Victron energy Phoenix 12/250 User manual

Manual
EN
Håndbok
NO
Handbok
SV
Phoenix Inverter VE.Direct
12 | 250 12 | 375 12 | 500 12 | 800 12 | 1200
24 | 250 24 | 375 24 | 500 24 | 800 24 | 1200
48 | 250 48 | 375 48 | 500 48 | 800 48 | 1200

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1. Safety instructions
WARNING: ELECTRIC SHOCK HAZARD
The product is used in conjunction with a permanent energy source (battery). Input and/or output
terminals may still be dangerously energized, even when the equipment is switched off. Always
disconnect the battery before carrying out maintenance or servicing the product.
The product has no internal user-serviceable components. Do not remove the front plate or
operate the product if any panels have been removed. All servicing must be undertaken by
qualified personnel.
Please read the installation instructions in the installation manual before installing the equipment.
This is a Safety Class I product (supplied with a protective grounding terminal). The chassis must
be grounded. A grounding point is located on the outside of the product. Whenever it is likely that
the grounding protection has been damaged, the product must be turned off and secured against
unintended operation; please contact qualified service staff.
The AC output is isolated from the DC input and the chassis. Local regulations may require a true
neutral. In this case one of the AC output wires must be connected to the chassis, and the
chassis must be connected to a reliable ground. Please note that a true neutral is needed to
ensure correct operation of an earth leakage circuit breaker.
Ensure that the equipment is used under the correct ambient conditions.
Never operate the product in a wet or dusty environment.
Never use the product where there is a risk of gas or dust explosions.
Ensure there is adequate free space (10 cm) for ventilation around the product and check that the
ventilation vents are not blocked.
This appliance is not intended for use by persons (including children) with reduced physical,
sensory or mental capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge, unless they have been
given supervision or instruction concerning use of the appliance by a person responsible for
their safety.
Children should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with the appliance.

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2. Description
VE.Direct communication port
The VE.Direct port can be connected to:
•A computer (VE.Direct to USB interface cable needed)
•Apple and Android smartphones, tablets and other devices (VE.Direct to Bluetooth Smart
dongle needed)
Fully configurable
•Low battery voltage alarm trip and reset levels
•Low battery voltage cut-off and restart levels, or Dynamic Cut-off
•Output voltage 210 - 245 V
•Frequency 50 Hz or 60 Hz
•ECO mode on/off and ECO mode sense level
Monitoring
Battery voltage, AC Output voltage, load indicator, alarms
Proven reliability
The full bridge with toroidal transformer topology has proven its reliability over many years.
The inverters are short circuit proof and protected against overheating, whether due to overload or
high ambient temperature.
High start-up power
Needed to start loads such as power converters for LED lamps, filament lamps or electric tools.
ECO mode
When in ECO mode, the inverter will switch to standby when the load decreases below a preset
value. It will switch on and check every few seconds, adjustable, if the load has increased again.
Remote on/off connector
A remote on/off switch can be connected to a two pole connector or between battery plus and the
left hand contact of the two pole connector.
LED diagnosis
A red and a green LED indicate inverter operation and status of the different protections.
To transfer the load to another AC source: the automatic transfer switch
For our low power inverters we recommend our Filax Automatic Transfer Switch. The Filax
features a very short switchover time (less than 20 milliseconds) so that computers and other
electronic equipment will continue to operate without disruption.
Available with different output sockets
Schuko, UK (BS-1363), AU/NZ (3112) or IEC-320 (male plug included)

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3. Installation
3.1 Location of the inverter
1
Ceiling mounting (inverted).
Not recommended
2.
Base mounting.
OK
3
Vertical wall mounting, fan at
bottom.
OK (beware of small objects falling through the
ventilation openings on top).
4
Vertical wall mounting, fan on top.
Not recommended
5
Horizontal wall mounting.
OK
For best operating results, the inverter should be placed on a flat surface. To ensure a trouble free
operation of the inverter, it must be used in locations that meet the following requirements:
a) Avoid any contact with water. Do not expose the inverter to rain or moisture.
b) Do not place the unit in direct sunlight. Ambient air temperature should be between
-20 °C and 40 °C (humidity < 95% non condensing). Note that in extreme situations the
inverter’s case temperature can exceed 70 °C.
c) Do not obstruct the airflow around the inverter. Leave at least 10 centimetres
clearance
around the inverter. When the inverter is running too hot, it will shut down. When the
inverter has reached a safe temperature level the unit will automatically restart again.

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3.2 Connection to the battery
In order to utilize the full capacity of the product, batteries with sufficient capacity and battery
cables with sufficient cross section should be used. See table:
12/250
24/250
48/250
12/375
24/375
48/375
Minimum battery cap.
30 Ah
20 Ah
10 Ah
40 Ah
30 Ah
15 Ah
Internal DC fuse 2 x 30 A 30 A 25 A 2 x 40 A 40 A 25 A
Fuse type (Mfr.:
Littelfuse)
ATOF
32 V
ATOF
32 V
FKS
80 V
ATOF
32 V
ATOF
32 V
FKS
80 V
Fuse replaceble no no no no no no
Recommended DC cable cross-section (mm2)
0 – 1,5 m
4 mm²
2,5 mm²
1,5 mm²
6 mm²
4 mm²
2,5 mm²
1,5 – 3 m
6 mm²
4 mm²
2,5 mm²
10 mm²
6 mm²
4 mm²
12/500
24/500
48/500
12/800
24/800
48/800
Minimum battery cap.
60 Ah
40 Ah
20 Ah
100 Ah
50 Ah
30 Ah
Internal DC fuse
3 x 35 A
2 x 25 A
30 A
125 A
2 x 40 A
2 x 20 A
Fuse type (Mfr.:
Littelfuse)
ATOF
32 V
ATOF
32 V
FKS
80 V
MIDI
32 V
ATOF
32 V
FKS
80 V
Fuse replaceble
no
no
no
yes
no
no
Recommended DC cable cross-section (mm2)
0 – 1,5 m
6 mm²
6 mm²
4 mm²
16 mm²
6 mm²
4 mm²
1,5 -3 m
10 mm²
10 mm²
6 mm²
25 mm²
10 mm²
6 mm²
12/1200
24/1200
48/1200
Minimum battery cap.
150 Ah
60 Ah
30 Ah
Internal DC fuse
200 A
100 A
50 A
Fuse type (Mfr.:
Littelfuse)
MIDI
32 V
MIDI
32 V
MIDI
58V
Fuse replaceble
yes
yes
yes
0 – 1,5 m
25 mm²
10 mm²
6 mm²
1,5 -3 m
35 mm²
16 mm²
10 mm²
The inverters are fitted with an internal DC fuse (see table above for rating). If the DC cable length
is increased to more than 1,5 m, an additional fuse or DC circuit breaker must be inserted close to
the battery.
Reverse polarity connection of the battery wires will blow the internal fuse and can damage the
inverter. The internal fuse is not always replaceble (see table above).
3.3 Wire size for connecting the inverter chassis to ground
The earth conductor from the earth lug on the chassis to ground should have at least half the
cross-section of the conductors used for the battery connection: see Appendix B.
3.4 Connection to the load
Never connect the output of the inverter to another AC source, such as a household AC wall outlet
or a generator.
3.5 Connecting the inverter neutral output to the chassis/ground
The AC output is isolated from the DC input and the chassis. Local regulations may require a true
neutral. In this case one of the AC output wires must be connected to the chassis, and the chassis
must be connected to a reliable ground: see appendix A.

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3.6 Remote on/off connector
A remote on/off switch can be connected to the two-pole connector. Alternatively, the left-hand
contact of the connector can be switched to battery positive: useful in automotive applications,
wire it to the ignition contact.
Note that also the front switch needs to set to either On or ECO for the inverter to start.
3.7 Configuration
The inverter is ready for use with the factory settings (see specifications), and can be configured
with a computer (VE.Direct to USB interface cable needed), Apple and Android smartphones,
tablets and other devices (VE.Direct to Bluetooth Smart dongle needed).

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4. Operation
4.1 LED definitions
Green LED
Status
Trouble shooting
●●●●●●●●
Solid on
Inverter on
Red LED Off
status OK
Red LED On or blinking:
The Inverter is still on, but will shut down when the
condition gets worse. See red LED table for warning
reason
●●------
Slow single pulse
ECO mode
If the inverter keeps switching on and off while there is a
load connected, the load may be too small compared to the
actual ECO mode settings. Increase the load or change
ECO mode settings. (minimum ECO mode setting: 15 W)
●-●----- Fast double pulse
Off and waiting
Inverter did shut down because of a protection. The
inverter will restart automatically as soon as all alarm
conditions are cleared. See red LED state for the shutdown
reason.
--------
Off
Inverter off
Red LED Off
Check the On/Off/ECO switch: it should be in On position
or in ECO position.
Check Remote on/off connector.
Check DC cable connections and fuses.
Inverter fuse blown: the inverter has to be returned for
service.
Red LED On or blinking
The inverter did shut down because of a protection. It will
no longer automatically restart. The red LED indicates the
reason for shutdown. Remove the cause and then restart
the inverter by switching it Off, and then back On.
Red LED
Definition
Trouble shooting
●●●●●●●● Solid on
Overload
Reduce load
●●●●----
Slow blink
Low batt.
Recharge or replace battery
Check DC cable connections
Check cable cross section as it may be insufficient.
See section 4.3 Protections and automatic restarts for
manual and automatic restart behavior.
●-●-●-●-Fast blink
High batt.
Reduce DC input voltage, check for faulty charger
●-●----- Double pulse
High temp.
Reduce load and/or move inverter to better ventilated area
●---●---
Fast single pulse
High DC ripple
Check DC cable connections and cable cross section.

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4.2 ECO Mode
Set the front switch to ECO mode to reduce the power consumption in no-load operation. The
inverter will automatically switch off as soon as it detects that there is no load connected. It then
switches on, briefly, every 2,5 seconds to detect a load. If the output power exceeds the set level,
the inverter will continue to operate.
The default ECO mode wake-up minimum power is 15 Watt.
The default ECO mode search interval is 2.5 seconds
Note that the required ECO mode settings are heavily dependent on the type of load: inductive,
capacitive, non-linear. Adjustment may be needed.
4.3 Protections and automatic restarts
Overload
Some loads like motors or pumps draw large inrush currents in a start-up situation. In such
circumstances, it is possible that the start-up current exceeds the over current trip level of the
inverter. In this case the output voltage will quickly decrease to limit the output current of the
inverter. If the over current trip level is continuously exceeded, the inverter will shut down: wait 30
seconds and then restart.
After three restarts followed by another overload within 30 seconds of restarting, the inverter will
shutdown and remain off. The LEDs will signal shutdown due to overload. To restart the inverter,
switch it Off, then On.
Low battery voltage (adjustable)
The inverter will shut down when the DC input voltage drops below the low battery shutdown level.
After a minimum delay of 30 seconds, the inverter will restart if the voltages rise above the low
battery restart level.
After three restarts followed by a low battery shutdown within 30 seconds of restarting, the inverter
will shutdown and stop retrying. The LEDs will signal low battery shutdown. To restart the inverter,
switch it Off, and then On, or recharge the battery: as soon as the battery has risen and then stays
above the Charge detect level for 30 seconds, it will switch on.
See the Technical Data table for default low battery shutdown and restart levels. They can be
changed with VictronConnect (computer or app).
Alternatively Dynamic Cut-off can be implemented, see
https://www.victronenergy.com/live/ve.direct:phoenix-inverters-dynamic-cutoff
High battery voltage
Reduce DC input voltage and/or check for a faulty battery- or solar-charger in the system. After
shutting down due to a high battery voltage, the inverter will first wait 30 seconds and then retry
operation as soon as the battery voltage has dropped to acceptable level. The inverter will not
stay off after multiple retries.
High temperature
A high ambient temperature or enduring high load may result in shut down to over temperature.
The inverter will restart after 30 seconds. The inverter will not stay off after multiple retries.
Reduce load and/or move inverter to better ventilated area.
High DC ripple
High DC ripple is usually caused by loose DC cable connections and/or too thin DC wiring. After
the inverter has switched off due to high DC ripple voltage, it waits 30 seconds and then restarts.
After three restarts followed by a shutdown due to high DC ripple within 30 seconds of restarting,
the inverter will shutdown and stops retrying. To restart the inverter, switch it Off and then On.
Continuous high DC ripple reduces life expectancy of the inverter.

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5. Technical data
Phoenix Inverter
12 Volt
24 Volt
48 Volt
12/250
24/250
48/250
12/375
24/375
48/375
12/500
24/500
48/500
12/800
24/800
48/800
Cont. power at 25 °C (1)
250 VA
375 VA
500 VA
800 VA
Cont. power at 25 °C / 40 °C
200 / 175 W
300 / 260 W
400 / 350 W
650 / 560 W
Peak power
400 W
700 W
900 W
1500 W
Output AC voltage / frequency (adjustable)
230 VAC or 120 VAC +/- 3% 50Hz or 60Hz +/- 0,1%
Input voltage range
9,2 - 17 / 18,4 - 34,0 / 36,8 - 62,0 VDC
Low battery shut down (adjustable)
9,3 / 18,6 / 37,2 VDC
Low battery restart & alarm (adjustable)
10,9 / 21,8 / 43,6 VDC
Battery charged detect (adjustable)
14,0 / 28,0 / 56,0 VDC
Max. efficiency
87/88/88 %
89/89/90 %
90/90/91 %
90/90/91 %
Zero-load power
4,2/5,2/7,9 W
5,6/6,1/8,5 W
6/6,5/9 W
6,5/7/9,5 W
Default zero-load power in ECO mode
(default search interval: 2,5 s, adjustable)
0,8/1,3/2,5 W 0,9/1,4/2,6 W 1 / 1,5 / 3 W 1 / 1,5 / 3 W
ECO mode stop and start power setting
Adjustable
Protection (2)
a – f
Operating temperature range
-40 to +60 °C (fan assisted cooling)
(derate 1,25% per °C above 40 °C)
Humidity (non-condensing)
max 95%
ENCLOSURE
Material & Colour
Steel chassis and plastic cover (blue Ral 5012)
Battery-connection
Screw terminals
Maximum cable cross-section 10 mm² / AWG8
25/10/10 mm²
/ AWG4/8/8
Standard AC outlets
230 V: Schuko (CEE 7/4), IEC-320 (male plug included)
UK (BS 1363), AU/NZ (AS/NZS 3112)
120 V: Nema5-15R
Protection category
IP 21
Weight
2,4 kg/5,3 lbs
3,0 kg/6,6 lbs
3,9 kg/8,5 lbs
5,5 kg/12 lbs
Dimensions (hxwxd, mm)
(hxwxd, inch)
86x165x260
3,4x6,5x10,2
86x165x260
3,4x6,5x10,2
86x172x275
3,4x6,8x10,8
105x216x305
4,1x8,5x12,1
(12 V model:
105x230x325)
ACCESSORIES
Remote on-off
Yes
Automatic transfer switch
Filax or Multi
STANDARDS
Safety
EN/IEC 60335-1 / EN/IEC 62109-1
EMC
EN 55014-1 / EN 55014-2
IEC 61000-6-1 / IEC 61000-6-3
Automotive Directive
ECE R10-4 EN 50498
1) Nonlinear load, crest factor 3:1
2) Protection key:
a) output short circuit
b) overload
c) battery voltage too high
d) battery voltage too low
e) temperature too high
f) DC ripple too high

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5. Technical data, continued
Phoenix Inverter
12 Volt
24 Volt
48 Volt
12/1200
24/1200
48/1200
Cont. power at 25 °C (1)
1200 VA
Cont. power at 25 °C / 40 °C
1000 / 900 W
Peak power
2400 W
Output AC voltage / frequency (adjustable)
230 VAC or 120 VAC +/- 3% 50Hz or 60Hz +/- 0,1%
Input voltage range
9,2 - 17 / 18,4 - 34,0 / 36,8 - 62,0 VDC
Low battery shut down (adjustable)
9,3 / 18,6 / 37,2 VDC
Low battery restart & alarm (adjustable)
10,9 / 21,8 / 43,6 VDC
Battery charged detect (adjustable)
14,0 / 28,0 / 56,0 VDC
Max. efficiency
92 / 94 / 94 %
Zero-load power
8 / 9,5 / 10 W
Default zero-load power in ECO mode
(default search interval: 2,5 s, adjustable)
1 / 1,7 / 2,7 W
ECO mode stop and start power setting
Adjustable
Protection (2)
a – f
Operating temperature range
-40 to +60 °C (fan assisted cooling)
(derate 1,25% per °C above 40 °C)
Humidity (non-condensing)
max 95%
ENCLOSURE
Material & Colour
Steel chassis and plastic cover (blue Ral 5012)
Battery-connection
Screw terminals
Maximum cable cross-section
35/25/25 mm² / AWG2/4/4
Standard AC outlets
230 V: Schuko (CEE 7/4), IEC-320 (male plug included)
UK (BS 1363), AU/NZ (AS/NZS 3112)
120 V: Nema5-15R
Protection category
IP 21
Weight
7,7 kg/17 lbs
Dimensions (hxwxd, mm)
(hxwxd, inch)
117x232x327
4,6x9,1x12,9
(12 V model: 117x232x367)
ACCESSORIES
Remote on-off
Yes
Automatic transfer switch
Filax or Multi
STANDARDS
Safety
EN/IEC 60335-1 / EN/IEC 62109-1
EMC
EN 55014-1 / EN 55014-2
IEC 61000-6-1 / IEC 61000-6-3
Automotive Directive
ECE R10-4 EN 50498
1) Nonlinear load, crest factor 3:1
2) Protection key:
a) output short circuit
b) overload
c) battery voltage too high
d) battery voltage too low
e) temperature too high
f) DC ripple too high