Hager via Modbus TCP
This guide describes step by step how to connect a Hager Witty EV charger to the Currentt Navigator via Modbus TCP over the local network (Ethernet).
Also see: For connection via RS-485 (Modbus RTU), see the guide Hager Modbus RTU.
✅ Compatible models
| Model | Type | Network connection |
|---|---|---|
| Witty One | Socket / Fixed cable | Via XVA245 communication card |
| Witty Plus | Socket / Fixed cable | Built in (2× RJ45) |
| Witty Pro | Socket / Fixed cable | Built in (2× RJ45) |
The Witty One has no network connection as standard and only communicates with the Hager Charge app via Bluetooth. The network connection is added with the optional XVA245 communication card, which is fitted into one of the option card slots of the EV charger. This card adds an Ethernet input, WiFi and an RS-485 Modbus input.
🧰 Requirements
- Currentt Navigator (connected to the local network)
- Ethernet cable (RJ45), FTP CAT5e minimum, AWG 23 or AWG 24
- For the Witty One: XVA245 communication card
- Smartphone with the Hager Charge app (for configuring the network settings)
- Phillips screwdriver (for opening the enclosure)
⚠️ Safety warnings
Always disconnect the EV charger from the power supply before opening the enclosure. Switch off the circuit breaker and the residual-current device of the charging circuit, and verify with a voltage tester that no voltage is present.
🪛 Installation instructions
Step 1: Disconnect the EV charger from the power supply
- Switch off the charging circuit in the distribution board (circuit breaker and residual-current device)
- Verify with a voltage tester that the EV charger is de-energised
- Open the enclosure of the EV charger according to the supplied installation manual
Step 2: Connect the Ethernet cable
The Witty Plus and the Witty Pro have two RJ45 connectors for the network; both connectors are suitable for the Ethernet connection. On the Witty One, the RJ45 connector is located on the XVA245 communication card.
- On the Witty One, first fit the XVA245 card into one of the option card slots according to the card's instructions
- Lead the Ethernet cable into the enclosure through the cable gland
- Fit an RJ45 connector to the cable according to the T568A or T568B standard
- Plug the RJ45 connector into the RJ45 connector on the EV charger (on the Witty Plus and Witty Pro: either of the two)
- Connect the other end to your network switch or router, on the same network as the Currentt Navigator
The XVA245 contains electronic components that can be damaged by static electricity. Wear an antistatic bracelet when fitting the card, or first touch an earthed metal point. Keep the card in its antistatic packaging until use.
Ethernet pin definition (RJ45)
| Pin | Signal |
|---|---|
| 1 | TX+ |
| 2 | TX− |
| 3 | RX+ |
| 4 | — |
| 5 | — |
| 6 | RX− |
| 7 | — |
| 8 | — |
Use the same standard (T568A or T568B) throughout the installation. As long as both ends of the cable follow the same standard, the cable works as a straight-through cable. T568A is the standard for installations complying with TIA/EIA-568; T568B is the most commonly used.
Do not use R02V cable or twisted telephone cable for the network connection. Hager explicitly excludes these cable types.
Are you also using Modbus RTU on a Witty Plus? Connect the Ethernet cable to connector 2, so that connector 1 remains free for the RS-485 Modbus connection.
Because the Witty Plus and the Witty Pro have two Ethernet ports, you can connect several chargers in series (daisy chain).
Step 3: Close the enclosure and switch on
- Secure the cable with the cable clamp and tighten the cable gland
- Close the enclosure of the EV charger
- Switch the charging circuit back on in the distribution board
- Wait until the EV charger has started up
Step 4: Configure the network settings
You configure the network settings via the Hager Charge app on your smartphone.
- Launch the Hager Charge app
- Go to the general settings of the EV charger
- Choose Network
- Select Wired as the network type
- By default the EV charger uses DHCP and automatically receives an IP address from the router or switch
- Do you want to set a static IP address? Under IP assignment, choose Manual, adjust the settings to your network and click Save
- Note down the IP address of the EV charger; you need it in the next step
With DHCP, the IP address of the EV charger can change after a router restart, causing the connection with the Currentt Navigator to drop. Set a static IP address on the EV charger, or reserve the IP address in your router (DHCP reservation).
The EV charger can also be connected to the network via WiFi. In that case, select Wireless (WiFi) as the network type and add the network by scanning the QR code on the router or by entering the SSID and password manually. A wired connection is more stable and therefore recommended.
Step 5: Configuration in the Currentt Navigator
After connecting and configuring the EV charger, it must be added in the Currentt Navigator.
Via the installation wizard (recommended)
- Click the settings icon (top right of the screen)
- Choose Installation wizard
- Follow the steps on the screen
Manual configuration
- Click the settings icon (top right of the screen)
- Go to Components
- Click the + button in the EV chargers section
- Select Hager
- Under Communication, enter the connection details:
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Physical connection | Network (TCP) |
| IP address | (IP address of the EV charger) |
| Port | 502 |
| Modbus address | 1 (default) |
- Click Save
The Currentt Navigator and the EV charger must be on the same network (and the same VLAN). If they are on different network segments, the Navigator cannot reach the EV charger.
📋 Settings summary
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Connection | Ethernet (Modbus TCP) |
| Protocol | Modbus TCP |
| Connector | RJ45 (Witty Plus / Witty Pro: connector 1 or 2; Witty One: on the XVA245 card) |
| Cable | FTP CAT5e minimum, AWG 23 or AWG 24 |
| Max. cable length | 100 m |
| Speed | 10/100 Mbps |
| Wiring | T568A or T568B (identical on both ends) |
| IP address | (static IP address recommended) |
| Port | 502 |
| Modbus address | 1 (default) |
🛟 Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No connection | Witty One without communication card | Check that the XVA245 communication card is fitted; without this card the Witty One has no network connection |
| No connection | Wrong IP address | Check the IP address of the EV charger via the Hager Charge app or via your router |
| No connection | Devices on different networks | Make sure the Navigator and the EV charger are on the same (V)LAN |
| No connection | Wrong Modbus address | Check that the Modbus address in the Navigator matches that of the EV charger |
| No connection after restart | IP address changed (DHCP) | Set a static IP address or create a DHCP reservation in the router |
| No network connection | Wrong cable type | Use FTP CAT5e minimum; R02V and twisted telephone cable are not permitted |
| No network connection | Cable not wired to one standard | Wire both ends according to the same standard (T568A or T568B) |
| Unstable connection | Weak WiFi signal | Connect the EV charger using a wired Ethernet connection |
| EV charger does not respond | EV charger not switched on | Check that the charging circuit is switched on and the EV charger has started up |