PCB Design with KiCad Part 5: ERC — let KiCad find your wiring mistakes

// WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

The Electrical Rules Check flags unconnected pins, outputs shorted together and power pins with no source.

// LESSON NOTES

Your new board is dead… because of ONE missing wire. 😱

✅ KiCad can catch it BEFORE you order: the ERC (Electrical Rules Check).
🖱️ Inspect → Electrical Rules Checker → Run ERC.
🚩 Red arrow markers show: unconnected pins, outputs shorted together, power pins with no source.
🔧 Fix an open pin: wire it (W)… or, if it's meant to be unused, mark it with the no-connect X (Q).
Run ERC every time before you make the PCB!

Read the voiceover (transcript)
  1. Your new board is dead. Why? One missing wire!
  2. KiCad can find it before you order. It's called ERC!
  3. Electrical Rules Check: click Inspect, then Run ERC!
  4. It flags open pins, shorted outputs and power with no source!
  5. Guess: what's wrong here?
  6. This pin is not connected!
  7. Wire it, or mark it with an X!
  8. Next: symbol versus footprint. Follow for Part 6!

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