Power Sources

Manual power sources

Manual Power Sources represent supplies that exist outside the planner hierarchy, such as generators, venue distribution boards, temporary mains supplies or incoming power from another supplier.

Each manual source has a name, connector type, rating and notes. The notes field is useful for generator location, venue board details, cable routing, restrictions or operational comments.

1. Open the Power Sources tab.
2. Enter a clear source name, such as Generator 1 or Venue 125A Stage Left.
3. Select the connector type.
4. Add relevant notes.
5. Select Add Manual Power Source.

Auto sources

Auto Sources are created automatically from eligible distro outputs. They allow downstream distros to be connected to parent distro outputs while still calculating load back through the parent distro and upstream source.

Eligible outputs are generally 32A and larger non-Socapex outputs. Auto Sources are shown separately so users can see downstream connections without manually creating virtual sources.

Assigned distros

Each source card shows the distros currently assigned to that source. The assigned distro list includes connected load and an Open button for quick access to the relevant distro in the Distro Editor.

Use this area to check that every source is feeding the expected part of the system and that the hierarchy matches the physical installation plan.

Source loading and warnings

The Power Sources tab calculates the load assigned to each source and displays phase loading. Overloads, near-capacity conditions and three-phase imbalance warnings are shown directly on the relevant source card.

For three-phase sources, imbalance warnings identify which phase is highest and which phase it is being compared against. This makes it easier to rebalance the system by moving equipment or adjusting downstream feeds.

Deleting and reordering sources

Manual sources can be moved up or down to match the order you want shown in the planner and reports. Auto Sources follow the distro hierarchy and are not manually reordered in the same way.

If you delete a manual source that is currently feeding distros, those distros will be unassigned. Review the System Overview afterwards to reconnect anything that still belongs in the system.