Does the device support charging lithium batteries?
Yes, it is compatible with LiFePO₄ and other lithium batteries.
Can I charge the batteries outdoors?
Yes, thanks to IP65, the device is resistant to moisture, but it cannot be submerged in water.
How do I update the firmware?
Use VictronConnect by connecting to the device via Bluetooth.
Can I use a power tool charger?
Yes, the Power Supply mode allows you to power equipment without a battery connected.
What is the minimum charging current that can be set?
You can adjust the charging current depending on the battery type via VictronConnect. Chargers support a reduced charging current mode, for example, a 12V 10A model can limit the maximum charging current to 3A.
Can the device be left connected to the battery permanently?
Yes, the device automatically switches to maintenance mode without recharging the battery. Often, boat owners maintain their batteries in this way in the winter at 100% charge for months to achieve the maximum service life of lead-acid batteries of the AGM, GEL or starter variants.
Is this device suitable for boats and yachts?
Yes, it is perfect, thanks to the IP65 housing protection it is protected from moisture and dust, but should not be immersed in water.
What fuses are used in the charger?
The device has built-in short-circuit and overheating protection. But fuses are often installed on the battery connection cables, see the accessories section.
Can the device be used in frost?
Yes, the device works at low temperatures, but the charging efficiency may vary due to the chemical type of the battery itself. For lead-acid batteries, the device has a temperature compensation function, so in frost the charging voltage will automatically increase so that the chemical reaction in the battery is at the proper level. This is the only correct way to charge in frost for starter-type or AGM/GEL batteries. LiFePO4 batteries cannot be charged in frost!
Is there a recovery mode for sulphited batteries?
Yes, Recondition Mode allows you to restore deeply discharged and sulphited batteries and even 12V batteries in which the voltage has dropped to ≤2V, the so-called “dead” batteries.
How long does it take to charge a battery?
The charging time depends on the battery capacity and its discharge level. For example, a 12V 100Ag AGM/GEL battery that is fully discharged (10.5V) will have a recharge time of up to 100% from the Blue Smart IP65 Charger 12/10 12V 10A up to 12-13 hours, if the recovery function (Recondition Mode) has been activated up to 13-14 hours.
LiFePO4 batteries will be charged faster, with the same parameters of a 12.8V 100Ag battery and a 12V 10A charger, the recharge time will take up to 10 hours, depending on the battery BMS settings.
How to match the charger current to the battery capacity?
For lead-acid AGM/GEL and starter batteries, the maximum charge current should be from 5 to 15% of the nominal battery capacity. That is, for a 65A battery, it should be from 65*0.05=3.25A to 65*0.15=9.75A. That is, chargers from 5 to 10A are perfect.
For lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries, you can choose from 10 to 50% of the nominal capacity of the battery. That is, for a 100A battery - this is from 10 to 50A.