Why are some fields not editable? – Symbium

Some fields in a Symbium project are read-only – the value is visible but cannot be changed. This is by design. Read-only fields fall into three categories.

The value is calculated from code requirements

For certain fields, Symbium calculates and displays a minimum or maximum acceptable value based on your project details and the applicable code requirements. These fields are locked because entering the wrong value can cause non-compliance or inspection failure. Your responsibility is to make sure your design meets or exceeds the threshold – not to enter it manually.

Fields that work this way include minimum conductor size, minimum pipe diameter, and minimum U-factor and SHGC.

The value comes from an authoritative external source

Some fields reflect site conditions that Symbium pulls from authoritative data sources. These values are determined by your location and the relevant standards and cannot be changed.

Examples include:

• Ambient temperature. This is used to determine conductor ampacity adjustments based on local climate conditions.
• Snow load and wind load. These are pulled from ASCE standards for your location, unless your jurisdiction maintains its own values, in which case those take precedence. Symbium displays the value from the authoritative source used by your jurisdiction.

The value is calculated from other fields

Some fields are read-only because Symbium calculates them automatically based on values entered elsewhere in the project. Allowing manual entry would risk inconsistencies between fields.

Examples include maximum open circuit voltage, total PV system size (DC), and aggregate energy rating.

If a calculated value looks wrong, check the inputs it is derived from – the issue is usually an incorrect value entered upstream.