> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.grdflo.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Adding Your First Charger

> Learn how to create a charger group, add a charger, and connect it to GridFlow Core

<Note>
  This guide assumes you have already created a new organization and activated it as your current organization. If you haven't, please refer to the [Account Creation & Initial Setup](/docs/getting-started/quick-start-guide/account-creation-and-initial-setup) guide first.
</Note>

## Overview

Adding your first charger involves three main steps:

1. Creating a charger group
2. Adding a charger
3. Connecting the charger to GridFlow Core

Let's get started!

## Creating a Charger Group

<Info>
  It's crucial to create a Charger Group before adding individual chargers. A Charger Group is designed for a specific location and class of chargers, allowing for unified tariff application.
</Info>

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="Understanding Charger Groups" icon="layer-group" href="/docs/charger-network-management/understanding-charger-groups" />

  <Card title="Applying Tariffs To Charger Groups" icon="money-bill" href="/docs/revenue-and-billing/tariff-management/applying-tariffs-to-charger-groups" />

  <Card title="Tariff Strategies" icon="chart-line" href="/docs/revenue-and-billing/tariff-management/tariff-strategies" />
</CardGroup>

<Steps>
  <Step title="Navigate to Charger Network">
    Access the Charger Network page from the sidebar on the left.

    <Frame caption="GridFlow Core Navigation">
      <img src="https://mintcdn.com/gridflow/UNRutt3HqX7_1XAO/images/nav_sidebar.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=UNRutt3HqX7_1XAO&q=85&s=017a529d68dc8b2f84e23bedf744e7a0" alt="Navigating to Charger Network" width="800" height="2100" data-path="images/nav_sidebar.png" />
    </Frame>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Access Groups Tab">
    On the Charger Network page, click on the Groups tab.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create New Group">
    Click on the "Add Charger Group" button in the top left of the table. A sidebar will open on the right of the screen.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Fill Group Details">
    Provide the following information:

    <AccordionGroup>
      <Accordion title="Name">
        Choose a descriptive name for your group (e.g., "Downtown Public Chargers")
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="Address">
        <Tooltip tip="Keep typing and select from the dropdown autofill options">
          Use the autofill feature for accurate address entry
        </Tooltip>
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="Description">
        Add any relevant details about this group of chargers
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="Location">
        <Tooltip tip="E.g., Parking Bay numbers, entrance number, Underground Parking">
          Provide specific location details to help users find the chargers
        </Tooltip>
      </Accordion>
    </AccordionGroup>

    <Frame caption="Charger Group Details Form">
      <img src="https://mintcdn.com/gridflow/UNRutt3HqX7_1XAO/images/AddChargerGroup.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=UNRutt3HqX7_1XAO&q=85&s=993deece9632b79e240dd1728b604062" alt="Charger Group Details Form" width="1000" height="1080" data-path="images/AddChargerGroup.png" />
    </Frame>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create Group">
    Press the "Create" button to finalize the charger group creation.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Check>
  Congratulations! You've successfully created your first Charger Group.
</Check>

## Adding a Charger

Now that you've created a charger group, let's add a charger to it.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Access Chargers Tab">
    From the Charger Network page, select the Chargers tab.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Initiate Charger Addition">
    Click on the "Add Charger" button in the top left of the table. A sidebar will open on the right.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter Charger Details">
    Provide the following information:

    <AccordionGroup>
      <Accordion title="Basic Information">
        * Name <Tooltip tip="A name for your charger">e.g., "Downtown Charger 1"</Tooltip>
        * ID <Tooltip tip="Must be unique across the system, like a username for your charger">e.g., "DT\_CH\_001"</Tooltip>
        * Charger Group <Tooltip tip="Select the previously created charger group">Choose from dropdown</Tooltip>
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="Technical Specifications">
        * Charger Make <Tooltip tip="The manufacturer">e.g., "ChargePoint"</Tooltip>
        * Charger Model <Tooltip tip="Brand of the charger">e.g., "CT4000"</Tooltip>
        * Charger Type <Tooltip tip="Port type of the charger">e.g., "Type 2"</Tooltip>
        * Max Voltage <Tooltip tip="Charging voltage as specified by the manufacturer">e.g., "400V"</Tooltip>
        * Max Amperage <Tooltip tip="Charging ampere as specified by the manufacturer">e.g., "32A"</Tooltip>
        * Max Charging Power <Tooltip tip="The most important metric as specified by the manufacturer">e.g., "22kW"</Tooltip>
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="Additional Details">
        * Warranty Expiry Date <Tooltip tip="Helps with maintenance-related issues">Select from calendar</Tooltip>
        * Serial Number <Tooltip tip="Helps in communicating with the manufacturer">e.g., "CP4000-123456"</Tooltip>
      </Accordion>
    </AccordionGroup>

    <Frame caption="Add Charger Form">
      <img src="https://mintcdn.com/gridflow/UNRutt3HqX7_1XAO/images/AddCharger.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=UNRutt3HqX7_1XAO&q=85&s=3d4fde3a78cfafc577c97f3563ec3678" alt="Add Charger Form" width="1000" height="1080" data-path="images/AddCharger.png" />
    </Frame>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create Charger">
    Click on the "Create" button. You should now see your charger on the Charger Network Page under "Your Chargers" (initially shown as offline).

    <Frame caption="Newly Added Charger (Offline)">
      <img src="https://mintcdn.com/gridflow/UNRutt3HqX7_1XAO/images/OfflineCharger.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=UNRutt3HqX7_1XAO&q=85&s=528c75c0aa56bd4bab3927ded8cb6894" alt="Newly Added Charger Shown as Offline" width="1920" height="1280" data-path="images/OfflineCharger.png" />
    </Frame>
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Check>
  Congratulations! You've successfully added your first charger.
</Check>

## Connecting Your Charger

<Note>
  GridFlow supports EV chargers made by 3000+ manufacturers that run on the OCPP1.6J Protocols.
</Note>

<Steps>
  <Step title="Retrieve WebSocket Endpoint">
    Click on the charger you just added in GridFlow Core. A modal will pop up with the WebSocket config URL for your charger.

    <Info>
      The endpoint format is: `wss://core.grdflo.com/ocpp/1.6/central_system/<charge_point_id>`

      Replace `<charge_point_id>` with your actual charge point ID.
    </Info>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Configure WebSocket Connection">
    <Accordion title="Detailed Connection Steps">
      1. Access the charge point's configuration interface (refer to your manufacturer's manual).
      2. Locate the section for inputting the WebSocket URL.
      3. Enter the provided URL, ensuring the correct charge point ID is included.
      4. Save the settings and restart your charge point if necessary.
    </Accordion>

    <Warning>
      The exact steps may vary depending on your charger's make and model. Always consult your manufacturer's documentation.
    </Warning>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Verify Initial Connection">
    Ensure the charge point sends a Boot Notification upon startup. This confirms the connection to the central system.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set Up Ongoing Communication">
    <Accordion title="Heartbeat and Status Notifications">
      * Configure regular heartbeat messages (interval typically set in charge point settings).
      * Ensure the charge point sends status notifications (e.g., Available, SuspendedEVSE, Unavailable).
      * Monitor these notifications in the central system.
    </Accordion>
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Verification

If everything went smoothly, you should now see:

* Your charger's status on the Charger Network page as "Available"
* 1 Online charger in the Total Charger Statistics

<Frame caption="Charger Successfully Connected">
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/gridflow/UNRutt3HqX7_1XAO/images/OnlineCharger.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=UNRutt3HqX7_1XAO&q=85&s=75d653c8516c8737d81ce16f3c30a5f7" alt="Charger Successfully Connected" width="1920" height="1280" data-path="images/OnlineCharger.png" />
</Frame>

<Check>
  Congratulations! You have successfully added your first charger to GridFlow Core.
</Check>

## Next Steps

Now that you've added your first charger, consider exploring these essential features:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Add Your First RFID Card" icon="id-card" href="/docs/getting-started/quick-start-guide/adding-your-first-rfid-card">
    Set up access control for your chargers
  </Card>

  <Card title="Creating and Managing Tariffs" icon="money-bill" href="/docs/revenue-and-billing/tariff-management/creating-and-managing-tariffs">
    Configure pricing for your charging services
  </Card>

  <Card title="Charger Statuses and Troubleshooting" icon="wrench" href="/docs/charger-network-management/chargers/charger-statuses-and-troubleshooting">
    Understand and resolve charger issues
  </Card>

  <Card title="Viewing Transactions" icon="chart-line" href="/docs/revenue-and-billing/transactions-and-payments/viewing-transactions">
    Track and analyze charging sessions
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

<Accordion title="Need Assistance?">
  Our support team is here to help:

  <CardGroup cols={2}>
    <Card title="Email Support" icon="envelope" href="mailto:support@core.grdflo.com">
      [support@core.grdflo.com](mailto:support@core.grdflo.com)
    </Card>

    <Card title="Live Chat" icon="comments">
      Chat with us in real-time by clicking on the chat icon in the bottom right corner.
    </Card>
  </CardGroup>
</Accordion>