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.

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.

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, leave Phaeton Auto 1P/3P switching disabled and do not use the manual phase toggle as a troubleshooting signal.

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 external control is accepted, the validity timer is active, a fallback current is configured, and the setpoint is accounted for.

Current Does Not Change

• 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 setpoint accounted: yes.

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, 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 at DEBUG level 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.