Victron Energy
Victron Phoenix 12V 1200VA Inverter (UL458)
Victron Phoenix 12V 1200VA Inverter (UL458)
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Reliable Pure Sine Wave Power
The Victron Phoenix 12V 1200VA Inverter (UL458) converts power from a 12V battery bank into clean, stable 120V AC power for electronics, chargers, communications equipment and everyday appliances.
With up to 1000W of continuous output at 25°C and 2200W of peak startup power, it is a dependable choice for RVs, camper vans, boats, service vehicles, cabins and other mobile or off-grid power systems.
This North American model includes a built-in NEMA GFCI receptacle and is certified to UL 458. Its VE.Direct communication port also supports optional Victron monitoring and configuration accessories.
Why You’ll Love It
- Clean pure sine wave output for sensitive electronics
- 1200VA rating with up to 1000W continuous output
- 2200W peak power for demanding startup loads
- Built-in North American NEMA GFCI receptacle
- UL 458 certified for mobile power applications
- VE.Direct port for optional monitoring and configuration
Pure Sine Wave Output
The Phoenix produces a clean AC waveform suitable for sensitive electronics and equipment that may not operate correctly from a basic modified sine wave inverter.
It is well suited to powering televisions, computers, Starlink equipment, routers, CPAP machines, battery chargers, audio equipment, LED lighting, cordless-tool chargers and other compatible 120V loads.
This inverter is rated for 1200VA apparent power and up to 1000W of continuous real-power output at 25°C. Available continuous output is reduced to 850W at an ambient temperature of 40°C.
High Startup Power
Many electronic power supplies, tools and motor-driven loads briefly require more power while starting than they use during normal operation. The Phoenix 12/1200 can provide up to 2200W of peak power to help accommodate these short startup demands.
Appliance startup requirements vary significantly. Always compare both the normal operating consumption and startup demand of your equipment with the inverter specifications.
VE.Direct Connectivity
The built-in VE.Direct port allows the inverter to communicate with compatible Victron accessories. Using an optional VE.Direct Bluetooth Smart Dongle or VE.Direct-to-USB interface, the inverter can be connected to VictronConnect for basic monitoring and configuration.
Bluetooth is not built directly into this inverter. A compatible VE.Direct interface must be purchased separately.
ECO Mode
ECO mode reduces standby consumption when AC power is only needed intermittently. When the connected load drops below the configured level, the inverter enters a low-power search mode and periodically checks for a load.
ECO mode may require adjustment for very small or electronically controlled devices. It can also be disabled when uninterrupted AC output is preferred.
Recommended Battery Cable and Fuse Sizing
Proper battery wiring is essential in a 12V inverter system. Cable that is too small or too long can cause excessive voltage drop, reduced surge performance and nuisance low-voltage shutdowns.
| Installation Component | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Victron Minimum Battery Capacity | 150Ah |
| Battery Cable up to 1.5m | 25mm² minimum |
| Battery Cable from 1.5m to 3m | 35mm² |
| Practical North American Cable Choice | 2 AWG fine-strand copper |
| Recommended External Protection | 200A DC fuse or appropriately rated DC circuit breaker |
| Fuse or Breaker Location | Close to the battery positive terminal |
Victron requires a suitable fuse or DC circuit breaker to be installed close to the battery for UL-certified NEMA GFCI models, even when the battery cable is less than 1.5m long.
The battery or combined battery bank must also be capable of supporting the inverter’s operating and startup current. Cable length, installation method, conductor temperature rating and applicable electrical codes may affect final component selection.
Built-In GFCI Outlet
The integrated North American NEMA GFCI receptacle provides ground-fault protection directly at the inverter output. This makes the UL 458 model particularly well suited to RVs, camper vans, marine systems and other mobile power installations.
The Phoenix converts 12V battery power into 120V AC power. It does not include an AC battery charger or an automatic shore-power transfer switch.
Applications
- RVs and motorhomes
- Camper vans and vehicle conversions
- Boats and marine electrical systems
- Off-grid cabins and tiny homes
- Service trucks and mobile workstations
- Starlink and remote networking systems
- Communications and HAM radio installations
- Solar-powered battery systems
- Emergency and portable backup power
Product Features
- Pure sine wave AC output
- 1200VA continuous apparent-power rating
- 1000W continuous real-power output at 25°C
- 2200W peak output
- 120V AC, 60Hz North American output
- Built-in NEMA GFCI receptacle
- UL 458 certified GFCI-output model
- VE.Direct communication port
- Optional Bluetooth connectivity
- Low-power ECO mode
- Remote on/off connection
- Short-circuit, overload and temperature protection
- IP21 enclosure
Product Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Victron Energy |
| Model | Phoenix Inverter 12/1200 VE.Direct NEMA GFCI |
| Victron Part Number | PIN122122510 |
| Nominal Battery Voltage | 12V DC |
| DC Input Voltage Range | 9.2V to 17V DC |
| Continuous Apparent Power | 1200VA at 25°C |
| Continuous Real Power | 1000W at 25°C / 850W at 40°C |
| Peak Power | 2200W |
| AC Output Voltage | 120V AC ±3% |
| Output Frequency | 60Hz |
| Output Waveform | Pure sine wave |
| Maximum Efficiency | 91% |
| Zero-Load Consumption | 10W |
| Default ECO-Mode Consumption | 1W |
| AC Receptacle | NEMA GFCI |
| Safety Certification | UL 458 |
| Communication Port | VE.Direct |
| Bluetooth | Optional with VE.Direct Bluetooth Smart Dongle |
| Remote On/Off | Yes |
| Battery Connection | Screw terminals |
| Maximum Battery Cable Size | 35mm² / 2 AWG |
| Cooling | Fan assisted |
| Protection Rating | IP21 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What can the Phoenix 12/1200 power?
The inverter provides up to 1000W of continuous real-power output at 25°C. It is suitable for many televisions, computers, networking devices, Starlink equipment, CPAP machines, chargers, lights and small appliances.
Always check both the normal operating consumption and startup requirement of the connected equipment. Heating appliances, compressors and larger motors may exceed the inverter’s capacity.
Why is it called a 1200VA inverter when its output is listed as 1000W?
VA represents apparent power, while watts represent real power used by the connected load. Victron rates this inverter for 1200VA and up to 1000W of continuous real-power output at 25°C.
What battery cable should I use?
Victron specifies at least 25mm² cable for runs up to 1.5m and 35mm² cable for runs between 1.5m and 3m. A quality 2 AWG fine-strand copper cable is a practical North American choice and should be kept as short as possible.
What size fuse should I use?
A 200A DC fuse or appropriately rated DC circuit breaker is recommended close to the battery positive terminal. Final protection must be suitable for the selected cable, battery system and installation.
What size battery does Victron recommend?
Victron specifies a minimum battery capacity of 150Ah for the 12/1200 model. The battery or combined battery bank must also be capable of supporting the inverter’s continuous and startup current.
Can I use this inverter with LiFePO₄ batteries?
Yes. It can be used with a suitable 12V LiFePO₄ battery bank. The battery management system must have sufficient continuous and peak discharge capability for the connected inverter load.
Does this inverter have built-in Bluetooth?
No. The inverter includes a VE.Direct port. Wireless connection to VictronConnect requires the optional VE.Direct Bluetooth Smart Dongle.
What does the VE.Direct port do?
VE.Direct allows the inverter to connect to compatible Victron monitoring and configuration accessories. A VE.Direct Bluetooth Smart Dongle or VE.Direct-to-USB interface is required, depending on the device being used.
Does it include a battery charger?
No. The Phoenix is an inverter only. It converts 12V battery power into 120V AC power but does not charge the battery from shore power or a generator.
Does it include an automatic transfer switch?
No. An appropriate external transfer switch is required when the same AC circuits will be supplied by both the inverter and another AC source.
Is this the UL-certified GFCI version?
Yes. This model includes a NEMA GFCI receptacle and is certified to UL 458. The Victron part number is PIN122122510.
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