Victron Energy
Victron Phoenix Inverter 12/375 120V VE.Direct NEMA 5-15R
Victron Phoenix Inverter 12/375 120V VE.Direct NEMA 5-15R
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Reliable 120V Power from a 12V Battery
The Victron Phoenix 12/375 VE.Direct Inverter provides clean, pure sine wave 120V AC power from a 12V battery. Its compact size and low standby consumption make it an excellent choice for laptops, televisions, communications equipment, battery chargers and other modest electrical loads in RVs, boats, cabins and mobile installations.
This inverter delivers up to 300W of continuous output, with additional short-term capacity for starting compatible electronic loads. A standard NEMA 5-15R receptacle lets you plug equipment directly into the inverter without adding a separate AC outlet.
Why You'll Love It
- Clean pure sine wave 120V AC output
- 300W continuous output at 25°C
- Up to 700W peak starting power
- Standard NEMA 5-15R receptacle
- Energy-saving ECO operating mode
- VE.Direct communication and configuration port
- Dedicated two-wire remote on/off connection
- Short-circuit, overload and temperature protection
- Compact, proven transformer-based design
- Backed by Victron's 5-year warranty
What Can It Power?
The Phoenix 12/375 is intended for smaller loads requiring up to approximately 300W of continuous power. Always check the actual wattage and starting requirements printed on the connected equipment.
| Typical Load | Suitable? |
|---|---|
| Laptop and phone chargers | Yes |
| Television or computer monitor | Yes, when total consumption remains below 300W |
| Starlink and communications equipment | Typically yes; verify the power supply rating |
| CPAP machine | Typically yes; heated humidifiers can significantly increase consumption |
| Camera, drone and cordless-tool chargers | Yes, when the charger input remains below the inverter rating |
| Small fans and low-power electronics | Yes |
| Microwave, kettle or coffee maker | No — these normally require a substantially larger inverter |
| Toaster, space heater or hair dryer | No — these are high-wattage heating loads |
The 12/375 model designation refers to its 375VA rating. Victron specifies 300W of continuous real-power output at 25°C and 260W at 40°C. The 700W peak rating is available only briefly and should not be treated as continuous operating capacity.
VE.Direct Monitoring & Configuration
The built-in VE.Direct port provides access to inverter settings and operating information. It can be used to configure low-battery shutdown levels, output voltage, frequency, ECO mode and other operating parameters.
This inverter does not have Bluetooth built in. Local wireless access through the VictronConnect app requires a separately purchased VE.Direct Bluetooth Smart dongle. A VE.Direct cable can instead connect the inverter to a Cerbo GX for centralized system monitoring.
Low-Power ECO Mode
When ECO mode is selected, the inverter enters a low-power standby state after the connected load drops below the configured threshold. It briefly checks for a load at regular intervals and automatically resumes normal operation when compatible equipment is switched on.
ECO mode reduces idle consumption from approximately 5.6W to approximately 0.9W, helping conserve battery energy when AC power is only needed occasionally. Very small or unusual electronic loads may not reliably trigger ECO mode, in which case the inverter can be left in its normal ON setting.
Battery Wiring
| Installation Detail | Victron Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Minimum Battery Capacity | 40Ah |
| DC Cable — Up to 1.5m | 6mm² minimum |
| DC Cable — 1.5m to 3m | 10mm² |
| Maximum Terminal Capacity | 10mm² / approximately 8 AWG |
| Internal DC Protection | Two 40A internal fuses; not user replaceable |
Install the inverter close to the battery using properly sized copper cable. Victron requires an additional fuse or DC circuit breaker close to the battery when the cable run exceeds 1.5 metres. Installation requirements and suitable protection can vary, so contact us if you need help selecting the wiring and fuse.
Remote On/Off Control
A dedicated two-wire remote terminal allows the inverter to be switched from another location using a simple compatible switch or the optional Victron Inverter Control VE.Direct panel. It can also be integrated with an ignition-controlled circuit or suitable battery-management control signal.
The remote terminal is separate from the VE.Direct communication port and does not require a VE.Direct cable. The inverter's front switch must remain in the ON or ECO position for remote operation.
Product Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | Phoenix Inverter 12/375 VE.Direct |
| Victron Part Number | PIN123750500 |
| Battery Voltage | 12V DC |
| Input Voltage Range | 9.2V to 17V DC |
| Output Waveform | Pure sine wave |
| Output Voltage | 120V AC ±3% |
| Output Frequency | 60Hz ±0.1%; configurable |
| Continuous Rating | 375VA |
| Continuous Output — 25°C | 300W |
| Continuous Output — 40°C | 260W |
| Peak Power | 700W |
| Maximum Efficiency | 89% |
| Zero-Load Consumption | Approximately 5.6W |
| ECO Mode Consumption | Approximately 0.9W |
| AC Receptacle | NEMA 5-15R |
| Communication | VE.Direct; Bluetooth dongle sold separately |
| Remote Control | Two-wire remote on/off terminal |
| Battery Connection | Screw terminals; 10mm² / approximately 8 AWG maximum |
| Protection | Output short circuit, overload, high or low battery voltage, high temperature and excessive DC ripple |
| Protection Rating | IP21 when installed in the approved base-mounting orientation |
| Dimensions | 86 × 165 × 260mm (3.4 × 6.5 × 10.2in) |
| Weight | 3kg (6.6lb) |
| Warranty | 5 Year |
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. Contact us for help!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much equipment can it power?
The inverter can supply up to 300W continuously at 25°C. Add together the actual operating wattage of everything connected and keep the combined load within this rating.
The available continuous output decreases to approximately 260W at an ambient temperature of 40°C. Additional capacity should also be allowed for equipment with a high starting surge.
Is 375VA the same as 375W?
Not necessarily. VA measures apparent power, while watts measure the real power consumed by the load. Victron rates this model for 375VA and specifies 300W of continuous real-power output at 25°C.
Can it run a microwave or coffee maker?
No. Most microwaves, coffee makers, kettles, toasters and heating appliances require far more than 300W. These loads need a substantially larger inverter, battery and DC wiring system.
Does it have Bluetooth?
Bluetooth is not built in. Wireless monitoring and configuration through VictronConnect require the optional VE.Direct Bluetooth Smart dongle.
The inverter can also connect to a Cerbo GX using a standard VE.Direct cable for wired system monitoring.
What can be changed through VictronConnect?
With a compatible VE.Direct interface, VictronConnect can be used to adjust the output voltage and frequency, low-battery alarm and shutdown levels, dynamic low-voltage cut-off, ECO mode and its load-detection settings. It can also display input voltage, output voltage, load level and active alarms.
Are battery cables included?
No. Battery cables are selected separately to match the required length and installation. Victron recommends 6mm² cable for runs up to 1.5 metres and 10mm² cable for runs between 1.5 and 3 metres.
Does it include a battery charger?
No. This is an inverter only: it converts 12V DC battery power into 120V AC. It does not charge the battery and does not include an automatic AC transfer switch.
Can it be switched on and off remotely?
Yes. The dedicated remote terminal can be controlled with a simple compatible switch, an optional Victron remote panel, a vehicle ignition signal or a suitable BMS control circuit.
The remote connection is a separate two-wire terminal and does not use the VE.Direct port.
Can it be installed outdoors?
No. Install it in a dry, ventilated location protected from rain, moisture, condensation and excessive dust. Leave at least 10cm of clear space around the inverter for cooling and follow Victron's approved mounting orientations.
What warranty does this product include?
The inverter is backed by Victron Energy's 5-year limited warranty. Sapphire Energy can assist with troubleshooting and warranty support if a problem occurs.
Send us the nameplate wattage or model number of the equipment you want to power. We can help determine whether the Phoenix 12/375 has enough continuous and starting capacity for the load.
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