	30A / 360W	15A / 360W	30A / 360W	17A / 400W
Output power at 25°C	430W	430W	430W	480W
Max output (10s)	40A	25A	45A	25A
Output adjust range	10–15V	18–30V	10–15V	18–30V
Efficiency	87%	88%	88%	89%
Weight	1.8kg	1.8kg	1.8kg	1.6kg

Source: Victron Orion-Tr Smart DC-DC charger non-isolated 360/400W datasheet.

Standby current is under 1mA, and the unit handles cables up to 16mm² (AWG6).

Features

Smart alternator compatibility with engine-running detection, so it doesn’t drain the starter battery.
Adaptive 3-stage charging (bulk, absorption, float). For lithium, absorption time is fixed, default 2 hours.
Fixed-voltage power supply mode, set over Bluetooth.
Unlimited parallel units for more current.
Remote on/off two-pole connector.
IP43 when mounted with the screw terminals facing down.

Isolated or Non-Isolated?

The non-isolated version shares a common negative. Victron’s isolated Orion-Tr Smart keeps input and output fully separate, which matters on boats or wherever the two battery systems must not share a ground. For a typical van with chassis ground on both batteries, the non-isolated version is simpler.

Remote On/Off Options

Victron gives three ways to switch it: a switch or relay contact across the two-pole connector, the H terminal switched to battery plus (such as an ignition feed), or the L terminal switched to battery minus or chassis.

Who It’s For

Vans and campers with a 100–300Ah lithium house bank.
12V to 24V or 24V to 12V conversions, such as a 24V house bank in a 12V vehicle.
Long cable runs where voltage drop starves a direct connection.

Good to Know Before You Buy

No VE.Direct port, so no wired GX connection.
VictronConnect doesn’t show input or output current, according to the datasheet notes.
Non-replaceable input fuse.
Lower output than the Orion XS (50A or 70A). For faster charging, look at the XS.

Want the source figures? The Orion-Tr Smart non-isolated page on Victron’s site has the datasheet.

Worked Example: Recharge on a Drive

A van with a 200Ah lithium house battery at 40% (about 120Ah to replace) and a 12/12-30:

Bulk at 30A: about 4 hours of driving to replace 120Ah (estimate).
Two 12/12-30s in parallel: about 2 hours for the same charge, since parallel units add current.
Input current: 360W output at 87% efficiency draws about 414W, or roughly 30A at 13.8V from the alternator (estimate).

Worked Example: Charging a 24V House Bank From a 12V Van

The 12/24-15 takes 8–17V in and charges a 24V battery at up to 15A (360W). A 24V 200Ah bank (about 5,120Wh) at 50% needs about 2,560Wh; at 360W that’s roughly 7 hours of driving (estimate). Two units in parallel halve that time.

Cable Sizing and Fusing

The terminals accept up to 16mm² (AWG6). Long runs from the starter battery at the front of a van to a house battery at the back can lose voltage, which is exactly where a DC-DC charger helps, since it boosts the output to the correct charge voltage. Still, use cable heavy enough to keep the input voltage above the engine-running detection threshold under load. Fit fuses near the starter battery and the house battery, sized from the manual.

Setup in VictronConnect

Pair over Bluetooth and change the default PIN.
Select the charger mode (rather than power supply mode).
Choose a battery preset or enter your battery’s absorption and float voltages.
Leave engine-running detection on for a smart alternator, or set it to use the remote input with an ignition signal.
Check the engine shutdown and start voltages suit your vehicle; adjust if the charger cycles on and off at idle.

Engine-Running Detection, Explained

The charger watches the input voltage. When it rises above the start threshold (the alternator is charging), the Orion turns on. When it drops below the shutdown threshold, it turns off so it doesn’t drain the starter battery. Some smart alternators drop their voltage while driving, so the alternative is to wire the remote input to an ignition-switched feed. That way the Orion runs whenever the engine is on, regardless of alternator voltage.

Power Supply Mode

In power supply mode, the Orion holds a fixed output voltage within its adjust range. That’s useful for running a 12V load from a 24V system or powering 24V equipment from a 12V vehicle when there’s no battery to charge on the output side.

Choosing Between Non-Isolated Models

Your vehicle and house battery	Model
12V vehicle, 12V house battery	12/12-30
12V vehicle, 24V house battery	12/24-15
24V truck, 12V house battery	24/12-30
24V truck, 24V house battery	24/24-17

FAQ

Can I parallel two Orion-Tr Smart chargers?

Yes. Victron says an unlimited number can be connected in parallel.

Does it work with Euro 6 smart alternators?

Yes, it’s designed for them, with engine-running detection.

Can I mount it in the engine bay?

It’s IP43 when mounted with the screw terminals facing down. A cooler, drier spot inside the vehicle is usually better.

Does it charge lead-acid too?

Yes. Presets cover lead-acid and lithium, with adaptive absorption time for lead-acid.

How do I see how much it’s charging?

The datasheet notes VictronConnect doesn’t show input or output current. A SmartShunt on the house battery shows the charge current instead.

Should I pick this or the Orion XS?

The XS charges faster (up to 50A) and is more efficient. The Orion-Tr Smart non-isolated suits 30A builds and the 12/24 or 24/12 voltage changes the XS doesn’t cover.

Sources: Victron Orion-Tr Smart DC-DC charger non-isolated 360/400W datasheet; product page, victronenergy.com, accessed Oct 2026.