DEFA error codes
This page covers the DEFA Power (Power, Power S, Power Up, Power Ready S, North American version) and DEFA eRange (Uno, Duo) charging stations. It explains the error messages shown by the DEFA Power and the codes signalled by the eRange LEDs.
Where to read the code: in Chargekeeper, charging station list, connector details, Information column (or the active sessions list, Information column). It shows "OCPP code - vendor code - information". See Manufacturer error codes.
How DEFA reports errors
DEFA Power: the public documentation only describes the messages shown on the display (text, symbol and a QR code leading to a DEFA troubleshooting page). No list of numeric error codes is public for the DEFA Power, and DEFA does not publicly document what the charger sends over OCPP (vendor code, OCPP code). No vendor code has been recorded on the DEFA Power stations supervised by Chargekeeper. The details of each error are on the DEFA page opened by the QR code.
The DEFA Power also has a built-in 6 mA DC residual current device (RDC-DD). It self-tests at each charging start and every 24 hours; if it trips, a message is shown on the display (its exact wording is not given in the manuals). To reset it, unplug the cable from the vehicle and plug it back in.
DEFA eRange: codes F1 to F17 are DEFA's names for the blink patterns of the LED bar. The documentation does not say whether they are sent over OCPP. Codes F12 and F13 do not exist in the document. The pattern of each code is only shown as an image in the DEFA document "eRange states and indication".
LEDs and display
DEFA Power — messages on the display
| Signal | Meaning | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| "Error: Scan QR" | The charger has detected a problem; the QR code on screen leads to the matching DEFA troubleshooting instructions | Scan the QR code on the display and follow the instructions on the DEFA page; if the problem persists, contact DEFA support or the installer |
| "Error: Contact electrician" | Fault that requires an electrician to inspect the installation or the charger | Scan the QR code on the display for instructions; have a qualified electrician inspect the installation, without opening the unit; contact DEFA support if the electrician finds no installation issue |
| "Error: Contact CPO" | Issue to be handled by the operator managing the station | As the operator: check the station in the supervision (connection, status, last StatusNotification message) and its configuration; restart the station remotely if it is online, otherwise escalate to the installer or DEFA support |
| "Authorization: No access" | The authorisation attempt (RFID badge or app) was refused | Check in the supervision that the badge or user is allowed on this station; the user can check their app or contact the site's support |
Other models: eRange Uno and Duo — LED codes
| Code | Meaning | What to do |
|---|---|---|
E0 |
Charging point deactivated or temporarily unavailable; no vehicle can be detected | Check in the supervision whether the station was set unavailable; make it available again or restart it remotely |
F1 |
The contactor appears closed while no vehicle is connected (stuck or welded contactor) | Take the station out of service and call a qualified electrician or DEFA service |
F2 |
Function test failed because of a communication problem on the internal bus | Have the installer check the communication wiring |
F3 |
DC leakage current detected | Unplug and try again; if it happens again with several vehicles, have a qualified electrician inspect the installation |
F4 |
No communication with the control unit (CLU) or the RFID reader | Restart the station; if the fault persists, have the installer check the CLU or RFID reader connection |
F5 |
The socket lock could not close on the plug | Re-insert the plug fully and try again; if it happens again, have the socket lock inspected |
F6 |
The cable current rating could not be determined (socket versions only) | Re-insert the cable; try another charging cable |
F7 |
The vehicle requests ventilation during charging, which the station does not support | Check the vehicle's charging settings or documentation |
F8 |
Control Pilot signal short-circuited | Try another cable or vehicle; if the fault persists, have the station inspected |
F9 |
The vehicle draws more current than allowed | Unplug and try again; if it happens again with the same vehicle, have the vehicle checked |
F10 |
Critical internal overheating (above 80 °C) | Let the station cool down; check for direct sun exposure or obstructed ventilation; if it happens again, have the station inspected |
F11 |
The contactor opened during charging when it should have stayed closed | Restart and try again; if it happens again, call DEFA service or a qualified electrician |
F14 |
Communication error; charging continues, limited to 6 A | Check the station's connection to the load management system or the supervision; restart if needed |
F15 |
Phase imbalance above 20 A; charging current limited to 20 A | Check how loads are spread across the phases on the site |
F16 |
Overcurrent detected; charging current limited to 10 A | Monitor; if it happens again, have the vehicle and the installation checked |
F17 |
High internal temperature (between 60 and 80 °C); charging current limited to 10 A | Check for direct sun exposure or obstructed ventilation |
Sources
- DEFA Power – User manual (multilingual), 715987 E09, April 2024 — https://www.defa.com/content/uploads/Documentation/EV-Charging/DEFA-Power/Manuals/715987-DEFA-Power-user-manual-Print-Digital.pdf
- DEFA Power S – User manual (multilingual), 718248 E02, February 2025 — https://www.defa.com/content/uploads/Documentation/EV-Charging/DEFA-Power/Manuals/718248-DEFA-Power-S-User-manual.pdf
- DEFA Power Up – Installation and user manual, 718577 E01, September 2024 — https://defa.com/content/uploads/Documentation/EV-Charging/DEFA-Power/Manuals/718577-Installation-user-manual-Power-Up.pdf
- DEFA Power NAM – User and installation manual (EN/FR), 719053 E06, April 2026 — https://www.defa.com/content/uploads/Documentation/EV-Charging/DEFA-Power/Manuals/719053-DEFA-Power-NAM-User-and-Installation-Manual.pdf
- eRange states and indication, version 1.0, August 2019 — https://www.defa.com/content/uploads/Documentation/EV-Charging/Base-stations/Manuals/eRangeStatesAndIndicationV1.0EN.pdf.pdf
