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Issue with Sparky (P1 dongle by Chargee)

How to check if there's a problem with your Sparky (Chargee) and how to fix it.

If we can't read data from your Sparky, load balancing falls back to a low charging speed until readings return. Follow these steps to fix the issue.

Need to charge urgently? Your installer can remotely re-configure your charger without sparky. This temporary solution will disable dynamic load management.

For a Volt Time charger, they use the Volt Time Installer app.

Alternatively, Sparky can also be disconnected from your charger via the Web Portal. Go to Locations > (your location) > Energy > Power management, open the group with the meter (usually Main fuse) and choose Remove meter. Without live readings, load balancing works from the main fuse value only, so set a lower charging limit.

​How to configure power management in the web portal

How to check if there is a problem with your Sparky

Chargee App

Via the Chargee app on your phone. If there is no Live data, then there is a problem with Sparky.

In the Plugchoice app, tap Meter on Overview. A problem shows there as, for example, No readings or No smart meter, with what to check.

Note that Plugchoice only supports P1 smart meters with (D)SMR4.0 or higher. If you have a lower version, your installer must use a different metering solution.

Web Portal

  1. Start a charging session.

  2. Go to Locations > (your location) > Energy > Power management

  3. Find the meter at Main fuse

  4. If it shows No readings available instead of values, there is a problem.
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How to fix issues with Sparky

Most common fixes:

  • Sparky must be connected to your P1 via the grey IN port, not the black OUT port.

  • Sparky must connect to a dedicated 2.4GHz WiFi network. Combined 5GHz/2.4GHz may result in Sparky getting stuck in the final step "Connecting to Chargee server".

  • Try using the USB-C power adapter for Sparky.

  • Try resetting Sparky.

For a complete guide, see Chargee's support article.

More common issues

  • Mesh/WiFI extenders must be put into Bridge mode. If Sparky blinks but remains stuck in "reading smart meter", it could be that the extenders are in DHCP mode.
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  • Sparky can take 15 minutes to finish "reading smart meter", or in rare cases even 24 hours. Sparky will not blink. You can finish the installation and Sparky should come online later.
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  • Make sure the firewall settings allow for outbound traffic for internal devices. This is often a problem for company networks.
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