Victron Energy Orion XS 12/12-50A Non-isolated DC/DC Charger

The Victron Orion XS 12/12-50A is a powerful non-isolated DC-DC charger designed to charge a service battery from an alternator. It is particularly suitable for campervans, caravans, and other vehicles with a dual battery system, including modern vehicles with smart Euro 5 and Euro 6 alternators.

A non-isolated design means that the starter and service batteries share a common negative terminal – typically via the vehicle's chassis.

The Orion XS offers a charging current of up to 50 A and a power output of 700 W. With an efficiency of up to 98.5%, it does not require a fan and can operate at full power at ambient temperatures up to 40 °C.

Built-in Bluetooth allows for complete setup and control via the VictronConnect app.

Main advantages

• charging current up to 50 A
• power up to 700 W
• efficiency up to 98.5%
• suitable for smart Euro 5 and Euro 6 alternators
• fully adjustable charging
• adjustable input and output current
• automatic engine running detection
• adaptive charging algorithms
• 8 preset battery modes
• built-in Bluetooth
• VictronConnect app
• passive fanless cooling
• possibility to connect multiple units in parallel
• electronic protections
• IP65 rating

Adjustable charging current

Input and output current can be precisely adjusted according to the specific electrical installation. This allows the service battery to be charged correctly while limiting the load on the alternator.

This is particularly important for modern vehicles with smart alternators, whose voltage changes during driving.

Automatic engine running detection

The Orion XS detects whether the engine is running and controls the power draw from the starting system accordingly. This eliminates the need to rely solely on alternator voltage.

For LiFePO4 and lead-acid batteries

The charging algorithm can be adapted to the battery type used. Eight preset modes and custom configurations are available via VictronConnect.

For lead-acid batteries, the charger adjusts the absorption time based on the previous battery discharge.

Fanless

The Orion XS uses efficient passive cooling. It achieves a maximum efficiency of 98.5% and does not require a fan.

This results in quiet operation and fewer mechanical components that could wear out over time.

Electronic protection

The charger is protected against overload, short circuit, and excessive temperature. It automatically limits the output power at high operating temperatures.

There is also undervoltage protection, which helps prevent the starter battery from being excessively discharged.

Parallel connection

If higher charging current is required, multiple Orion XS units can be connected in parallel. This allows the system to be adapted to larger battery banks and more powerful alternators.

Technical parameters

• Input voltage: 9–17 V
• Rated output voltage: 12.2 V in power supply mode
• Output voltage adjustment range: 10–17 V
• Output current range: 1–50 A
• Maximum output current: 50 A
• Continuous output power at 40 °C: 700 W
• Maximum efficiency: 98.5 %
• No-load consumption: < 100 mA
• Standby consumption: 1.5 mA
• Operating temperature: −20 to +60 °C
• Connection: screw terminals, cable up to 25 mm²
• Bluetooth: yes
• App: VictronConnect
• Protection rating: IP65 with correct terminal orientation
• Weight: 0.3 kg
• Dimensions: 137.3 × 123.1 × 40 mm

Non-isolated vs. isolated DC-DC charger

In a non-isolated DC-DC charger, the negative branch of the input and output is common. This is a common solution in automotive installations where both starter and service batteries are connected to the common vehicle chassis.

Isolated DC-DC chargers have galvanically separated input and output sides and are used where such separation is technically necessary.

For most common campervan conversions with a common vehicle chassis, the non-isolated Orion XS is a suitable option.

Standards

• Safety: IEC 62477-1
• Emissions: IEC 61000-6-3
• Immunity: IEC 61000-6-2, IEC 61000-6-1
• Homologation: ECE R10-5