victron energy

USER MANUAL
GEBRUIKSAANWIJZING
MODE D'EMPLOI
BEDIENUNGSANLEITUNG

Phoenix 12/150
Phoenix 24/150
Phoenix 12/301
Phoenix 24/301
 Copyrights © 1999, 2000 Victron Energy B.V.
All Rights Reserved

This publication or part thereof, may not reproduced in any form by any
method, for any purpose.

VICTRON ENERGY B.V. MAKES NO WARRANTY, EITHER

EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED
TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY
OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, REGARDING
THESE VICTRON ENERGY PRODUCTS AND MAKES SUCH
VICTRON ENERGY PRODUCTS AVAILABLE SOLELY ON AN
“AS-IS” BASIS.

IN NO EVENT SHALL VICTRON ENERGY B.V. BE LIABLE

TO ANYONE FOR SPECIAL, COLLATERAL, INCIDENTAL,
OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES IN CONNECTION WITH
OR ARISING OUT OF PURCHASE OR USE OF THESE
VICTRON ENERGY PRODUCTS. THE SOLE AND
EXCLUSIVE LIABILITY TO VICTRON ENERGY B.V.,
REGARDLESS OF THE FORM OF ACTION, SHALL NOT
EXCEED THE PURCHASE PRICE OF THE VICTRON
ENERGY PRODUCTS DESCRIBED HERE IN.

For conditions of use and permission to use this manual for publication
in other than the English, Dutch, French or German language, contact
Victron Energy B.V.

Victron Energy B.V. reserves the right to revise and improve its
products as it sees fit. This publication describes the state of this product
at the time of its publication and may not reflect the product at all times
in the future.

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SECTIONS Page

English 4
Nederlands 15
French 28
Deutsch 41

victron energy manual 3

INTRODUCTION

Victron Energy has established an international reputation as a leading

designer and manufacturer of energy systems. Our R&D department is
the driving force behind this reputation. It is continually seeking new
ways of incorporating the latest technology in our products. Each step
forward results in value-added technical and economical features.

Our proven philosophy has resulted in a full range of state-of-the-art

equipment for the supply of electrical power. All our equipment meets the
most stringent requirements.

Victron Energy energy systems provide you with high quality AC

supplies at places where there are no permanent sources of mains power.

An automatic stand-alone power system can be created with a

configuration comprising of a Victron Energy inverter, battery charger
and last but not least, batteries with sufficient capacity.

Our equipment is suitable for countless situations in the field, on ships or

other places where a mobile 230 or 115 VoltAC power supply is
indispensable.

Victron Energy has the ideal power source for all kinds of electrical
appliances used for household, technical and industrial purposes,
including instruments susceptible to interference. All of these applications
require a high quality power supply in order to function properly.

Victron Energy Phoenix sine wave inverter

This manual contains instructions for installing the Ph 12/150, Ph 24/150,
Ph 12/301 and Ph 24/301 sine wave inverters. It describes the
functionality and operation of the Phoenix inverter, including its
protective devices and other technical features.

Note: where the abbreviation ‘Ph’ is used please read ‘Phoenix’ instead.

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CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION ................................................................. 4

1. INSTALLATION ............................................................... 6
1.1 Location of the inverter 6
1.2 Battery requirements 7
1.3 Connection to the battery 8
1.3.1 General precautions when working with batteries 8
1.4 Connecting the load 9
1.5 Turning the inverter on 10
2. TROUBLESHOOTING .................................................. 11
2.1 The flash sequence table 11
2.2 Troubleshooting guidelines 11
3. TECHNICAL DATA........................................................ 14

victron energy manual 5

 1. INSTALLATION

1.1 Location of the inverter

1 Ceiling mounting Not recommended

(inverted).
2. Base mounting. OK
3 Vertical wall mounting, OK (beware of small objects falling
fan at bottom. through the ventilation openings on
top).
4 Vertical wall mounting, Not recommended
fan on top.
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 0 °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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1.2 Battery requirements

For correct operation, the battery voltage should be between

0.88xVnom and 1.25xVnom where Vnom is 12V or 24V depending on
the model, and must be able to supply sufficient current to your inverter.
The following table displays the recommended battery capacity per
inverter type :

Inverter type : Iin at Pnom : Recommended battery

capacity:
Ph 12/150 15 Adc ≥ 60Ah
Ph 24/150 7,5 Adc ≥ 30Ah

Ph 12/301 30 Adc ≥ 100Ah

Ph 24/301 15 Adc ≥ 60Ah

The inverter shuts down when the battery voltage is below 0.88xVnom
or above 1.3xVnom.

Shut down and restart voltages:

Model DC over voltage DC under voltage

Shut down Restart Shut down Restart

12 V models 15.3 14.8 10.5 12.5

24 V models 30.6 29.6 21.0 25.0

victron energy manual 7

1.3 Connection to the battery

The Ph 12/150, Ph 24/150, Ph 12/301 and Ph 24/301 are equipped with

two wires with a length of 1.5 meters. If it is unavoidable to extend
these wires, use a wire gauge of at least 1.5 times larger than the ones
supplied with the inverter. Maximum recommended battery wire length
is approx. 3 meters.

1.3.1 General precautions when working with batteries

1. Working in vicinity of a lead acid battery is dangerous. Batteries

can generate explosive gases during operation. Never smoke or
allow a spark or flame in the vicinity of a battery. Provide sufficient
ventilation around the battery.
2. Wear eye and clothing protection. Avoid touching eyes while
working near batteries. Wash your hands when done.
3. If battery acid contacts skin or clothing, wash immediately with
soap and water. If acid enters eye, immediately flood eye with
running cold water for at least 15 minutes and get medical attention
immediately.
4. Be careful when using metal tools in vicinity of batteries. Dropping
a metal tool onto a battery might cause a short-circuit battery and,
possibly an explosion.
5. Remove personal metal items such as rings, bracelets, necklaces,
and watches when working with a battery. A battery can produce a
short-circuit current high enough to melt a ring or the like to metal,
causing severe burns.

THE RED WIRE MUST BE CONNECTED

TO THE POSITIVE (+) TERMINAL AND
THE BLACK WIRE TO THE NEGATIVE
(-) TERMINAL OF THE BATTERY.
Reverse polarity connection of the battery
wires can damage the inverter!
Damage caused by reversed polarity is not
CAUTION covered by the warranty. Make sure the power
switch is in the OFF ‘0’ position before
connecting the battery.

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1.4 Connecting the load

Before you connect your appliance(s) to the inverter, always check it’s
maximum power consumption. Do not connect appliances to the
inverter needing more than the nominal power rating of the inverter
continuously. Some appliances 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 and restart within 18 seconds. In
this case it is advisable to disconnect the appliance from the inverter,
since it requires too much power to be driven by this inverter. Note that
at higher ambient temperature levels, the overload capacity of the
inverter is reduced.

WHEN CONNECTING MORE THAN

ONE APPLIANCE TO THE INVERTER,
IN COMBINATION WITH A
COMPUTER, NOTE THAT IF ONE OF
THE APPLIANCES DRAWS A HIGH
START CURRENT, IT CAN CAUSE
WARNING YOUR COMPUTER TO REBOOT DUE
TO A SUDDEN VOLTAGE DROP.

NEVER CONNECT THE INVERTER’S

OUTPUT TO THE AC DISTRIBUTION
GRID, SUCH AS YOUR HOUSEHOLD AC
WALL OUTLET. IT WILL DAMAGE
THE INVERTER.
CAUTION

victron energy manual 9

1.5 Turning the inverter on

When all the above requirements are checked and satisfied and all
connections are made, it’s time to turn on your Phoenix inverter by
pushing the power switch to the ' On ' position.

IF THE INVERTER SWITCHES TO AN

‘ERROR MODE’ (SEE CHAPTER 2.1)
DUE TO AN OVERLOAD OR SHORT
CIRCUIT, THE INVERTER WILL
AUTOMATICALLY RESTART AFTER
ABOUT 18 SECONDS.
In case of an over-temperature error, the
inverter will automatically restart after it has
WARNING reached an acceptable temperature
NEVER TOUCH THE AC
CONNECTIONS WHEN THE INVERTER
IS STILL RUNNING IN AN ERROR
MODE!

THE BUILT IN LARGE ELECTROLYTIC

CAPACITORS CAN HOLD SIGNIFICANT
DC VOLTAGE WHEN THE BATTERIES
ARE DISCONNECTED.
To avoid sparks or short inverter operation, it is
advisable to switch on the inverter for 10
WARNING seconds after battery disconnection, before you
transport the inverter.

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2. TROUBLESHOOTING

2.1 The flash sequence table

Your Phoenix inverter is equipped with a self-diagnosis system, to

inform you about the cause of inverter shut down
In the table below you can find out what kind of flashing sequence
belongs to which error.

LED Status
Solid green  OK
Red, blinking fast −−−−−−−− Over voltage
Red, blinking slow     Under voltage
Red, intermittent blinking −− −− −− Over temperature
Solid red  Overload

2.2 Troubleshooting guidelines

PROBLEM : Inverter is not working (LED OFF)

Possible cause : Remedy :

Power switch in OFF position. Push the power switch to the ON

position.
Poor contact between the Clean battery terminals or inverter
inverter’s battery wires and the wire contacts. Tighten battery
battery terminals. terminal screws.
Blown inverter fuse. The inverter has to be returned for
service.
Very poor battery condition. Replace battery.

victron energy manual 11

PROBLEM : ‘Battery voltage too low or too high’ error keeps on
appearing

Possible cause : Remedy :

Poor battery condition. Replace battery or charge it first.

Poor connection or inadequate When extending the battery wires
wiring between battery and of the inverter make sure you use
inverter, resulting in too much the correct wire gauge (≥ 1.5 times
voltage drop. larger than the fixed battery wires).
It’s not advisable to extend the
battery wires to more than 3
meters.
General failure in your electrical Check your electrical system or
system (in case of no direct consult an electrical engineer to
battery connection). check it for you.

PROBLEM : ‘Overloaded or shorted output’ error keeps on

appearing

Possible cause : Remedy :

Inverter is overloaded. Make sure that the total power

rating of the connected equipment
is lower than the nominal inverter
power rating.
Connected equipment features a Reduce the required power
bad power factor consumption of the load. Please
note that, for example, a computer
load features a bad power factor,
which causes a reduction of the
maximum output power of the
inverter by approx. 20%.
Connected equipment causes a Make sure that the connected
short circuit at the inverter’s equipment is not broken or
output. malfunctioning. Check if the AC
power cord between the inverter
and the connected equipment is
OK. Any physical damage on the
power cord can produce a short
circuit. Be careful!.
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PROBLEM : ‘Inverter temperature too high. Cooling down’ error
keeps on appearing

Possible cause : Remedy :

Airflow around the inverter is Make sure there is at least 10

obstructed. centimetres of clearance around
the inverter. Remove any items
placed on or over the inverter.
Keep the inverter away from direct
sunlight or heat producing
equipment.
Too high ambient temperature. Move the inverter to a cooler place
or provide additional cooling by an
external fan.
Note: Don’t turn-off the inverter when it’s operating in an ‘Inverter
temperature too high. Cooling down’ error. The inverter needs this
error time to cool down.

If none of the above remedies helps to solve the problem you encounter,
contact your local Victron Energy distributor for further help and/or
possible repair of your inverter. Do not open the inverter yourself, there
are dangerous high voltages present inside. Opening the inverter will
directly void your 12 months warranty period.

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 3. TECHNICAL DATA

Phoenix inverter 12/150 12/301 24/150 24/301

Input voltage range (V DC) 10,5 - 15,0 10,5 - 15,0 21,0 - 30,0 21,0 - 30,0

DC start voltage 12,5 12,5 25,0 25,0

Output voltage 230 V ± 5%

Output frequency 50 Hz ± 0,3%

Note : the given specifications are subject to change without notice
Cont. power at 40 °C (W) 150 300 150 300

Peak power (W) 200 400 200 400

Max. efficiency (%) 91 92 92 93

3.3 Enclosure
Zero-load power (W) dimensions Ph2,2
xx/150, Ph
2,812/301 3,8 3,8
Seeassisted
Fan page 71.cooling Yes, temperature controlled

Protection (3) a-e

Operating temperature range -20 - 50°C

Humidity (non condensing) max 95%

ENCLOSURE
Material & Colour aluminium (blue Ral 5012)

Battery-connection Battery cables of 1.5 meter

230 V AC-connection Schuko

Protection category IP 20

Weight (kg) 2,7 3,5 2,7 3,5

Dimensions (hxwxd in mm) 72x132x200 72x155x237 72x132x200 72x155x237

ACCESSOIRES

Remote on-off switch Yes, connector available

Recommended automatic transfer switch Filax

STANDARDS
Safety EN 60950

Emission / Immunity EN 50081-1, EN55014 / EN 55014-2

1) 115 V AC on request 3) Protection

2) 60 Hz on request a. Output short circuit
b. Overload
c. Battery voltage too high
d. Battery voltage too low
e. Over temperature

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 Stock number:
Dealer:

Victron Energy B.V.

The Netherlands

General phone: +31 - (0)36 - 535 97 00

General and Service fax: +31 - (0)36 - 531 16 66
Sales fax: +31 - (0)36 - 535 97 40

E-mail: sales@victronenergy.com
Internet site: http://www.victronenergy.com

victron energy