Description
xVictron Centaur Charger 12/20(3) 120-240V
The Victron Centaur 12/20 is a three-output, mains-powered battery charger designed for professional and commercial applications where multiple battery banks need reliable, automatic charging from a single unit. It accepts a wide AC input range of 120 to 240V, making it suitable for use across the UK, EU and North America.
Key Features
- Three independent output banks: one 20A main output and two 4A auxiliary outputs for simultaneous charging of multiple batteries.
- Wide AC input voltage range of 120 to 240V, compatible with single-phase mains supplies worldwide.
- Automatic four-stage charging algorithm: bulk, absorption, float and storage, optimised for lead-acid battery types including gel, AGM and flooded.
- Temperature-compensated charging via optional sensor, adjusting charge voltage to battery temperature for accurate, safe charging.
- Microprocessor-controlled with adaptive charge management that remembers battery behaviour and adjusts absorption time accordingly.
- Fully sealed and vibration-resistant construction, suitable for marine, vehicle and industrial environments.
- Protection against reverse polarity, short circuit, overheating and high AC voltage.
Product Overview
The Centaur range uses a transformer-based design rather than high-frequency switching, which gives it inherent resilience to voltage spikes and interference on the AC supply. This makes it a practical choice for installations where supply quality is variable, such as marinas, remote sites or generator-fed systems. The 12/20 model delivers 20A to the primary battery bank, with two additional 4A outputs for starter batteries or secondary service banks.
The adaptive absorption algorithm is a practical feature for working installations. Rather than applying a fixed absorption time, the charger monitors how long bulk charging took and adjusts absorption accordingly. Batteries that are only partially discharged receive a shorter absorption phase, reducing unnecessary gassing and heat. Batteries that have been deeply discharged receive a longer absorption phase to ensure a full charge.
The storage mode reduces float voltage after 24 hours in float, minimising corrosion and water loss in flooded batteries during long periods of inactivity. This is particularly useful in seasonal or standby applications where the charger may be connected for weeks at a time.
Specifications
- SKU: CCH012020000
- Output voltage: 12V
- Main output current: 20A
- Auxiliary output current: 4A + 4A (two banks)
- AC input voltage: 120 to 240V AC
- Weight: 4.3 kg
- GTIN: 8719076021476
Applications
- Marine vessels with main and auxiliary battery banks requiring simultaneous charging from shore power.
- Motorhomes and coaches where a single charger must maintain both the leisure and starter batteries.
- Industrial and commercial standby systems with multiple lead-acid battery banks.
- Generator-fed off-grid sites where AC supply quality may be inconsistent.
- Seasonal installations such as narrowboats or static caravans where long-term storage charging is required.
What Is Included
- Victron Centaur Charger 12/20(3) 120-240V unit
Installation Notes
The Centaur 12/20 should be installed by a qualified electrician or competent marine/vehicle electrician. Ensure the AC supply is correctly fused and that all DC output connections are appropriately rated for the cable run length and battery bank configuration. For marine installations, follow applicable NMEA or RCD Directive wiring standards. The unit is not suitable for lithium battery chemistries unless confirmed compatible by Victron documentation for the specific battery type.
Return Policy
xWe offer a 14-day, no-quibble returns or replacement policy because we want you to be totally satisfied with your purchase.
If you are unhappy in any way with your purchase, you can return it for a refund or a replacement, as long as you return it in the same condition as it arrived (original/undamaged packaging and product) and within 30 days of receiving it. We will pay for your return postage on a faulty item as long as you send it using Royal Mail 2nd class recorded delivery (for EU or International Shipments, you have to use our UPS account, we will provide you with a return label)
Please keep in mind the following:
- Non-faulty items returned after 14 days and/or not in their original, undamaged packaging can only be exchanged for store credit - 15% off the items returned.
- Items returned within 14 days but not in their original and undamaged packaging will also incur a -15% charge per package.
- If you return an item that doesn't adhere to our returns procedure or doesn't include a returns form, you may be liable for a £10 administration fee
- Individual items from a bundle can't be returned, refunded or exchanged. If you want a refund/credit/exchange for a bundle, all items must be returned to us.
Before you return your item, please make sure that:
- You follow our returns process (outlined below)
- The goods and packaging are undamaged
IMPORTANT: We need to be able to identify an item with your order. We can only do this if you follow our returns process. Please do not send us items back that do not follow this process as they cannot be identified properly and will not be replaced or refunded.
What delivery method do I need to use when returning an item?
You must send the goods back to us via Royal Mail 2nd class recorded delivery. Refunds on faulty items returned are reimbursed within 5 working days.
Can I return just one item from multiple purchases?
Yes. Once you start the returns process you will go to a page that will allow you to choose which items you want to be replaced or refunded.
Returning faulty goods
If your item is faulty, you need to follow the returns policy, where you will be able to state that it’s faulty. The product will then arrive at our warehouse for testing.
If your purchase is not within 14 days
You can still exchange your item for a different product or for credit to use on the Voltacon Solar or Ledison-led-lights.co.uk websites (-15% from the credit amount).
Returns outside of the 14-day period do not qualify for the free returns policy.
Returning an item within the warranty
If you have a warranty and want to return a faulty item, you just need to follow our standard returns process. When we receive your item, we will then check that it’s within warranty and for any faults before arranging a replacement.