# Differences between Smart IP43 Charger 230V and Phoenix Smart IP43 Charger 120-240V? **URL:** \ **Category:** DIY\ **Tags:** phoenix\_smart\_charge, vesmart\_network, beginner\ **Created:** [6 July 2025 08:41 UTC](https://community.victronenergy.com/t/differences-between-smart-ip43-charger-230v-and-phoenix-smart-ip43-charger-120-240v/38493 "2025-07-06T08:41:50Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 2\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![nagmat84](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/cab0a1/32.png) [@nagmat84](https://community.victronenergy.com/u/nagmat84)\ **Post date:** [6 July 2025 08:41 UTC](https://community.victronenergy.com/t/differences-between-smart-ip43-charger-230v-and-phoenix-smart-ip43-charger-120-240v/38493/1 "2025-07-06T08:41:51Z")
Victron seemingly offers two different AC/DC Smart chargers: - Smart IP43 Charger 230V - Phoenix Smart IP43 Charger 120-240V **I am wondering if those two model types also differ in their support for VE.Smart Networking and if both support synchronized charging.** Despite the obvious difference that the latter supports a wider range of input voltage I thought the two models were identical. (Both models support 1+1 or 3 output configuration, but this is not the point here.) Additionally, I have been looking at the prefix “Phoenix” for the latter as a minor inconsistency, in particular as each of their manuals does not use the word “Phoenix”. The datasheets for both models are identical. Page 1 states > _Optional external battery voltage and temperature sensing via Bluetooth_ > A Smart Battery Sense, SmartShunt or a BMV-712 Smart Battery Monitor can be used to communicate battery voltage and temperature to one or more Smart IP43 Chargers via VE.Smart Networking. in _both_ dataheets, but _only_ the datasheet for the 120-240V models _additionally_ contains the entry > _Synchronised charging_ > Pairing two or more Smart IP43 Chargers in a VE.Smart Network, enables synchronised charging. This improves the charge efficiency and battery life. Moreover, the [manual for the VE.Smart Neworking, ch. 4](https://www.victronenergy.com/media/pg/VE.Smart_Networking/en/ve-smart-networking-product-compatibility.html) contains the following surprising entry > | Product range | Compatibility | Function | > | --- | --- | --- | > | Smart IP43 Charger | Yes | _120-230V model:_ Uses received sense data to optimize charging and synchronize charging process. _230V model:_ Uses received voltage-sense and temperature-sense. | Is it true, that the 230V model does not support synchronized charging? How so? Does a FW upgrade remedy this lack? More importantly, how do I ensure that my reseller sends me the correct variant? Currently, I feat that I ordered a “Phoenix Smart” from my reseller, but most likely get a “Smart”. Usually, in Europe the 230V would be sufficient. On top, the designation “Phoenix Smart” vs. “Smart” (without the Phoenix prefix) are very often used interchangeably, in particular as VE is not very consistent with its usage either. Also, VE does not publish easily to find EANs and the only visual difference between both types seems to be the position of the Bluetooth logo on the enclosures. ---
**Author:** ![athertop](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ed655f/32.png) [@athertop](https://community.victronenergy.com/u/athertop)\ **Post date:** [22 November 2025 12:09 UTC](https://community.victronenergy.com/t/differences-between-smart-ip43-charger-230v-and-phoenix-smart-ip43-charger-120-240v/38493/2 "2025-11-22T12:09:14Z")
Is it true, that the 230V model does not support synchronized charging? Yes,it’s true. I switched from the 230v model to the 120-240v model to gain the synchronised charging feature. It syncs charging with my mppt 50/100 charger - so charge mode is aligned for each charger. It even gives the benefit of a storage charge mode for the mppt charger which does not have this mode natively. I have no idea why Victron do not enable this in the firmware of the 230v model. In my mind it’s just a simple firmware change. I also get annoyed with the lack of consistency between the screens of different charger models in the Victron Connect app. I mean features being presented in different screens, and some features just missing in certain chargers. I wish they would provide better consistency.