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 (4 AWG) |
| Battery Cable from 1.5m to 3m | 35mm² (2 AWG) |
| Practical North American Cable Choice | 2 AWG fine-strand copper |
| Recommended Fuse | 200A DC fuse (or appropriately rated DC circuit breaker) |
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-actuated cage-clamp terminals |
| Maximum Battery Cable Size | 35mm² (2 AWG) |
| Cooling | Fan assisted |
| Protection Rating | IP21 |
Specifications are believed to be accurate at the time of publication but may change without notice. While we make every effort to keep product information current, Sapphire Energy cannot guarantee all specifications are complete, error-free or up to date. Please refer to the manufacturer's documentation if a particular specification is critical to your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can the Phoenix 12/1200 power?
The Victron Phoenix 12/1200 provides up to 1000W of continuous real-power output at 25°C using a pure sine wave output. It is ideal for televisions, computers, Starlink equipment, networking gear, CPAP machines, battery chargers, lighting, refrigerators, freezers and many other sensitive electronic devices.
Always check both the normal running power and startup (surge) requirements of the connected equipment. Compressors, pumps, heating appliances and larger motors may require a larger inverter.
Why is it called a 1200VA inverter when its output is listed as 1000W?
VA (Volt-Amps) measures apparent power, while watts measure the real power consumed by the connected load. Victron rates this model at 1200VA with a maximum continuous real-power output of 1000W at 25°C.
What battery cable should I use?
Victron recommends a minimum of 25mm² (4 AWG) cable for runs up to 1.5m (5ft), or 35mm² (2 AWG) cable for runs between 1.5m and 3m (10ft). Keeping the battery cables as short as possible will improve efficiency and reduce voltage drop.
What size fuse should I use?
Victron recommends protecting the inverter with a 200A DC fuse installed as close to the battery positive terminal as practical. The fuse should always be sized appropriately for the cable and battery system being used.
What size battery does Victron recommend?
Victron specifies a minimum battery capacity of 150Ah for the Phoenix 12/1200. Larger battery banks will generally provide longer runtime and better support for high-current loads.
The battery (or combined battery bank) must also have sufficient continuous and surge discharge capability for the connected inverter load.
Can I use this inverter with LiFePO₄ batteries?
Yes. The Phoenix 12/1200 works very well with a properly sized 12V LiFePO₄ battery. Ensure the battery's BMS is rated for the inverter's continuous and surge current requirements.
Does this inverter have built-in Bluetooth?
No. This model includes a VE.Direct communication port but does not have built-in Bluetooth. Wireless monitoring through the VictronConnect app requires the optional VE.Direct Bluetooth Smart Dongle.
If you need Bluetooth monitoring, we're happy to help you select the correct Victron accessory.
What does the VE.Direct port do?
The VE.Direct port allows the inverter to communicate with compatible Victron monitoring and configuration accessories, including the VE.Direct Bluetooth Smart Dongle, VE.Direct-to-USB Interface, Cerbo GX and other GX monitoring devices.
Not sure which accessory you need? Contact us and we'll recommend the right solution for your installation.
Does it include a battery charger?
No. The Phoenix is an inverter only. It converts 12V DC battery power into 120V AC power but does not recharge the battery from shore power or a generator.
If you also need battery charging, consider pairing it with a Victron Blue Smart Charger or another suitable AC battery charger.
Does it include an automatic transfer switch?
No. An external transfer switch is required if your AC circuits will be supplied by both the inverter and another AC source such as shore power or a generator.
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.
Can I hardwire the Phoenix 12/1200?
No. The UL 458 version of the Phoenix 12/1200 is designed with a built-in NEMA GFCI receptacle rather than hardwired AC terminals. Simply plug your equipment directly into the inverter or connect an approved extension cord or power strip within the inverter's rated capacity.
Can it run a refrigerator or freezer?
In many cases, yes. Most modern refrigerators and freezers fall well within the inverter's 1000W continuous output, but compressor-driven appliances have a higher startup surge that must also be considered.
If you're unsure whether your appliance is compatible, contact us with the make and model number and we'll be happy to help determine if the Phoenix 12/1200 is the right fit.
Can I leave the inverter on all the time?
Yes. The Victron Phoenix series is designed for continuous operation and is commonly used in RVs, boats, cabins and off-grid systems where power is available around the clock.
For maximum battery life, keep your batteries properly charged and remember that even with no AC load connected, the inverter consumes a small amount of power while turned on. If you're storing your system for an extended period, it's best to switch the inverter off.
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