DC-DC Converter | Victron | Orion-Tr 12/24-15A (360W) Isolated DC-DC converter

The Victron Orion-Tr 12/24-15A is a galvanically isolated step-up DC-DC converter that takes a 12V source and delivers a regulated 24V output at 15A continuous (360W) at 40°C. Full 200V DC isolation between input, output, and chassis means your 12V and 24V circuits operate entirely independently — no shared ground, no coupled faults, no ground loops. Built for installations that need 24V equipment running from a 12V source: commercial radio systems, 24V winches, bow thrusters, or hybrid 12/24V off-grid setups.

Important: This is a DC-DC voltage converter, not a battery charger — it outputs a fixed regulated voltage and does not perform multi-stage charging profiles (bulk/absorption/float). If you need to charge a 24V battery bank directly from a 12V alternator, see the Orion-Tr Smart Isolated 12/24-15A, which adds Bluetooth and a 3-stage adaptive charging algorithm.

Key Features

• 15A continuous at 24V output (360W nameplate) at 40°C — the real-world sustained figure at rated temperature. At 25°C the unit can sustain 430W. Design to 360W for thermal headroom in warm environments.
• Step-up (boost) conversion with galvanic isolation — converts 12V input to a stable, isolated 24V output. This is not a step-down converter. The output voltage is always higher than the input, and the two rails share no electrical connection.
• 200V DC galvanic isolation — input and output are magnetically coupled, not electrically connected. Eliminates ground loops that accelerate corrosion in marine hulls and automotive chassis, and prevents fault currents from crossing between the 12V and 24V circuits.
• Adjustable output voltage (18–30V) — onboard potentiometer allows the installer to trim output within the range, accommodating voltage drop over long cable runs or fine-tuning to specific 24V load requirements.
• Remote on/off terminal — low-current switched input (<100mA) for ignition-controlled or switch-controlled enable/disable, without a heavy-duty switch in the main cable. Wire bridge fitted by default; remove to enable remote control.
• Parallelable — unlimited units — connect multiple converters output-to-output to scale total current. Match output voltages via potentiometer before paralleling.
• Short circuit proof — output self-protects and recovers automatically after a wiring fault. No fuse replacement or manual reset needed.
• IP43 (terminal-down mounting) — suitable for under-bonnet, bilge-adjacent, or exposed locations when mounted with screw terminals oriented downward. IP43 is conditional on this orientation.
• No Bluetooth or app connectivity — non-Smart model. Configuration via onboard potentiometer only. No VE.Direct port and no wireless interface.

Specifications

Typical Applications

• Running 24V equipment from a 12V vehicle or vessel — 24V winches, bow thrusters, inverter/chargers, and industrial DC equipment powered directly from a 12V alternator or battery bank without rewiring the entire vehicle electrical system.
• Dual-voltage marine systems — provides an isolated 24V service rail from a 12V house bank, with galvanic isolation preventing corrosion currents between dissimilar hull fittings and underwater metalwork.
• Commercial radio and communications systems — many UHF/VHF base stations and commercial comms equipment operate at 24V; this converter delivers a clean, isolated 24V supply from a standard 12V vehicle system.
• Hybrid 12/24V off-grid mobile systems — powers 24V solar charge controllers, 24V battery monitors, or 24V inverters from a 12V battery bank in systems that run mixed voltages across different loads.

Isolated vs Non-Isolated DC-DC Converters: What's the Difference?

A galvanically isolated converter transfers energy between its input and output circuits using magnetic coupling — there is no direct electrical connection, and no shared ground, between the two sides. Inside the unit, a high-frequency transformer handles the energy transfer. The result is that a fault, stray current, or corrosion-driving potential on one side cannot reach the other. This matters in marine installations, where stray DC currents between dissimilar underwater metals accelerate electrolytic corrosion, and in vehicles with independently bonded chassis where a shared ground would couple the two systems together. The Orion-Tr (this unit) and the Orion-Tr Smart Isolated are both isolated converters.

A non-isolated converter is simpler: it connects input and output through a shared common ground, using an inductor rather than a transformer to regulate voltage. It is smaller, lighter, and cheaper for the same power rating, but it cannot separate two circuits that need to be electrically independent. Non-isolated converters are appropriate where both circuits share the same chassis ground — for example, powering a 12V accessory rail directly from the vehicle chassis. Victron's Orion-Tr non-isolated family covers this use case. If your installation involves marine corrosion risk, mixed-ground systems, or any scenario where fault isolation matters, use an isolated converter.

Installation Notes

• IP43 rating requires terminals-down mounting. Mount the unit with screw terminals facing downward to achieve the rated IP43 ingress protection. Any other orientation reduces the effective IP rating.
• Cable sizing: Maximum cable cross-section is 16 mm² (AWG6). At 88% efficiency stepping 12V up to 24V at 15A output, input current will be significantly more than double the output current — allow for approximately 30–35A at the input depending on source voltage, and fuse at the source accordingly.
• Reverse polarity: Reverse polarity protection is not specified for this model. Always verify polarity before connecting and fuse the input at the source.
• Remote on/off: The green remote terminal connector ships with a wire bridge fitted, keeping the unit permanently on. To enable remote switching, remove the bridge and connect a low-current (<100mA) ignition signal or switch. Wire to the engine run signal for automatic enable/disable with the vehicle or vessel.
• Paralleling: Adjust both units to identical output voltages via the onboard potentiometers before connecting outputs together. Mismatched output voltages will cause the higher-voltage unit to back-feed the lower, potentially causing damage.
• Thermal derating in hot climates: Output current derates at 3% per °C above 40°C. In a QLD under-bonnet environment at 60°C ambient, available output drops by approximately 60% of nameplate — plan for adequate ventilation or derate your load accordingly. The converter shuts down safely at its thermal limit and recovers automatically once cooled.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this charge a 24V battery from a 12V alternator?

No. The Orion-Tr 12/24-15A outputs a fixed regulated 24V but does not perform multi-stage charging profiles. It will power 24V loads reliably, but it will not correctly charge a 24V battery bank. For direct 24V battery charging from a 12V alternator, use the Orion-Tr Smart Isolated 12/24-15A, which adds a 3-stage adaptive charging algorithm.

Can I run a 24V bow thruster or winch from a 12V house bank?

Yes, provided your load does not exceed 15A at 24V (360W) continuous. For higher-current applications, parallel multiple units — match the output voltage on each unit via the onboard potentiometer before connecting outputs together. Note that bow thrusters and winches draw high inrush current; verify the 10-second burst rating of 25A is sufficient for your motor's starting load.

What input current should I plan for?

At 15A output and 88% efficiency, allow approximately 30–35A at the 12V input. Size your input cables and input fuse for this current — not the output current. Under-sizing input cables at this current draw causes voltage drop, heat, and potential nuisance fusing.

What's the difference between the Orion-Tr and the Orion-Tr Smart 12/24?

Same distinction as the 12/12 family: the non-Smart (this unit) outputs a fixed adjustable voltage and is a load converter, not a charger. The Orion-Tr Smart 12/24 adds Bluetooth, VictronConnect app control, and a multi-stage charging algorithm for direct battery charging. For powering 24V loads from a 12V source, this unit is the right choice and is lower cost.

Is this the same as the Orion-Tr Smart 12/24-15A Isolated?

No. This is the non-Smart variant (SKU ORI122441110). The Smart variant adds Bluetooth and a full charging algorithm, making it suitable for direct battery charging. If your application is powering 24V loads rather than charging a 24V battery, this non-Smart unit is the correct and more cost-effective product.

Stocked by Revolution Power Australia — authorised Victron Energy resellers, shipping Australia-wide from Coomera QLD. Contact us for application advice.