What happens
The connector goes to Faulted, or the charger sends an errorCode other than NoError. In OCPP 1.6 the status and the code are separate: the code can come with Faulted (no charging possible) or with another status, as a warning.
Check it in two minutes
Connect the charger to the test server: every StatusNotification shows with its status, errorCode and vendorErrorCode, checked against the official schema. Watch for a case we've seen: a charger sending an error code (ConnectorLockFailure, say) as if it were a status. That isn't valid in OCPP 1.6 and the server rejects it: it's a firmware bug. Open the OCPP test server →
The causes, most likely first
1. GroundFailure, OverCurrentFailure, OverVoltage, UnderVoltage
Electrical faults: earth leakage, overcurrent or voltage out of range. They can come from the installation, the grid or the car.
How to fix it: Don't reset it again and again: have an electrician measure. Try another car to rule yours out.
2. ConnectorLockFailure
The connector couldn't lock the cable. Usually a plug not fully inserted, dirt, or the lock actuator.
How to fix it: Unplug, check it goes all the way in and try again. If it repeats, it's the actuator: technical service.
3. EVCommunicationError
The charger can't talk to the car (the cable's control pilot signal).
How to fix it: Try another car and another cable: that tells you whether it's the car, the cable or the charger.
4. PowerMeterFailure
The internal meter isn't responding. The charger may keep charging, but the energy it reports isn't reliable.
How to fix it: Don't bill with those readings. Restart; if it persists, technical service.
5. HighTemperature, PowerSwitchFailure, ReaderFailure, InternalError, OtherError
Overheating, relay or contactor failure, card reader failure, or a manufacturer internal fault (the detail goes in vendorErrorCode).
How to fix it: Look up the vendorErrorCode in the charger's manual: that's what says what really failed.
What askacharge.com does
When a connector goes to Faulted the charger.error webhook fires with the code, so your own system knows at once. If the charger also stops communicating, the charger-down alert arrives by email according to what you choose under Notifications.
Frequently asked questions
What is ConnectorLockFailure in OCPP?
An error code saying the connector couldn't lock the cable. It's an errorCode, not a status: it comes with a status such as Faulted or Available.
Can I reset a GroundFailure?
You can, but you shouldn't keep doing it: it's earth leakage and an electrician needs to look at it. If it doesn't happen with another car, the problem is usually the car.