Description
Victron Energy Orion-Tr Smart 12/24-15A Step Up. Charge Smart. 12V Source to 24V Bank.
Product Overview
The Victron Energy Orion-Tr Smart 12/24-15A (ORI122436120) is a professional-grade isolated DC-DC charger rated at 15 amps and 360 watts, designed to step a 12V DC source up to charge a 24V secondary battery bank the opposite conversion direction to the more common step-down units. This makes it the correct choice for dual battery systems where the primary source is 12V such as a 12V vehicle alternator or 12V starter battery and the secondary bank is a 24V house, service, or traction battery.
Like the broader Orion-Tr Smart range, the ORI122436120 is a true adaptive 3-stage charger not just a DC-DC power supply. It delivers Bulk (Boost), Absorption, and Float charge stages for both lead acid and lithium batteries, with full programmability via the VictronConnect app over built-in Bluetooth. Smart alternator compatibility with built-in engine shutdown detection prevents the charger from discharging the 12V starter battery when the alternator is not actively supplying power an essential feature in modern vehicles with ECU-controlled variable-voltage alternators. The Input Voltage Lock-out adds a further layer of protection, preventing operation below a defined input threshold to avoid over-discharging the source battery. Full rated output is maintained to 40°C, with operation continuing to 55°C via thermal derating relevant across Australian 4WD, marine, and off-grid applications where ambient temperatures regularly challenge electronics.
Key Specifications
- Part Number: ORI122436120
- Charger Type: Isolated DC-DC adaptive 3-stage charger (step-up)
- Input Voltage: 12V DC nominal
- Output Voltage: 24V DC
- Output Current: 15A
- Output Power: 360W
- Conversion Direction: Step-up — 12V input to 24V output
- Isolation: Galvanically isolated (input and output fully separated)
- Charge Algorithm: Adaptive 3-stage — Bulk/Boost, Absorption, Float
- Battery Compatibility: Lead acid (all types) and lithium
- Bluetooth: Built-in (VictronConnect app — iOS and Android)
- Smart Alternator Compatible: Yes — engine shutdown detection
- Input Voltage Lock-out: Yes
- Remote On/Off: Yes
- Short Circuit Protection: Yes
- High Temperature Protection: Yes
- Operating Temperature: Full rated output to 40°C; operates to 55°C with thermal derating
- IP Rating: Not specified — confirm with supplier
- Parallel Operation: Not specified — confirm with supplier
Features & Benefits
- Step-Up Conversion — 12V to 24V — The ORI122436120 charges a 24V secondary battery from a 12V primary source. This is the correct unit for systems where the vehicle or source is 12V and the house, service, or auxiliary bank operates at 24V — a configuration common in marine vessels, motorhomes, and hybrid off-grid builds. Do not confuse with step-down units; confirm your input and output voltage requirements before purchase.
- Galvanic Isolation — The 12V input and 24V output circuits are fully electrically separated. This prevents ground loops, eliminates stray current corrosion risks in marine installations, and allows a lithium BMS on the 24V secondary bank to independently control charging without interference from the 12V source. A basic non-isolated step-up converter cannot provide these guarantees.
- True Adaptive 3-Stage Charging — Bulk/Boost, Absorption, Float — Charges your 24V secondary battery through three managed stages rather than applying a fixed output voltage. Bulk/Boost delivers maximum current to rapidly recharge to approximately 80% state of charge. Absorption holds at the correct voltage while current tapers naturally as the battery fills — preventing overcharge on lead acid and correctly managing lithium cells. Float maintains a full battery at a safe holding voltage without continuing to push charge current. This is how batteries should be charged for long-term health.
- Smart Alternator Compatible — Engine Shutdown Detection — Detects when the 12V alternator is actively supplying power and disables the charger when it is not — preventing discharge of the 12V starter battery during engine-off periods or low-output alternator phases in ECU-controlled vehicles. Compatible with current-generation smart alternators across passenger vehicles, light commercial, and 4WD platforms.
- Input Voltage Lock-out — A configurable minimum input voltage threshold below which the charger will not operate. This prevents the charger from drawing the 12V source battery below a defined state of charge — protecting starter battery reserve and preventing over-discharge in systems where the source battery serves other critical loads.
- Built-in Bluetooth — VictronConnect App — Monitor real-time charging status, configure battery charge profiles, adjust the input voltage lock-out threshold, and update firmware wirelessly via any iOS or Android device running the free VictronConnect app. No additional hardware required for direct charger monitoring and configuration.
- Fully Programmable Charge Algorithm — Battery voltage setpoints, absorption time, charge current limits, and input lock-out thresholds are all configurable via VictronConnect. Supports both pre-programmed battery profiles and fully custom parameters for non-standard battery specifications.
- Lead Acid and Lithium Compatible — Programmable charge profiles cover all lead acid types — flooded, AGM, gel — and lithium chemistries. Select the correct profile for your 24V secondary battery via the VictronConnect app.
- Remote On/Off — Enable and disable the charger via a hardwired remote on/off connector, a BMS control signal, or the VictronConnect app. Supports manual user control and automatic BMS-driven charge management.
- Short Circuit Protection — Output is protected against short circuits without damage to the charger or connected wiring.
- High Temperature Protection — Built-in thermal management with power derating above 40°C ambient. The charger reduces output progressively rather than cutting off abruptly — maintaining partial charging in hot conditions while protecting internal components.
Technical Specs
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Part Number | ORI122436120 |
| Charger Type | Isolated DC-DC adaptive 3-stage charger (step-up) |
| Conversion Direction | 12V input → 24V output (step-up) |
| Input Voltage | 12V DC nominal |
| Output Voltage | 24V DC |
| Output Current | 15A |
| Output Power | 360W |
| Isolation | Galvanically isolated |
| Charge Stages | Bulk/Boost, Absorption, Float |
| Battery Compatibility | Lead acid (all types) + lithium |
| Bluetooth | Built-in (VictronConnect — iOS and Android) |
| Smart Alternator Compatible | Yes — engine shutdown detection |
| Input Voltage Lock-out | Yes — configurable threshold |
| Remote On/Off | Yes — hardwired and VictronConnect app |
| Short Circuit Protection | Yes |
| High Temperature Protection | Yes — with progressive power derating |
| Full Rated Output Temperature | Up to 40°C ambient |
| Maximum Operating Temperature | 55°C (with thermal derating above 40°C) |
Compatible With / Goes Well With
Primary Applications:
- Dual battery systems where the primary source is 12V and the secondary bank is 24V
- Marine vessels — 12V start bank to 24V service or traction bank (galvanically isolated)
- Motorhomes and campervans with 12V vehicle system and 24V house battery
- Off-grid and hybrid systems with 12V solar or alternator input charging a 24V battery bank
- Electric and hybrid assist systems requiring 24V secondary battery charging from a 12V source
Secondary Battery Types:
- All lead acid chemistries — flooded, AGM, gel (24V)
- Lithium (LiFePO4 and compatible 24V chemistries — confirm profile via VictronConnect app)
Accessories:
- Victron ASS070300100 Remote Cable (required if BMS remote on/off signal is referenced to the 24V secondary battery — see separate listing)
- Victron SmartShunt or BMV-712 (24V secondary battery monitoring)
- Victron Cerbo GX (system integration — confirm connectivity method)
- Victron VictronConnect app (free — iOS and Android)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a step-up or step-down charger and how do I know which one I need?
This is a step-up charger — it takes a 12V input and charges a 24V output battery. If your alternator or starter battery is 12V and your house or service battery is 24V, this is the correct unit. If you need to charge a 12V battery from a 24V source, you need the Orion-Tr Smart 24/12 range instead.
What does the Input Voltage Lock-out feature do?
The Input Voltage Lock-out sets a minimum input voltage threshold below which the charger will not operate. This prevents the charger from drawing the 12V source battery below a safe state of charge — protecting starter battery reserve and preventing over-discharge, particularly important in systems where the 12V source also powers other critical loads.
Does this charger work with modern smart alternators?
Yes. The built-in engine shutdown detection monitors whether the 12V alternator is actively supplying power. When the alternator shuts down — as ECU-controlled smart alternators do in modern vehicles — the charger disables itself, preventing discharge of the 12V starter battery.
Can I use this charger with a lithium 24V battery and a BMS?
Yes. The Orion-Tr Smart supports lithium battery profiles configurable via the VictronConnect app, and the remote on/off input allows BMS control of the charger. If your BMS remote on/off signal is referenced to the 24V secondary battery rather than the 12V primary, the Victron ASS070300100 Remote Cable is also required for correct integration.
Can I monitor and configure this charger without running extra wiring to a display?
Yes. Built-in Bluetooth allows direct monitoring and full configuration via the free VictronConnect app on any iOS or Android device — no additional wiring, display hardware, or GX device required for basic setup and monitoring in the field.
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