Victron Energy BMV-712 Smart
(22 reviews)
The Victron BMV-712 Smart shows voltage, current and remaining charge on its own display, with no need for a phone nearby, plus Bluetooth on top.
Characteristics
- Display: Blue backlit LCD, dedicated
- Shunt: 500 A/50 mV, up to 9999 Ah
- Bluetooth: Built-in, programmable AUX input
- Power supply: 6.5 to 70 V, IP55
- Dedicated physical display: direct reading without a phone
Detailed overview: Victron BMV-712 battery monitor with display
The Victron BMV-712 Smart is a full battery monitor pairing a precision 500 A/50 mV shunt with a dedicated physical LCD display: unlike the SmartShunt from the same brand, which sends all its data to the VictronConnect app only, the BMV-712 permanently shows voltage, current, state of charge and remaining runtime on its own dial, with no phone needed nearby.
Measurement accuracy is high: 0.01 A resolution and 0.4% accuracy on current, 0.01 V and 0.3% on voltage, 0.1% on state of charge, 0.1 Ah on capacity. The supplied shunt handles up to 500 A continuous, and the unit accepts a configured battery capacity up to 9999 Ah, enough for a van or a substantial house bank alike. Supply voltage ranges from 6.5 to 70 V, and the unit works from -40 °C to +50 °C.
Bluetooth is built in natively: the free VictronConnect app gives access to historical graphs, alarm thresholds and full configuration, with no extra dongle. A VE.Direct port is still available to link the unit to a computer or a GX device. An additional, programmable AUX input can monitor the voltage of a second battery (the starter battery, for instance), the midpoint voltage of a series battery bank, or temperature through an optional sensor. A bistable 60 V/1 A programmable relay can shut down a non-essential load or start a generator, with both an audible and a visual alarm on the unit itself.
Installation runs through the shunt connector: a 10 metre RJ12 cable links the shunt to the display, a 1.5 metre positive cable with a 1 A fuse powers the unit, and the shunt terminals take M10 lugs. The box includes both a square and a round bezel, a sealing ring for flush mounting and the required screws. The display housing is rated IP55 (not intended for outdoor use). Victron warrants the unit for five years.
For a more discreet install with no physical display, the SmartShunt 500A shares the same shunt and accuracy at a lower cost. And to run 230V mains gear from the monitored battery bank, the Phoenix 24/1600 Smart rounds out the installation nicely.
EAN: 8719076037798
User manual / Instructions for use (PDF)
Comparison
The BMV-712 Smart is not Victron's only battery monitor, and "BMV-712 or SmartShunt?" is a question that comes up constantly. Here is how it compares with its closest alternatives.
| Criterion | Victron BMV-712 Smart | Victron SmartShunt 500A | Votronic LCD 100 S | Renogy 500A Bluetooth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physical display | Yes, dedicated LCD | No (app only) | Yes (LCD) | No (app only) |
| Shunt | 500 A/50 mV | 500 A/50 mV | 100 A | 500 A |
| Bluetooth | Built in | Built in | Optional | Built in |
| 2nd battery/temperature input | Yes (AUX) | No | Yes (2nd voltage) | No |
| Current accuracy | ± 0.4% | ± 0.4% | Not stated | ± 1% |
The SmartShunt shares exactly the same shunt and accuracy for around thirty pounds less: the entire difference comes down to the physical display, which it lacks. The Votronic LCD 100 S also has a display, but with a weaker shunt (100 A) and no native Bluetooth, at a higher price. The Renogy remains the most budget-friendly option, at the cost of lower measurement accuracy and no display. For anyone wanting a genuine physical readout without giving up accuracy, the BMV-712 Smart remains the reference in this line-up.
Related video
Video: Victron Battery Monitor BMV 712 Smart Review And Test - Published on 11/03/2019
Our tester's review: Gilles Caron
We fitted this BMV-712 Smart to the auxiliary battery bank of a converted van, after years of relying on a plain voltmeter that told us little. The shunt bolts onto the negative terminal, and the round display sits on the dashboard thanks to the supplied 10 metre RJ12 cable, plenty long enough that no extension was needed. Once the battery had been calibrated through a first full cycle, the percentage and amp-hour readout matched reality closely, and a glance at the dial was enough to know whether there was enough left for the night. Bluetooth takes over the moment more detail is wanted: discharge history, alarm thresholds, all configurable from VictronConnect within minutes. We also wired the AUX input to the starter battery, handy for keeping an eye on both from one unit. Two small gripes: the shunt terminals take very heavy cable (M10), proper lugs are needed, and the display, while readable, is modest next to a phone screen. For a permanent physical readout on the dashboard, this monitor remains the reference.
Frequently asked questions: Victron BMV-712 battery monitor with display
Both share the same 500A/50mV shunt and the same accuracy, but the BMV-712 adds a dedicated physical LCD display, while the SmartShunt only shows its data in the VictronConnect app over Bluetooth.
Yes, through its programmable AUX input: it can measure the voltage of a second battery (the starter battery, for example), the midpoint voltage of a series bank, or temperature with an optional sensor.
The shunt terminals are designed for M10 lugs, suited to heavy-gauge cable. Plan for correctly sized lugs for a clean, safe installation, on top of the 10 metre RJ12 cable already supplied for the display.
Yes, the unit is compatible with lead-acid, AGM, gel and LiFePO4 lithium batteries, with a configurable capacity up to 9999 Ah, covering everything from a van to a sizeable house bank.
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Renogy RBM500
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The Renogy RBM500 continuously tracks voltage, current and state of charge through a 500A shunt and a wired LCD display, accurate to within 1%.
Victron Energy SmartShunt 500A/50mV IP65
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The Victron SmartShunt 500A/50mV IP65 tracks battery status continuously and sends it all over Bluetooth to the VictronConnect app, no physical display needed.
Votronic LCD Battery Computer 100 S
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How much charge is really left in the leisure battery? The Votronic LCD Battery Computer 100 S measures voltage, current and charge continuously, up to 100A.
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How much charge is really left in a large motorhome leisure battery? The Votronic 200 S measures voltage, current and charge, up to 200A.
Published on 04/09/2026