Description
xVictron MultiPlus 12/500/20-16 230V VE.Bus Inverter Charger
The Victron MultiPlus 12/500/20-16 is a compact combined inverter and battery charger designed for 12V DC systems with a 230V AC output. It is suited to small off-grid installations, marine and vehicle applications, and backup power setups where space and weight are at a premium.
Key Features
- 500VA inverter output with a 12V DC input, providing 230V AC output for small loads.
- 20A battery charger built in, allowing the unit to charge the battery bank when AC input is available.
- 16A AC transfer switch for passing shore or generator power through to connected loads.
- VE.Bus communication interface for system integration, parallel operation and remote monitoring via Victron GX devices.
- PowerAssist function supplements AC input with inverter power to prevent overloading a limited shore or generator supply.
- Adaptive battery charging algorithm with automatic charge curve selection to suit different battery chemistries.
- Near-instant transfer switching (less than 20ms) to maintain supply to connected equipment during mains failure.
Product Overview
The MultiPlus 12/500/20-16 combines a sine wave inverter, a multi-stage battery charger and an AC transfer switch in a single unit. When AC input is present from shore power or a generator, the unit passes that power through to the AC output and simultaneously charges the battery at up to 20A. When AC input is lost or disconnected, the unit switches to inverter mode in under 20ms, maintaining supply to connected loads without interruption.
The VE.Bus interface is a key practical feature for installers. It allows multiple MultiPlus units to be configured in parallel for increased capacity, or in split-phase and three-phase arrangements. It also enables full integration with Victron GX devices such as the Cerbo GX, giving access to remote monitoring, system configuration and data logging through the VRM portal. Configuration is carried out using Victron's VEConfigure software via a VE.Bus to USB interface.
PowerAssist is particularly useful in installations where the available AC input is limited, such as a small generator or a restricted shore power connection. The unit monitors the AC input current and, when loads approach the input limit, supplements the supply with power drawn from the battery via the inverter. This prevents nuisance tripping of the input supply without requiring a larger generator or shore connection.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
| SKU | PMP121500000 |
| DC Input Voltage | 12V |
| Inverter Output | 500VA |
| AC Output Voltage | 230V |
| Battery Charger Output | 20A |
| AC Transfer Switch | 16A |
| Communication | VE.Bus |
| Weight | 5.5 kg |
| GTIN | 8719076046363 |
Applications
- Small off-grid cabins, sheds or outbuildings with a 12V battery bank.
- Marine installations requiring a combined inverter and charger in a compact form factor.
- Motorhomes and campervans needing 230V AC output from a 12V leisure battery system.
- Backup power for critical small loads such as communications equipment or lighting.
- Installations requiring integration into a larger Victron VE.Bus system with GX monitoring.
What Is Included
- 1x Victron MultiPlus 12/500/20-16 230V VE.Bus inverter charger unit.
Installation Notes
Installation should be carried out by a qualified electrician or experienced system integrator. DC wiring at 12V with a 500VA inverter involves high currents and must be correctly fused and sized. For any connection to a shore power supply or generator, all AC wiring must comply with current UK wiring regulations (BS 7671). Configuration of the unit requires Victron's VEConfigure software and a VE.Bus to USB interface cable, sold separately. This unit is not intended for grid-tied or G98/G99 export applications.
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.