Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about using the design tool.
Getting Started
What is this tool?
An electrical connection design and quoting tool. Type in a property address, view it on satellite imagery, draw the cable route, and get an automatic distance calculation, voltage drop check, compliance review, and bill of quantities — all without visiting the site.
Who is it for?
ASP Level 2 accredited contractors and electricians across Australia and New Zealand. If you do service mains, overhead/underground connections, pole installations, or defect rectification — this is built for you.
Is it free?
Yes, completely free during the beta period. No credit card required. When we launch paid plans, pricing will be designed for small businesses — not enterprises.
Do I need to install anything?
No. It runs entirely in your web browser. Works on desktop, laptop, and tablet (iPad). Open the design tool and start designing immediately.
How accurate are the measurements?
Measurements are calculated using geodesic distance on Google Maps satellite imagery. Practical accuracy is ±2-5 metres at property-level zoom — appropriate for quoting purposes with a waste factor applied. All measurements must be independently verified before use on a real job.
ASP Level 2 Work
What ASP Level 2 job types does the tool support?
New connections, reconnections, overhead to underground conversions, service upgrades, defect rectification, pole installations, consumer mains upgrades, and more. The tool supports overhead, underground, and conduit segment types with 15 different infrastructure point types.
Which DNSPs are supported?
All major Australian DNSPs across every state and territory — Ausgrid, Endeavour Energy, Essential Energy (NSW), CitiPower, Powercor, AusNet, Jemena, United Energy (VIC), Energex, Ergon (QLD), SA Power Networks (SA), Western Power, Horizon Power (WA), TasNetworks (TAS), Power and Water Corporation (NT), Evoenergy (ACT), plus seven New Zealand network operators including Vector, Orion, and Powerco. The correct DNSP is auto-detected from the property address.
Does it generate NOSW diagrams?
Not yet — this is on our roadmap. Currently the tool produces a bill of quantities, CSV export, professional PDF quotes, and AI-generated client proposals.
Can I use it for quoting?
Yes. The bill of quantities automatically tracks every placed item (poles, pits, switchboards) and cable run with pricing. You can select specific cable types per segment and export the full materials list as a CSV file.
Compliance & Calculations
Which standards does the tool check against?
AS/NZS 3000 (Wiring Rules), AS/NZS 3008 (Cable Selection), and state-specific Service & Installation Rules across all supported regions. Checks include voltage drop limits, overhead span maximums, underground depth requirements, cable current ratings, and DNSP-specific requirements.
Are the compliance checks certified?
No. All compliance checks, voltage drop calculations, and cable recommendations are guidelines only. They are NOT a substitute for professional engineering assessment. All outputs must be independently verified by a licensed ASP Level 2 contractor before use. See our Terms of Use for full disclaimers.
How does the voltage drop calculator work?
It uses the AS/NZS 3008 mV/A/m method: Vd = (mV/A/m) × I × L / 1000. The tool automatically recommends the smallest cable that passes both current rating and voltage drop limits (5% total, 1.5% for consumer mains). Cable data includes real values from AS/NZS 3008 tables.
What cable types are in the database?
26 cables covering underground XLPE (16-50mm² Cu and Al, single and three-phase), overhead ABC (16-25mm²), and consumer mains. Each cable includes current rating, mV/A/m voltage drop value, and typical cost per metre.
Data & Privacy
Where is my data stored?
Your job data is stored securely in the cloud on Supabase infrastructure. Your account, jobs, and settings sync automatically — you can log in from any device and pick up where you left off.
Is the satellite imagery stored?
No. Satellite imagery is loaded live from Google Maps and is not stored by MAINS. Property boundary data is queried live from state spatial services.
Can I delete my account and data?
Yes. Go to Account Settings and scroll to the bottom of the Profile tab. You can permanently delete your account and all associated data including jobs, quotes, and settings.