Smart EV chargers are a powerful way to charge your electric vehicle at home, giving you features like scheduled charging, app control, and smart tariff optimisation. But like any technology, they can sometimes display errors or stop working as expected. The good news is that many common issues can be diagnosed and resolved quickly if you know what to look for and when to call a qualified electrician.
This guide explains the most frequent smart EV charger errors you might see in Ireland and how to troubleshoot them step by step.
1. Charger Not Realising Power or Not Turning On
If your charger is completely unresponsive. No lights, no power, no response when you plug in, the issue could be as simple as a tripped breaker or RCD in your fuse board. A breaker or safety device may have switched off to protect your home’s circuits.
What to do:
- Check your fuse board for tripped breakers and reset them.
- If the breaker trips again immediately, stop and contact a certified electrician.
This basic safety check often resolves power issues before deeper troubleshooting is needed. According to a common EV troubleshooting guide, many “charger not powering on” problems result from circuit protection devices being triggered rather than internal charger failure.
If you want a general overview of what to do when a charger isn’t working before deeper steps, see What to Do If Your EV Charger Isn’t Working.
2. LED Indicators or Error Lights
Most smart EV chargers use lights to show status. A green or blue light usually means ready or actively charging, while flashing or red lights often signal a problem. Each model uses different patterns, so referring to the user guide for your device is important. On many chargers, a temporary error light does not mean permanent damage. The built-in safety systems simply stop charging until you fix the issue.
Troubleshooting tips:
- Unplug the charger from the EV and power source. Wait a few seconds, then reconnect securely.
- Check for scheduled charging settings in your charger app. Sometimes lights indicate a delayed or scheduled session.
- Consult your charger’s manual for specific light code interpretations.
3. Wi-Fi or Smart Connectivity Problems
Smart EV chargers often rely on Wi-Fi to connect to apps, deliver firmware updates, and schedule charges. If your charger loses connection:
Try this:
- Ensure your Wi-Fi is on a 2.4GHz band, which chargers use more reliably than 5GHz networks.
- Reconnect your charger through the app or facilitate a stronger signal with a Wi-Fi extender.
- Restart your router or the charger’s connection routine.
Weak or unstable Wi-Fi can disrupt app control and smart features even when basic charging still works.
4. Firmware or Software Glitches
Smart chargers, like phones or computers, run on firmware. If the software is out of date or has bugs, charging may stop or error codes may appear. Regular firmware updates help maintain smooth performance.
Steps to fix:
- Open the charger’s mobile app and check for updates.
- Enable automatic updates if possible.
- If updates fail, contact your installer or charger support for guidance.
Firmware updates improve compatibility, fix bugs, and can resolve many smart charger error conditions.
5. Vehicle Communication Issues
Sometimes charging stops because of a mismatch between the vehicle and the charger, not the charger itself. This can show up as an error message or as the charger pausing unexpectedly.
Tips to address this:
- Check your vehicle’s charging settings. Some EVs limit charge current or have schedules that conflict with charger settings.
- Try a different EV or connector to rule out vehicle specific settings.
For specific issues like charger voltage errors, tools like voltage monitoring or consulting your Distribution Network Operator can help diagnose supply problems.
6. Voltage and Power Supply Errors
Smart chargers can detect overvoltage or undervoltage from your home supply and pause charging to protect itself. This is a safety feature, not necessarily a fault.
If your charger shows a voltage related error:
- Check whether your home supply voltage is within normal range.
- Consult your Distribution Network Operator (DNO) to verify voltage stability at your property.
- If voltage remains out of range, they can investigate and adjust supply conditions.
This protects both the charger and your home circuits from unexpected electrical issues.
7. Cable, Connector, and Port Problems
External cable damage, loose connectors, or debris in ports are surprisingly common reasons for intermittent or failed charging. It’s always worth inspecting:
- Charging cable condition
- Connector pins for corrosion
- Charger socket for dust and debris
If you find physical damage, stop charging and contact a professional. Damaged cables and connectors can pose safety risks.
8. Ground Faults and Safety Cutouts
Smart chargers include safety systems such as ground fault detection that will stop charging if there is leakage or risk. These systems are designed to prevent hazardous situations but can trigger if installation ground connections are improper or if moisture is present.
If the charger repeatedly detects a ground fault:
- Have your installer inspect grounding and cable connections.
- Keep the charger clean and dry.
- Avoid water ingress around connectors.
Professional checks ensure your whole charging circuit complies with Irish electrical safety standards.
When to Call a Certified Electrician
Some EV charger errors are simple to check yourself. Others require a qualified professional. Call an electrician when:
- Circuit breakers or RCDs trip repeatedly
- You smell burning or see smoke
- Chargers overheat during operation
- Internal wiring or grounding may be compromised
- Complex supply upgrades or breaker adjustments are needed
Certified installers understand charger regulations, safety standards, and what advanced diagnostics to apply to solve issues efficiently.
Final Thoughts
Smart EV charger errors are usually symptoms of connectivity, software, power supply, or installation issues. Many can be resolved with simple checks such as resetting power, updating firmware, improving Wi-Fi connection, or inspecting cables. When in doubt, a certified electrician should be your first call to avoid safety risks or long term faults.
If you need help diagnosing an error code or want professional support with your charger setup, WattCharger can assess your system, offer troubleshooting guidance, and organise qualified service to get you charging reliably.
Blog Author: Rowan Egan