victron energy 1600 230V Phoenix Smart Inverter Instruction Manual

: June 16, 2024
: victron energy

Victron Energy 1600 230V Phoenix Smart Inverter

victron-energy-1600-230V-Phoenix-Smart-Inverter-
product

Product Information

Specifications

Model: Phoenix Inverter Smart
Available Models: 12 | 1600 230V, 12 | 2000 230V, 24 | 1600 230V, 24 | 2000 230V, 48 | 1600 230V, 48 | 2000 230V, 12 | 3000 230V, 24 | 3000 230V, 48 | 3000 230V, 24 | 5000 230V, 48 | 5000 230V
Output Voltage: 210 – 245V
Frequency: 50 Hz or 60 Hz

Description

The Phoenix Inverter Smart is a reliable inverter that is fully configurable with a tablet or smartphone thanks to its built-in Bluetooth feature. It has various safety features such as low battery voltage alarm trip and reset levels, low battery voltage cut-off and restart levels, and dynamic cut-off that is load dependent. The inverter also has an output voltage range of 210-245V and supports both ECO mode and an alarm relay for monitoring purposes. The VE. A direct communication port allows for easy configuration and monitoring of parameters using a computer.
The Phoenix Inverter Smart is designed with proven reliability, featuring a full bridge plus toroidal transformer topology that has been tested over many years. It is short-circuit proof and protected against overheating due to overload or high ambient temperature. The inverter also has high start-up power to support loads such as power converters for LED lamps, halogen lamps, or electric tools.
When in ECO mode, the inverter switches to standby when the load decreases below a preset value. It can be configured to switch on for a short period at regular intervals and will remain on if the load exceeds a preset level.
The inverter also supports remote on/off functionality and LED diagnosis for easy troubleshooting.
To transfer the load to another AC source, the Phoenix Inverter Smart can be used with an automatic transfer switch like the Filax Automatic Transfer Switch or a MultiPlus with a built-in transfer switch.

Product Usage Instructions

Safety Instructions

Before using the Phoenix Inverter Smart, please read and follow the safety instructions provided in the user manual. These instructions cover general safety guidelines, installation guidelines, and guidelines for the transport and storage of the product.

Operation

The Phoenix Inverter Smart can be operated using the on/off push button or via Bluetooth using a mobile device running iOS or Android and the VictronConnect app.

On/Off Push Button

To turn on the inverter, push the push button to the “on” position. The LED indicator will light up, indicating that the inverter is operational.
By pushing the push button subsequently within a short period, you can toggle between “on”, “ECO”, and “off” modes.
When the unit is turned off by the push button, it goes into sleep mode with minimal current consumption.
Note: If the unit is switched off via Bluetooth or the push button, it cannot be switched on and off again via the wired VE.Direct port.

On/Off Switch (5kVA only)

The 5kVA unit has a main on/off switch located next to the cable entries on the right side. When this switch is turned off, the supply current is completely cut off.

FAQ

Q: Can I configure and monitor the Phoenix Inverter Smart using a computer?

A: Yes, you can connect the VE.Direct port of the inverter to a computer using a VE.Direct to USB interface cable.
This allows you to configure and monitor the same parameters as you would with a tablet or smartphone.

Q: What is the purpose of the ECO mode?

A: The ECO mode helps to save energy by switching the inverter to standby when the load decreases below a preset value.
It can be configured to switch on for a short period at regular intervals and will remain on if the load exceeds a preset level.

Q: Can I use the Phoenix Inverter Smart with an automatic transfer switch?

A: Yes, for low-power inverters, we recommend using the Filax Automatic Transfer Switch. It has a very short switchover time, ensuring uninterrupted operation for computers and other electronic equipment.
Alternatively, you can use a MultiPlus with a built-in transfer switch.

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

General

Please familiarize yourself with the safety features and instructions by first reading the documentation supplied with this product before using the equipment. This product has been designed and tested in accordance with international standards. The equipment must be used exclusively for the purpose for which it was designed.

WARNING: ELECTRIC SHOCK HAZARD.

The product is used in combination with a permanent energy source (battery). Even if the equipment is switched off, a dangerous electrical voltage can occur at the input and/or output terminals. Always disconnect the battery before performing maintenance.
The product has no internal user-serviceable components. Do not remove the front plate or operate the product if any panels have been removed. All servicing must be undertaken by qualified personnel.
Never use the product where there is a risk of gas or dust explosions. Consult the battery manufacturer’s information to ascertain that the product is intended for use in conjunction with the battery. Always comply with the battery manufacturer’s safety instructions.
WARNING: Do not lift heavy loads without assistance.

Installation

Read the installation instructions in the installation manual before installing the equipment.
This is a Safety Class I product (supplied with a protective grounding terminal). The chassis must be grounded. A grounding point is located on the outside of the product. Whenever it is likely that the grounding protection has been damaged, the product must be turned off and secured against unintended operation; please contact qualified service staff.
Ensure that the DC and AC input cables are fused and fitted with circuit breakers. There is no internal fuse inside this product. Never replace a safety component with a different type. Consult the manual to determine the correct component.
During installation ensure that the remote connector with wire bridge is removed (or swtich off the remote on/off switch if installed) to be sure that the inverter cannot be switched on unexpectedly.
Before applying power, ensure that the available power source matches the configuration settings of the product as described in the manual.
Ensure that the equipment is used under the correct ambient conditions. Never operate the product in a wet or dusty environment.
Ensure there is adequate free space for ventilation around the product and check that the ventilation vents are not blocked.
Ensure that the required system voltage does not exceed the product’s capacity.

Transport and Storage

Ensure that the mains power and battery leads have been disconnected before storing or transporting the product.
No liability can be accepted for any transport damage if the equipment is shipped in non-original packaging.
Store the product in a dry environment; the storage temperature must be between -20°C and 60°C.
Consult the battery manufacturer’s manual in respect of transport, storage, charging, recharging and disposal of the battery.

DESCRIPTION

General

Bluetooth built-in: fully configurable with a tablet or smartphone
Low battery voltage alarm trip and reset levels
Low battery voltage cut-off and restart levels
Dynamic cut-off: load-dependent cut-off level
Output voltage: 210 – 245V
Frequency: 50 Hz or 60 Hz
ECO mode on/off and ECO mode sense level
Alarm relay

Monitoring:

In- and output voltage, % load, and alarms
For more information, refer to the VictronConnect manual.

VE.Direct communication port

The VE. Direct port can be connected to a computer (VE.Direct to USB interface cable needed) to configure and monitor the same parameters.

Proven reliability

The full bridge plus toroidal transformer topology has proven its reliability over many years.
The inverters are short-circuit proof and protected against overheating, whether due to overload or high ambient temperature.

High start-up power

Needed to start loads such as power converters for LED lamps, halogen lamps, or electric tools.

ECO mode

When in ECO mode, the inverter will switch to standby when the load decreases below a preset value (min load turn-on level: 10VA; and min load turn-off level: 0VA). Once on standby, the inverter will switch on for a short period (adjustable, default: every 3 seconds). If the load exceeds a preset level, the inverter will remain on.

Remote on/off

A remote on/off switch can be connected to a two-pole connector, between battery plus and the left-hand contact of the two-pole connector or between battery minus and the right-hand contact of the two-pole connector

LED diagnosis See section 3.3

To transfer the load to another AC source: the automatic transfer switch
For our low-power inverters, we recommend our Filax Automatic Transfer Switch. The Filax features a very short switchover time (less than 20 milliseconds) so that computers and other electronic equipment will continue to operate without disruption.
Alternatively, use a MultiPlus with a built-in transfer switch.

OPERATION

On/Off Push button

When switched to “on” with the pushbutton, the product is fully functional. The inverter will come into operation and the LED “inverter” will light up. By pushing the push button subsequently, within a short time, the inverter toggles between “on”, “ECO” and “off”. The inverter goes into sleep mode with minimal current consumption when the unit is turned off by the push button.
Apart from the pushbutton; the inverter can also be switched on (normal or ECO) and off with Bluetooth on a mobile device running iOS or Android and the VictronConnect app.
However when switched off via Bluetooth or the push button; the unit cannot be switched on and off again via the wired VE. Direct port.

On/Off Switch (5kVA only)
The 5kVA unit has a main on/off switch next to the cable entries on the right side. This switch; when turned off, will cut off the supply current completely.

Remote control

Remote control is possible with a simple on/off switch or with a Phoenix Inverter Control panel. A switch for the remote control (on/off) can be connected to a two-pole connector. The switch can also be connected between battery plus and the left-hand contact of the two pole connectors (marked “H”; see appendix A) or between battery minus and the right-hand contact of the two pole connectors (marked “L”; see Appendix A).
For safety purposes, this product can be turned off completely (i.e. the inverter cannot be switched on via the push button or Bluetooth) by removing the remote connector and its default installed wire bridge (or swtich off the remote on/off switch if installed).
The user can then be certain that the inverter cannot be switched on accidently via Bluetooth by an unexpected other user.

LED definitions

victron-energy-1600-230V-Phoenix-Smart-Inverter-fig-1

Protections and automatic restarts

Overload

Some loads 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: wait 30 seconds and then restart.
After three restarts followed by another overload within 30 seconds of restarting, the inverter will shutdown and remain off. The LEDs will signal shutdown due to overload. To restart the inverter, switch it Off, then On.

Low battery voltage (adjustable)

The inverter will shut down when the DC input voltage drops below the low battery shutdown level. After a minimum delay of 30 seconds, the inverter will restart if the voltages rise above the low battery restart level.
After three restarts followed by a low battery shutdown within 30 seconds of restarting, the inverter will shutdown and stop retrying. The LEDs will signal low battery shutdown. To restart the inverter, switch it Off, and then On, or recharge the battery: as soon as the battery has risen and then stays above the Charge detect level for 30 seconds, it will switch on.
See the Technical Data table for default low battery shutdown and restart levels. They can be changed with the VictronConnect App.

High battery voltage

Reduce DC input voltage and/or check for a faulty battery- or solar-charger in the system. After shutting down due to a high battery voltage, the inverter will first wait 30 seconds and then retry operation as soon as the battery voltage has dropped to acceptable level. The inverter will not stay off after multiple retries.

High temperature

A high ambient temperature or enduring high load may result in shut down to over temperature. The inverter will restart after 30 seconds. The inverter will not stay off after multiple retries. Reduce load and/or move inverter to better ventilated area.

High DC ripple

High DC ripple is usually caused by loose DC cable connections and/or too thin DC wiring. After the inverter has switched off due to high DC ripple voltage, it waits 30 seconds and then restarts.
After three restarts followed by a shutdown due to high DC ripple within 30 seconds of restarting, the inverter will shutdown and stops retrying. To restart the inverter, switch it Off and then On.
Continuous high DC ripple reduces the inverter life expectancy.

INSTALLATION

This product should be installed by a qualified electrician.
During installation ensure that the remote connector with wire bridge is removed (or swtich off the remote on/off switch if installed) to be sure that the inverter cannot be switched on unexpectedly.

Location

The product must be installed in a dry and well-ventilated area, as close as possible to the batteries. There should be a clear space of at least 10cm around the appliance for cooling.
Excessively high ambient temperature will result in the following: Reduced service life.
Reduced charging current.
Reduced peak capacity, or shutdown of the inverter.
Never mount the appliance directly above the batteries.
The product is suitable for wall mounting. For mounting see appendix A.
The appliance can be mounted horizontally as well as vertically; vertical mounting is preferable. The vertical position offers optimum cooling.
The interior of the product must remain accessible after installation.
Try and keep the distance between the product and the battery to a minimum in order to minimize cable voltage losses.
For safety purposes, this product should be installed in a heat-resistant environment if it is used with equipment where a substantial amount of power is to be converted.
You should prevent the presence of e.g. chemicals, synthetic components, curtains or other textiles, etc., in the immediate vicinity.

Connection of Battery cables

In order to fully utilize the full capacity of the product, batteries with sufficient capacity and battery cables with sufficient cross section should be used. See table.

	12/1600	24/1600	48/1600	12/2000	24/2000	48/2000
Recommended fuse	250A	125A	60A	300A	150A	80A
Recommended cross section (mm2)
0 – 5 m	70	35	16	70	50	25
5 -10 m	Not recommended	70	25	Not recommended	95	50
	12/3000	24/3000	48/3000	24/5000	48/5000
---	---	---	---	---	---
Recommended fuse	400A	250A	125	400A	200A

Recommended cross

section (mm2)

| | | | |
0 – 5 m| 2x 95| 1x 50| 1x 35| 2x 95| 1x 70
5 -10 m| Not recommended| 2x 50| 2x 35| 2x 95| 2x 70

One cable must be sized to carry the rated fuse current without overheating.
Do not locate battery cables in a closed conduit.
Please follow local installation rules.

	12/1600	24/1600	48/1600	12/2000	24/2000	48/2000

Recommended

battery capacity (Ah)

| 300 – 800| 150 – 400| 75 – 200| 350 – 1000| 200 – 500| 100 – 250
| 12/3000| 24/3000| 48/3000| 24/5000| 48/5000
---|---|---|---|---|---
| | | | |
Recommended

battery capacity (Ah)

| 400 – 1200| 200 – 700| 100 – 400| 300 – 1500| 150 – 700

Remark: Internal resistance is the important factor when working with low capacity batteries.
Please consult your supplier or the relevant sections of our book “electricity on board”, downloadable from our website.

Procedure

Proceed as follows to connect the battery cables:

Use an insulated box spanner in order to avoid shorting the battery. Avoid shorting the battery cables.
Connect the battery cables: the + (red) and the – (black), to the battery see appendix A. Reverse polarity connection (+ to – and – to +) will cause damage to the product. Secure the nuts tightly in order to reduce the contact resistance as much as possible.

Connection of the AC cabling

This is a Safety Class I product (supplied with a protective grounding terminal).
The neutral wire of the AC output of this inverter is connected to the chassis (see appendix B for 1600VA/2000VA and appendix C for 3000VA/5000VA).
This is to ensure proper functioning of a GFCI (or RCCB) to be installed in the AC output of the Inverter. The chassis of the product must be connected to ground, to the frame (of a vehicle) or the ground plate or hull (of a boat).

Procedure

The terminal points are indicated clearly. From left to right: “L” (phase), “N” (neutral) and “PE” (earth).

Optional Connections

A number of optional connections are possible:

Remote on/off switch & remote Control panel
The product can be remotely controlled in three ways.
With a smart phone (iOS or Android) and the Victron Connect app.
With an external switch (connected to the two pole remote connector). Operates only if the switch on the Inverter is set to “on”.
With a Phoenix Inverter Control VE.Direct panel (connected to the two pole remote connector; see appendix A). Operates only if the switch on the inverter is set to “on”.

Programmable relay

The inverters are equipped with a multi-functional relay that by default is programmed in the normal operation mode. (VictronConnect software needed to change relay functionality). The different relay modes can be summerized as follows:
Normal operation (“inverter” in VictronConnect app) – default
Relay closed during normal operation, and open when the inverter has switched off itself in alarm, has been switched off by a user and also open (of course) when there is no power available on the terminals, ie. battery disconnected. In ECO mode, the relay will be closed both when searching for a load and when fully on, ie. load detected.
Use this option when you want the relay to signal that there is power available on the output of the inverter.
Warnings and alarms (“alarm” in VictronConnect app)
Similar to above, but then the relay will also open when there is a warning. For example because the battery voltage dropped to the cutoff value, or when loaded to the point where it will almost shut down due to overload. In ECO mode, the relay will be closed both when searching (no load) and when fully on (load detected), except when there is a warning.
Use this option when you want the relay to signal that it is time to do something (charge the battery, reduce the load, and-so-forth), in order to prevent a power outage.
Low battery (“Low battery” in VictronConnect app)
Relay on during normal operation. The relay will switch off once there is a low battery warning. It will remain off in case the inverter shuts
down due to low voltage, and will only switch back on again once the inverter is operational and the battery voltage is above the prealarm reset level. Use this option for load shedding, or to automatically start a generator. Note that this can only be considered a poormans generator start/stop. For more and better options, see here.
External fan (“fan” in VictronConnect app)
Relay is off, unless the fan inside the inverter is running. Use this option to switch an external fan, for situations when the inverter is in a small enclosed space.
Disabled relay (“off” in VictronConnect app)
This option sets the relay in the OPEN position. Use this option if you do not plan to use the relay function.

CONFIGURATION

Settings may only be changed by a qualified engineer.
Carefully read the instructions before changes are made.
Batteries should be placed in a dry and well-ventilated area during charging.

Standard settings: ready for use

On delivery, the Phoenix inverter is set to standard factory values. In general, these settings are suitable for stand-alone operation.

Standard factory settings

Inverter frequency 50 Hz
Inverter voltage 230 VAC
Search mode off
Programmable relay alarm function
Dynamic cut-off off

Explanation of settings

Inverter frequency

Output frequency
Adjustability: 50Hz; 60Hz

Inverter voltage

Adjustability: 210 – 245V

ECO Mode

If ECO mode is ‘on’, the power consumption in no-load operation is decreased by approx. 80…90%. In this mode the Phoenix Inverter
Smart, when operating in inverter mode, is switched off in case of no load or very low load, and switches on every two and a half seconds for a short period (adjustable). If the output current exceeds a set level, the inverter will continue to operate. If not, the inverter will shut down again.
The ECO Mode can be set with the push button on the front of the inverter.
The ECO Mode “shut down” and “remain on” load levels can be set with Victron Connect .

The factory settings are:

Shut down: 50 Watt (linear load).
Turn on: 100 Watt (linear load).

Programmable relay

By default, the programmable relay is set as an alarm relay, i.e. the relay will de-energise in the event of an alarm or a pre-alarm (inverter almost too hot, ripple on the input almost too high, battery voltage almost too low).

Dynamic Cut-off

Use VictronConnect to enable and configure Dynamic Cut-off (see https://www.victronenergy.com/live/ve.direct:phoenix-invertersdynamic– cutoff for details).
Do not use Dynamic Cut-off in an installation that also has other loads connected to the same battery: the battery voltage will drop because of the extra load, but the Dynamic Cut-off algorithm in the Inverter is not aware of that load: hence the Inverter will shut down too early with an under voltage alarm.

Configuration by computer

All settings can be changed by means of a smartphone, tablet or computer
For changing settings with a smartphone or tablet, the following is required:
VictronConnect software : can be downloaded free of charge at www.victronenergy.com.
For changing settings with the computer, the following is required:
VictronConnect software : can be downloaded free of charge at www.victronenergy.com.
A VE.Direct to USB interface.

MAINTENANCE

The Phoenix Inverter Smart does not require specific maintenance. It will suffice to check all connections once a year. Avoid moisture and oil/soot/vapours, and keep the device clean.

Technical data

Phoenix Inverter Smart| 12/1600

24/1600

48/1600

| 12/2000

24/2000

48/2000

| 12/3000

24/3000

48/3000

| 24/5000

48/5000

---|---|---|---|---
Parallel and 3-phase operation| No
INVERTER
Input voltage range (1)| 9,3 – 17V 18,6 – 34V 37,2 – 68V
Output| Output voltage: 230VAC ±2% 50 Hz or 60Hz ± 0,1% (1)
Cont. output power at 25ºC (2)| 1600 VA| 2000 VA| 3000 VA| 5000 VA
Cont. output power at 25ºC| 1300 W| 1600 W| 2400 W| 4000 W
Cont. output power at 40ºC| 1200 W| 1450 W| 2200 W| 3700 W
Cont. output power at 65ºC| 800 W| 1000 W| 1700 W| 2800 W
Peak power| 3000 W| 4000 W| 6000 W| 10000 W
Dynamic (load dependent) DC low shut down (fully configurable)

Max. efficiency 12/ 24 /48 V

| Dynamic cut-off, see https://www.victronenergy.com/live/ve.direct :phoenix-inverters-dynamic- cutoff
92 / 94 / 94%| 92 / 94 / 94%| 93 / 94 / 95%| 95 / 96%
Zero load power 12 / 24 / 48 V| 8 / 9 / 11 W| 8 / 9 / 11 W| 12 / 13 / 15 W| 18 / 20 W
Zero load power in ECO mode| 0.6 / 1.3 / 2.1 W| 0.6 / 1.3 / 2.1 W| 1.5 / 1.9 / 2.8 W| 2.2 / 3.2 W
GENERAL
Programmable relay (2)| Yes
Stop & start power ECO-mode| adjustable
Protection (3)| a – g
Bluetooth wireless

communication

| For remote monitoring and system integration
VE.Direct communication port| For remote monitoring and system integration
Remote on-off| Yes
Common Characteristics| Operating temperature range: -40 to +65ºC (fan assisted cooling)

Humidity (non-condensing): max 95%

ENCLOSURE
Common Characteristics| Material & Colour: steel (blue RAL 5012; and black RAL 9017) Protection category: IP 21
Battery-connection| M8 bolts| M8 bolts| 12 V/24 V: 2+2 M8 bolts

48 V: M8 bolts

| 24 V: 2+2 M8 bolts

48 V: M8 bolts

485 x 285 x 150mm (24 V/48 V)

| 595 x 295 x 160mm (24 V)

555 x 295 x 160mm (48 V)

STANDARDS
Safety| EN-IEC 60335-1
Emission Immunity| EN 55014-1 / EN 55014-2 / EN-IEC 61000-6-1

EN-IEC 61000-6-2 / EN-IEC 61000-6-3

Automotive Directive| ECE R10-5
1) Non-linear load, crest factor 3:1 3) Protection key:

2) Programmable relay that can a.o. a) output short circuit

be set for general alarm, DC under b) overload

voltage or genset start/stop function. c) battery voltage too high

AC rating: 230 V / 3 A d) battery voltage too low

e) temperature too high

DC rating: 3 A up to 30 VDC, 0.2A f) 230 V AC on inverter output

up to 70 VDC g) input voltage ripple too high

Appendix A: Inverter control

victron-energy-1600-230V-Phoenix-Smart-Inverter-fig-3

Appendix B: Installation information 1600VA/2000VA

This ground wire “G“ connects the output neutral to ground. It must be repositioned to a ‘dummy’ terminal if a floating output is required.
When a floating output is obtained the current reading at no load can show an offset of around 100…150mA. Also beware that the GFCI (or RCCB) will not function properly.

Appendix C: Installation information 3000VA/5000VA

This ground wire “G“ connects the output neutral to ground. It must be repositioned to a ‘dummy’ terminal if a floating output is required.
When a floating output is obtained the current reading at no load can show an offset of around 100…150mA. Also beware that the GFCI (or RCCB) will not function properly.
Victron Energy B.V.
De Paal 35 | 1351 JG Almere
PO Box 50016 | 1305 AA Almere
The Netherlands
General phone : +31 (0)36 535 97 00
E-mail :sales@victronenergy.com
www.victronenergy.com

Documents / Resources

| victron energy 1600 230V Phoenix Smart Inverter [pdf] Instruction Manual
1600 230V, 1600 230V Phoenix Smart Inverter, Phoenix Smart Inverter, Smart Inverter, Inverter
---|---