Using the AI chat panel

The AI chat panel provides natural language assistance for building and analyzing your electrical diagrams. Powered by Claude Sonnet 4, the AI understands electrical engineering concepts and can execute commands to modify your diagram.

Opening the AI chat panel

1. Click the AI Assistant button in the top toolbar.
2. The chat panel slides in from the right side.
3. Type your question or request in the input field.
4. Press Enter or click Send.

The panel remains open until you close it by clicking the X button.

What the AI can see (canvas context)

The AI has full awareness of your diagram:

Component information:

• All components on canvas (buses, cables, transformers, loads, etc.)
• Component properties (voltage, power, ratings)
• Component count and types
• Selected component (if any)

Connection topology:

• How components connect
• Connection directions
• Network structure

Project context:

• Project name
• Code book selection (NEC 2026, etc.)

The AI uses this context to provide relevant answers and suggestions specific to your diagram.

Asking questions about your diagram

Example questions:

"How many buses are in this project?"

• AI counts and reports bus components

"What's the total load in kW?"

• AI sums active power from all loads

"Is there a voltage mismatch between Bus 1 and Load 3?"

• AI checks voltage ratings and warns if mismatched

"What components are connected to the main bus?"

• AI lists connected components

"Show me the path from utility feed to Motor 5"

• AI traces connections through the network

The AI answers based on current canvas state.

Natural language commands

Request diagram modifications in plain English:

Adding components:

• "Add a 1000 kVA transformer between Bus 1 and Bus 2"
• "Create a new bus with 480V rating"
• "Place a 100 HP motor on the canvas"

Modifying properties:

• "Change Cable 3 to copper conductor"
• "Set Bus 2 voltage to 13.8 kV"
• "Update Transformer 1 impedance to 5.5%"

Creating connections:

• "Connect Breaker 4 to Bus 5"
• "Link the generator to the main bus"

Deleting components:

• "Remove Load 7"
• "Delete all unused buses"

The AI translates natural language into specific commands.

Example prompts

Analysis requests: "Why is voltage low at Bus 3?"

• AI reviews power flow results and suggests causes

Design assistance: "I need to add emergency backup power. What should I do?"

• AI suggests generator placement and configuration

Code compliance: "Does my motor circuit sizing comply with NEC?"

• AI checks conductor and OCPD sizing results

Troubleshooting: "Power flow analysis failed. What's wrong?"

• AI checks for common issues (missing slack bus, isolated components)

Learning: "Explain what transformer impedance affects"

• AI provides educational explanations

How the AI responds

AI responses include:

Text explanation:

• Answers to questions
• Analysis of diagram
• Recommendations and suggestions

Command preview cards:

• Shows proposed actions before executing
• Example: "Add Bus: 480V, Main Switchboard type"
• Accept or reject commands

Warnings and notes:

• Highlights potential issues
• Explains limitations
• Suggests alternatives

The AI never executes commands without your approval via command preview.

Command previews

When AI proposes diagram modifications:

1. Command preview card appears in chat.
2. Card shows action type and parameters.
3. Review the proposed change.
4. Click Accept to execute or Reject to cancel.

Example preview:

Command: Add Component
Type: Bus
Voltage: 480V
Position: (200, 300)
[Accept] [Reject]

You control whether commands execute - the AI cannot modify your diagram without permission.

AI credits

AI features consume credits from your plan's monthly allocation:

Check your remaining credits in Settings > Usage. Credits refresh monthly on your billing date. See Plans and pricing for credit allocations per plan.

AI limitations

The AI cannot:

Execute without approval:

• All commands require user acceptance
• No autonomous modifications

Run analysis:

• Cannot trigger power flow or short-circuit analysis
• Can review results after you run analysis

Access external data:

• Limited to project information
• Cannot query manufacturer databases
• No internet access

Guarantee code compliance:

• Provides guidance based on NEC 2026
• Final responsibility remains with licensed engineer

Make final engineering decisions:

• AI assists, doesn't replace engineering judgment
• Always verify AI suggestions

Conversation history

The chat panel maintains conversation history:

• Previous messages remain visible
• Scroll up to review earlier discussion
• Context persists across questions
• AI remembers earlier conversation points

Clear conversation:

1. Click New Conversation button (circular arrow icon).
2. Chat history clears.
3. Start fresh topic.

Each conversation is independent - clearing history starts a blank conversation.

Error handling

If AI encounters errors:

Command execution failed:

• Error message explains the issue
• Suggests corrections
• Allows retry

Misunderstood request:

• AI asks clarifying questions
• Requests more specific information
• Suggests rephrasing

Cannot complete action:

• Explains why action cannot be performed
• Proposes alternatives
• Provides manual steps

Timeout or service issues:

• Retry the request
• Refresh the page if persistent
• Report issue if continued problems

Best practices

Be specific:

• "Add a 480V bus at position (200, 300)" vs "Add a bus"
• Specific requests get better results

Provide context:

• "For the main distribution bus, change voltage to..."
• Helps AI identify correct component

Verify changes:

• Review command previews carefully
• Check diagram after accepting commands
• Undo if result isn't what you wanted

Ask follow-ups:

• Refine requests based on AI responses
• Clarify misunderstandings
• Build on previous answers

Use for learning:

• Ask "why" questions
• Request explanations of electrical concepts
• Learn NEC requirements

Privacy and data

What AI sees:

• Current project diagram and properties
• Your questions and commands
• No access to other projects or personal data

What AI doesn't see:

• Other users' projects
• Organization information
• Account details
• Browser history

Conversations are saved to your project and persist across sessions. You can return to previous conversations when you reopen the AI chat panel.

Related topics

• AI commands - Detailed command types and syntax
• Plans and pricing - AI credit allocations per plan