What a mains charger actually does
A mains, AC or shore-power charger takes an external AC supply and charges a DC battery using a controlled profile. In a UK campervan that supply might be a campsite hook-up or a suitable connection at home. It complements solar when days are short and weather is poor. It is useful during hook-up stays, at home or wherever a suitable mains supply is available.
A standalone charger is also distinct from an inverter, which supplies AC from a battery. An inverter/charger combines both functions, often with transfer and system-control features. Paying for one makes sense only if you need those functions. First ask whether the actual problem is slow battery recovery, lack of AC appliances, or both.
Choose current around your battery and available time
Start with the battery maker's permitted charging voltage and current. Then consider how many hours of mains power you normally get. As a simple scale illustration, replacing 60Ah would take at least three hours at a genuine 20A flowing into the battery. Allow longer in practice: active loads use some of the output, and charging current can fall as the battery approaches full.
A 5A maintainer may be appropriate for storage or small batteries. It is a poor substitute for a higher-output charger when you want to replenish a large leisure bank during a brief stop. Conversely, buying 50A is pointless if the battery accepts less or your use never needs the extra speed. Check the minimum current setting as well as the maximum, particularly if one charger will serve several batteries.
Four different approaches at current UK prices
These UK examples were checked on . The versions and availability matter. Delivery is additional unless stated.
| Exact example | Role and output | Observed price | Buying context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Victron IP22 12/30, one output, UK plug | Installed 12V, 30A; lead-acid/lithium | £124.02 including VAT | Energy Monkey: in stock; postage to confirm. [1] |
| Victron IP65 12/15, UK plug | Portable 12V, 15A; lead-acid/lithium | £106.04 including VAT | LED & Solar: pre-order; mainland delivery from £3.99. [2] |
| Renogy RBC20A1P-UK | Portable 12V LFP, 20A | £95.99, tax included | Renogy: pre-order, dispatch advertised by 21 October; free shipping subject to terms. [3] |
| Fogstar Drift V3 12V 50A | Specified Fogstar LFP batteries only | £119.99 displayed | Confirm VAT, plug and delivery. Maker says do not leave unattended. [4] |
On a narrow screen, scroll the table sideways to compare every column.
IP22 and IP65 are useful for different reasons
The IP22 12/30 is a useful installed-charger reference: configurable battery profiles, Bluetooth and a 30A ceiling. Its IP22 enclosure needs a suitable dry location. The 30A model uses fan cooling; quieter modes reduce available output. Victron rates full output to 40°C, so a warm cupboard is relevant to performance. [5]
The 15A IP65 example gives up output in exchange for a portable format, interchangeable clamps/rings and an IP65 enclosure. It has no fan, with full rated output specified to 30°C. The mains connection needs its own suitable protection from water. Choose the enclosure to suit the place and conditions where the charger will be used. [6]
Where the cheaper alternatives fit
Renogy's portable 20A unit is intended for 12V LiFePO4 batteries and is supplied with alligator clips. You check its status using an LED. That can be enough for occasional top-ups, but it is a different proposition from a configurable installed charger. The £28.03 saving against the IP22 example also buys less maximum current. For permanent fitting, check the manufacturer's intended connection method and installation requirements. [3]
Fogstar's 50A charger looks particularly strong on current per pound. The restriction is material: Fogstar specifies its own batteries, particularly larger Drift models, and says not to leave the charger unattended. It has a temperature-controlled fan and a two-year warranty. Those restrictions matter if you are looking for an unattended overnight charger or using a different brand of battery. [4]
A lithium button is only the beginning
Check the battery's actual requirements for absorption voltage, time, float or storage behaviour, and permitted current. Match the lithium charging profile to the particular battery's requirements. Lead-acid equalisation or recovery modes should never be assumed suitable for lithium.
Also separate charger temperature from battery temperature. Renogy's manual gives a wide ambient operating range while warning against charging LFP below 0°C. Check the battery's temperature, which can differ from the temperature at the charger. [7] The IP22's configurable cold-charge cutoff requires battery-temperature information from a compatible monitor over VE.Smart. Check how the complete system prevents charging outside the battery maker's limits. [8]
Is the Victron ecosystem worth paying for?
Convenience has value when you use it. Current IP22 chargers can receive shared battery sensing and synchronise charging with compatible Victron equipment. IP65 models do not have that VE.Smart capability. Check which of those functions the exact model supports, and which accessories it needs. [9]
These examples show why it is worth checking current prices: a suitable Victron mains charger can be competitively priced too. Differences in output, controls, enclosure and supplied accessories all affect the comparison. Assess the features, support route and complete cost you would actually use. Victron states a five-year standard power-product warranty, subject to its terms and retailer handling. Read the warranty terms and ask the supplying retailer how a claim would be handled. [10]
Make the whole system add up
For a mixed-brand system, the key tests are battery compatibility and control. Solar, alternator and mains chargers can all contribute, so their combined current must remain within the bank, BMS and installation limits. Check the combined maximum charge current across all sources.
Before ordering, confirm the exact UK voltage/plug version, approved use, warranty, enclosure requirements and delivered price. Include any sensors, protection and professional installation needed. Have the AC and vehicle integration assessed by someone competent in those systems. Choose around your real charging gaps: Solar Outlook's forecast can help you recognise when a mains top-up would be useful.
Sources
The sources below include manufacturer specifications and the seller pages checked for this guide. How we research and correct our guides.
- Energy Monkey: IP22 12/30, UK, one outputExact BPC123047022 seller page checked 15 October 2026; price and stock may change.
- LED & Solar: IP65 12/15 UKExact BPC121531024R opened-page price, pre-order and delivery context checked 15 October 2026.
- Renogy UK: 20A portable LFP chargerUK SKU, supplied connections and observed tax-inclusive pre-order price, checked 15 October 2026.
- Fogstar: Drift 12V 50A chargerManufacturer/seller restrictions, unattended-use warning, fan, warranty and displayed price. VAT and delivered price require confirmation.
- Victron: IP22 230V technical specificationsManufacturer current, chemistry, cooling, temperature and enclosure specifications.
- Victron: IP65 230V technical specificationsManufacturer cooling, output, supplied connections and environmental limits.
- Renogy RBC20A1P quick guideManufacturer manual, especially battery temperature cautions. Not an independent test.
- Victron: IP22 advanced configurationConfigurable profiles and temperature cutoff's remote-sensing requirement.
- Victron: VE.Smart product compatibilityCurrent per-product capabilities, rather than assuming all Bluetooth models are equivalent.
- Victron: warranty and repairsManufacturer warranty overview; full terms and retailer process apply.