A Victron Quattro whole house system is possible, but in a typical US home it means at least two units in split phase, a big 48V battery bank and a plan for which loads stay off. This guide uses the Quattro 120V datasheet to show what a pair of 48/10000 units can carry, and where the limits are.
Electrical work can be dangerous: follow the manual, fuse and size every cable correctly, and use a licensed electrician for anything connected to household wiring.
Why One Quattro Isn’t Enough for Most US Homes
Each 120V Quattro outputs 120V. Well pumps, dryers, ranges and central air usually need 240V. Victron supports two units configured for split phase (120/240V), and paralleling more for extra power.
Victron Quattro Whole House Capacity
| Setup | Continuous at 25°C | Continuous at 40°C | Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 x 48/10000 (120V only) | 8,000W | 6,500W | 20,000W |
| 2 x 48/10000 split phase | 16,000W | 13,000W | 40,000W |
Source: Victron Quattro 3–10kVA 120V datasheet. Split-phase totals are per-unit figures doubled, with each leg limited to one unit’s rating.
A Worked Example (Estimate)
Loads running at once on an evening in an outage, using example nameplate values:
- Fridge and freezer: 400W
- Lights, TV, internet: 500W
- 240V well pump: 1,500W (split across both legs)
- Microwave: 1,500W
- Central air or heat pump: 3,500W
- Total ≈ 7,400W
Two 48/10000s in split phase carry that comfortably, even derated at 40°C. Add an electric range (often 8kW or more) or an electric water heater and you’re close to the limit.
Example loads only. Use your own appliance nameplates or a clamp meter.
The Battery Is the Real Limit
At 7,400W for 4 hours, the system uses about 29.6kWh plus inverter losses. At the datasheet’s 96% maximum efficiency, call it 31kWh. That’s a large 48V bank. Each Quattro 48/10000 also draws 60W at zero load (15W in search mode), so two units idling use about 2.9kWh a day before any load.
Two AC Inputs Help Here
The Quattro’s two inputs let grid and a generator both connect directly. Each input takes up to 100A on the 10kVA model, and the Quattro switches to whichever source is live.
What to Leave Off
Electric water heaters, dryers, ranges and EV chargers use the most energy. Put them on a separate panel that stays on grid only, or wire them to the second output, which Victron makes live only when AC input is present.
Want the source figures? The Quattro page on Victron’s site has the datasheet.
Charging and Generator Support
Each Quattro 48/10000 includes a 140A charger, per the datasheet, so a split-phase pair can charge a 48V bank at up to 280A combined from grid or generator. PowerControl caps the input current to match a generator, and PowerAssist adds battery power when loads exceed what the generator can supply. A Cerbo GX can start a compatible generator automatically on low state of charge.
Adding Solar
Solar makes long outages much easier. A Quattro system can use:
- DC-coupled solar: SmartSolar or RS MPPTs charging the 48V battery directly.
- AC-coupled solar: a grid-tie PV inverter, such as a Fronius, on the Quattro’s AC output. Victron’s Factor 1.0 rule limits the PV inverter’s power to the Quattro’s VA rating.
With both, the house can run on solar by day and the battery by night, and the grid is just one of several sources.
Uninterrupted Switchover
The Quattro’s built-in transfer switch moves the loads to inverter power when the grid fails. Victron’s datasheet describes it as fast enough to keep computers and other electronics running, so the lights don’t go out during a grid failure.
Example Battery Sizes for a Pair of 48/10000s
| Goal | Usable energy (estimate) | 48V bank |
|---|---|---|
| Essential loads overnight (2kW × 10h) | 20kWh | About 400Ah |
| Evening peak plus night (example in this guide) | 31kWh | About 650Ah |
| A full day of moderate use (25kWh) | 25–30kWh | About 520–620Ah |
Estimates based on about 90% usable capacity; add inverter idle consumption.
Running It Grid-Tied Day to Day
With a Cerbo GX, a Quattro system can run in ESS (Energy Storage System) mode: it uses solar and battery power to cut grid use day to day and keeps a reserve for outages. Check your utility’s rules for battery systems before you set this up.
Planning Checklist
- List your critical loads, and which need 240V.
- Measure or estimate total running watts and daily kWh.
- Choose the number of Quattros (two for split phase, four for split phase with parallel).
- Size the battery for the hours of backup you want.
- Add solar and a generator plan for long outages.
- Have a licensed electrician design the panel changes and get permits.
Cable Runs at 48V
At 16,000W from a 48V battery, the pair together draws roughly 350A or more on the DC side (estimate), so each Quattro needs short, heavy battery cables and its own fuse. Victron’s manual lists the recommended cable sizes and fuse ratings. A Lynx Distributor or a heavy busbar keeps the battery connections tidy and equal in length.
FAQ
Can three Quattros make three-phase?
Yes, but US homes are split phase, so two units (or pairs in parallel) is the usual design.
Do I need a licensed electrician?
Yes. Connecting to a home panel requires a transfer arrangement and permits.
Is the Quattro-II 2x120V an option?
Only for smaller homes. Victron’s Quattro-II 2x120V 3kVA passes 240V through from a split-phase source, but in inverter mode it outputs 120V only, so 240V loads stop during an outage.
How much does a Quattro use when idle?
The datasheet lists 60W at zero load per 48/10000, or 15W in search mode. Plan for that in your battery budget.
Can I use the second output for non-essential loads?
Yes. The second output is live only when AC input is present, so loads on it switch off automatically in an outage.
Sources: Victron Quattro 3–10kVA 120V datasheet and product page; Quattro-II 2x120V product page (victronenergy.com, accessed Oct 2026).
Related: EcoFlow Delta 3 Max Home Backup, EcoFlow Delta 3 Max Sump Pump, Heater and AC, EcoFlow Delta 3 Max vs Generator, plus the Victron Energy Guide