Victron Orion XS 1400 DC-DC Charging Booster

The Victron Orion XS 1400 is a high-performance DC-DC charge booster and voltage converter for mobile 12- and 24-V power systems. Thanks to its wide input and output voltage range, it can connect starter and service batteries with different voltages.

The Orion XS 1400 is suitable for 12→12, 12→24, 24→12, and 24→24 V. It can be used as a battery charger with an adaptive charging algorithm or as a regulated DC power supply. Voltage, input and output current, and protection thresholds can be configured via VictronConnect.

The Main Benefits

• Flexible 12-/24-V conversion: Supports 12→12, 12→24, 24→12, and 24→24 V.
• Up to 1,400 W output power: For high-performance mobile power systems and large service batteries.
• Adjustable current up to 50 A: Input and output current can be limited to match the alternator, battery, and wiring.
• Emergency Start-Up Recharge: Charges a discharged starter battery for 15 minutes with up to 25 A from the service battery.
• Adaptive four-stage charging algorithm: Supports lithium, AGM, gel, and wet-cell batteries.
• Up to 98.5% efficiency: reduces conversion losses and heat generation.
• Fanless Cooling: Natural convection allows for quiet operation.
• Bluetooth and VictronConnect: for configuration, real-time data, history, diagnostics, and firmware updates.
• VE.Direct and DVCC: enable integration into compatible Victron GX systems.
• IP65 protection rating: The device is dustproof and protected against heavy rain.

Flexibly Connect 12- and 24-V Systems

Four Possible Voltage Combinations

The input voltage range of 9 to 35 V and the adjustable output voltage range of 10 to 35 V allow for use in pure 12-V systems, pure 24-V systems, and mixed 12/24-V systems.

• 12→12 V: Charging a 12-V service battery from a 12-V vehicle system.
• 12→24 V: Charging a 24-V service battery from a 12-V vehicle system.
• 24→12 V: Charging a 12-V service battery or powering 12-V loads from a 24-V system.
• 24→24 V: Controlled charging of a 24-V service battery from a 24-V vehicle system.

Understanding Power and Current

The input and output currents are each adjustable from 1 to 50 A. The actual available output power is determined by the voltage and current. The rated power of 1,400 W is achieved at typical values of 28 V and 50 A.

In a 12-V system, approximately 600 W is theoretically available at 50 A, and approximately 700 W at 14 V. When stepping up the voltage from 12 to 24 V, a current of 50 A cannot therefore be achieved simultaneously at the 24-V output. The possible output current is determined by the available input power and the set current limits.

Controlled Charging via the Alternator

For conventional and smart alternators

The built-in engine-running detection feature uses the input voltage to determine whether the alternator is supplying power. The Orion XS begins the charging process only under the configured conditions, thereby protecting the starter battery from accidental discharge when the engine is off.

In Euro 6 vehicles, the alternator voltage can fluctuate significantly or drop temporarily while driving. The trigger thresholds and delay times for engine-running detection can therefore be adjusted in VictronConnect to suit the specific vehicle. Alternatively, a suitable external engine-running signal can be used.

Adjustable charging current protects the system

The input and output current can be adjusted in increments of 0.1 A. This allows the load to be adjusted to the alternator and the existing wiring. This is particularly important for lithium batteries, as their low internal resistance can cause high current draw without a regulated charge booster.

Four-stage charging for different battery types

In charger mode, the Orion XS operates through the constant-current, constant-voltage, trickle charge, and storage phases. Eight battery profiles are available as a starting point; the charging parameters can be customized in VictronConnect. For lead-acid batteries, the adaptive algorithm adjusts the constant-voltage phase based on the previous discharge cycle.

Emergency Start Recharge for the Starter Battery

If the starter battery is too weak to start the engine, the Orion XS 1400 can temporarily feed power back from the service battery. The emergency start function is activated via VictronConnect and reverses the normal charging direction during 15 minutes .

This is followed by a five-minute rest period during which no charging occurs, either forward or reverse. This allows the starter battery's voltage to stabilize. The engine can be started as soon as VictronConnect displays the "Battery Ready" status.

The maximum recharge current is 50% of the rated charging current. With the Orion XS 1400, this allows for up to 25 A. If a lower input or output current limit has been set for normal operation, the lowest configured value applies instead.

Depending on the selected nominal voltage, the starter battery can be charged to a maximum of 14.4 V or 28.8 V. Before starting the emergency recharge, you must select the correct starter battery voltage in VictronConnect.

Standby Charging as a Future Firmware Feature

An automatic standby or trickle charge for the starter battery from the service battery is not yet available. According to Victron, the emergency start function is the first of several planned recharge functions. A standby charge is expected to be added via a future firmware update.

Suitable Applications

The Victron Orion XS 1400 is particularly well-suited for mobile applications in which 12- and 24-V systems are connected or high-capacity service batteries need to be charged in a controlled manner via the alternator:

• RV, campervans, and expedition vehicles with a 12- or 24-volt service battery
• Boats and Yachts with 12-/24-V Dual-Battery Systems
• Service, Utility, and Commercial Vehicles
• Mobile Workshops and Food Trucks
• 12-V vehicles with a 24-V body system
• 24-volt vehicles with a 12-volt auxiliary or service battery system

VictronConnect, VE.Direct and system integration

Local Configuration via Bluetooth

The charger connects directly to the VictronConnect app via built-in Bluetooth. There, you can configure settings such as operating mode, output voltage, charging profile, current limit, engine run detection, undervoltage lockout, and low-temperature shutdown, among others. Operating data, alerts, history, and firmware updates are also available.

Integration into a GX system

The VE.Direct-Anschluss Enables a wired connection to a compatible GX device. With an internet-enabled GX system, operating data can be monitored remotely via the VRM portal. DVCC also allows system-wide setting of charging voltage and charging current, provided that the firmware, cabling, and system configuration meet Victron’s requirements.

About VE.Smart Through networking, the Orion XS can wirelessly receive voltage, temperature, and current readings from compatible Victron devices. Synchronized charging of multiple chargers is controlled via VE.Smart Networking is not supported for this product.

Installation and Electrical Design

The Orion XS 1400 is mounted vertically on a non-flammable surface, with the power terminals facing downward. Victron recommends leaving at least 10 cm of free space around the unit for passive cooling. If ventilation is limited, the charging current may be reduced even at temperatures below 40 °C.

The manual specifies an external battery protection fuse rated at 60 to 70 A. The minimum cross-sectional area is specified as 16 mm² for cable lengths less than 5 m, and 4 AWG or 21.2 mm² for lengths between 5 and 10 m. The final design must take into account current, voltage, cable length, installation method, ambient temperature, and permissible voltage drop.

Technical Specifications

What's Included

• 1 × Victron Orion XS 1400 DC-DC Battery Charger
• 1 × Terminal block for remote on/off control

Conclusion

The Victron Orion XS 1400 combines flexible 12/24-V voltage conversion with up to 1,400 W of output power, high efficiency, and comprehensive configuration options. The emergency start recharge function provides additional support when a 12- or 24-V starter battery is discharged. This makes the unit particularly suitable for demanding mobile power systems with different onboard and service voltages.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Victron Orion XS 1400

• What voltage combinations does the Orion XS 1400 support?

  
  

  The device supports 12→12, 12→24, 24→12, and 24→24 V. The input voltage range is 9 to 35 V, and the output can be set between 10 and 35 V.

• Does the Orion XS 1400 deliver an output current of 50 A at 12→24 V?

  
  

  Not automatically. The available output power is determined by the input voltage, the input current limit, and the efficiency. With a 12-V input and 50 A, approximately 600 W is theoretically available. When stepping up the voltage to 24 V, the possible output current is therefore correspondingly lower.

• Is the Orion XS 1400 suitable for Euro 6 vehicles?

  
  

  Yes. The engine-running detection feature is designed for both conventional and smart alternators. Since Euro 6 vehicles have different voltage waveforms, the detection thresholds can be adjusted in VictronConnect or supplemented with a suitable external engine-running signal.

• Can the Orion XS charge a LiFePO4 battery?

  
  

  Yes. The charger supports lithium batteries and offers both preconfigured and customizable charging profiles. Charging voltages, current limiting, low-temperature shutdown, and any BMS control must be compatible with the battery being used.

• How does emergency start-up recharging work?

  
  

  This feature charges a weak starter battery from the service battery for 15 minutes. The charging current is up to 50% of the rated charging current, which means a maximum of 25 A for the Orion XS 1400. This is followed by a five-minute wait before attempting to start the system. Firmware version 1.15 or higher and VictronConnect are required v6.43.

• Does the emergency jump-start feature work with 12- and 24-volt starter batteries?

  
  

  Yes. For the Orion XS 1400, you can select a 12- or 24-V starter battery in VictronConnect. The selection must match the actual nominal voltage. An incorrect setting can cause the charging voltage on the starter battery to be too high.

• Does the emergency start function guarantee that the engine will restart?

  
  

  No. This feature supplies power to the starter battery for a limited period of time. Whether the battery will then provide enough power to start the engine depends on its state of charge, capacity, and technical condition. A defective or worn-out battery cannot be repaired this way.

• Can the Orion XS keep the starter battery on standby indefinitely?

  
  

  Not yet. Automatic standby or trickle charging of the starter battery is planned as a future firmware feature, but is not currently available. Until the official release, only the manually initiated, time-limited emergency start recharge is available.

• Are any additional accessories required for remote monitoring?

  
  

  Thanks to built-in Bluetooth, no additional communication accessories are needed for a local connection to VictronConnect. For monitoring via the GX Remote Console or the VRM portal, you'll need a compatible GX device, a VE.Direct-Verbindung and VRM requires Internet access.

• Can multiple Orion XS units be operated in parallel?

  
  

  Yes, multiple devices can be used in parallel to increase the available charging power. The wiring, fuses, alternator output, and cooling system must be designed to accommodate the entire system. In the event of an emergency start-recharge, the function must be initiated on all devices operating in parallel, or the remaining devices must be turned off.

• Are cables and fuses included in the package?

  
  

  The manufacturer's manual lists only the Orion XS and the terminal block for the remote control as included in the package. Power cables, battery fuses, and any VE.Direct-Kabel must be selected separately to match the installation.