diff --git a/charger/keba-modbus.go b/charger/keba-modbus.go
index 55daba373..02858e422 100644
--- a/charger/keba-modbus.go
+++ b/charger/keba-modbus.go
@@ -104,14 +104,11 @@ func NewKebaFromConfig(other map[string]interface{}) (api.Charger, error) {
 	}
 
 	// phases
-	b, err = wb.conn.ReadHoldingRegisters(kebaRegPhaseSource, 2)
-	if err != nil {
-		return nil, err
-	}
-
 	var phases func(int) error
-	if source := binary.BigEndian.Uint32(b); source == 3 {
-		phases = wb.phases1p3p
+	if b, err := wb.conn.ReadHoldingRegisters(kebaRegPhaseSource, 2); err == nil {
+		if source := binary.BigEndian.Uint32(b); source == 3 {
+			phases = wb.phases1p3p
+		}
 	}
 
 	// failsafe