Frequently Asked Question

Using Guidelines for Auto Routing

Guidelines are directional pathways that guide the auto route feature when connecting two or more pieces of equipment.

They act like roadways for conduits and wires, ensuring they run through a controlled path to reach their destination.

Important:
When it comes to guidelines, less is more.

• If a guideline is too long, conduits may double back, creating unnecessary complexity and higher installation costs.
• Keep pathways direct and simple to avoid backtracking.

Two Ways to Create Guidelines

Guidelines can be added before identifying connections or during the auto route process.

Method 1: Create Guidelines Before Connecting Equipment

This method is useful when you need to pre-plan routes to avoid obstacles or define clear conduit pathways.

Step 1: Add a Guideline

1. Click the Guideline icon in the toolbar.
2. Select “Add Conduit Guideline.”

Step 2: Draw the Pathway

• Move your mouse to the starting point where you want the guideline to begin.
• Left-click to create corners and shape the path.
• Double-click to end the guideline.

Note:

• The guideline will fade after a few seconds to reduce visual clutter.
• It’s not deleted, just hidden until needed.

Step 3: Connect Equipment with Auto Route

1. Select all the equipment you want to connect (e.g., switchgear and chargers).
2. Selected objects will turn yellow.
3. Click “Auto Route” in the popup menu.

Step 4: Confirm Connection

• A popup will display all possible connection paths.
• Ensure you connect upstream to downstream (e.g., Switchgear → Chargers).
• Choose the correct connection to proceed.

Step 5: Choose a Guideline

• The system will ask whether you want to use:
• An existing guideline (the one you just created), or
• Create a new guideline (Method 2, described below).
• In this example, select “Use Existing Guideline.”

Once confirmed, Auto Route will:

• Automatically spec and form factor the switchgear.
• Size and price all breakers, conductors, conduits, and related materials for installation.

Method 2: Create Guidelines During Auto Route

You can also create a guideline in real-time while setting up an auto route.

Example: Connecting Two Remaining Chargers

1. Select all three objects: switchgear and two chargers.
2. Click “Auto Route.”
3. Confirm the connection direction (Switchgear → Chargers).
4. This time, select “Create Guideline” instead of using an existing one.
5. Draw the pathway just like in Method 1.
6. The system will immediately apply this new guideline to the auto route.

Pro Tips

• Keep it short:
  Do not extend guidelines to the last charger.
• If you do, the system will route all pipe and wire to the last station, then turn around and backtrack, creating a longer run and higher installation costs.

• Plan ahead:
  Use Method 1 when dealing with complex sites to avoid obstacles.
  Use Method 2 when making quick adjustments during routing.
• Stay upstream to downstream:
  Always confirm the correct power flow direction when connecting equipment.