Charger Settings Checklist

Before You Start

Use this checklist when setting up a charger for Phaeton, or when Phaeton can read the charger but cannot control current or phase switching.

You need installer-level access to the charger's configuration tool. Some options are installer-only or need an extra load-balancing license from the charger vendor.

Menu names differ per charger brand and firmware version. This chapter describes what each setting must do; use the charger vendor's installer documentation for the exact screens. The Supported chargers page lists the settings each model needs.

Keep site safety limits under the control of the responsible installer. Do not raise a fallback current, station limit, or phase-switching option beyond what the installation, charger, and vehicle can safely support.

Required Charger Settings

• External control is enabled: the charger accepts current setpoints from an energy management system (EMS) over its network interface instead of following only its own meter or a fixed limit.
• Where the charger provides an expiring setpoint, its validity time is longer than Phaeton's current update interval.
• Where available, a fallback current is configured for when no valid setpoint is present. Follow the model-specific setup requirements.
• 1- and 3-phase switching is allowed when Phaeton may switch phases.
• On a charger with two sockets, each socket is configured separately.

Validity Time And Fallback Current

Phaeton sends a new current setpoint every update interval; the default is 30 seconds. A validity time of 60 seconds or more leaves the charger enough time to receive the next setpoint.

If the charger uses a shorter validity time or Phaeton uses a longer update interval, make the validity time comfortably longer than the Phaeton interval.

The fallback current is what the charger uses when a setpoint expires or Phaeton is offline. This setting depends on the charger. Some HTTP and cloud interfaces have no expiring setpoint; consult the model-specific requirements.

Phase Switching

Only allow 1- and 3-phase switching when the physical installation and charger configuration support it.

If the charger does not offer this option or it is intentionally disabled, turn Multiple relay charging off under Settings → Charger & installation → Phases and do not use the manual phase toggle as a troubleshooting signal.

Multiple relay charging allows switching; it does not prove that the charger can switch. Phaeton checks that by itself while the charger is idle; see Phase switching check.

Phaeton Checks

• Open Settings, then Charger & installation.
• Select the integration that matches your charger.
• Confirm the charger address and port. For Modbus TCP integrations the port is usually 502.
• Run the charger connection test.
• Run Test charger control when the integration offers it.
• Test charger control should report that the charger accepted the current write, the setpoint reads back as written, the validity timer is active, and the setpoint is accounted for. It also shows the fallback current the charger reports, but does not check whether that value suits the installation.
• A setpoint that does not read back as written usually means the wrong socket on a charger with two sockets.

Current Does Not Change

When Test charger control completes but reports that the setpoint is not accounted for, the charger is reachable but does not accept Phaeton as its energy management system. Check these settings:

• External control is enabled and, where the charger requires it, licensed.
• The charger takes its setpoint from the energy management system, not from its own meter.
• Writing current setpoints is allowed.
• The fallback current is configured for the installation. A value of 0 A can be correct; follow the requirements for your charger.
• Where the charger provides an expiring setpoint, its validity time is longer than Phaeton's current update interval.
• Test charger control reports that the setpoint is accounted for.

Charging Falls Back

• The setpoint validity time is not shorter than Phaeton's current update interval.
• Phaeton is running continuously and logs do not show charger reconnect loops.
• The charger and Phaeton remain on the same network without firewall or Wi-Fi interruptions.
• Test charger control shows a positive validity time after the write.

Phase Switching Fails

• 1- and 3-phase switching is allowed in the charger's load-balancing settings.
• The selected Phaeton integration matches the charger model.
• The installation supports both 1-phase and 3-phase charging.
• Phaeton logs do not contain Phase switching support probe failed.
• After changing the charger setting, turn on Multiple relay charging and try the phase change from Manual mode before judging Auto mode.

Support Bundle

• Phaeton version and platform, for example Cerbo GX or Raspberry Pi.
• Charger model, firmware version, and whether external control or load balancing is licensed.
• Screenshot of the charger's load-balancing settings showing external control, the setpoint source, the fallback current, and the 1-/3-phase option.
• Screenshot of the charger's external-control settings showing mode and validity time.
• Screenshot or copied text from Phaeton Test charger control.
• Use Contact support on the Logs page to attach a support bundle automatically. Capture the issue with Device log level set to DEBUG first when possible.
• Charger logs or event export when available.
• The exact test time and expected result, for example Manual 6 A did not change the charger or switch to 1 phase failed.