add_power_symbol · Kicad MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What add_power_symbol does on Kicad

AI agents use add_power_symbol to create or update resources in Kicad — usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your Kicad environment.

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why add_power_symbol needs a policy

This tool creates or modifies a power symbol in KiCad, which is a reversible design operation. It adds a new element to a schematic or project but does not delete, execute arbitrary code, or commit financial actions.

From the tool's definition Tool name is 'add_power_symbol' and falls within the sibling group of tools that all use 'add_' prefix (add_copper_zone, add_global_label, add_hierarchical_sheet, add_lib_symbol, etc.), indicating creation/modification of design elements in KiCad.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

add_power_symbol Rate-limited

add_power_symbol stays usable, but capped — an agent stuck in a loop can't make hundreds of changes a minute. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

View as policy code

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "add_power_symbol": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "add_power_symbol_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 30,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Instant setup, no code required.

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: every tool call is checked against your rule before it reaches Kicad, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about add_power_symbol

What does the add_power_symbol tool do? +

add_power_symbol. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Kicad MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on add_power_symbol? +

Register the Kicad MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for add_power_symbol: allow, deny, rate-limit, or require approval. Point your MCP client at the PolicyLayer proxy URL and the rule is enforced on every call, before it reaches Kicad. Nothing to install.

What risk level is add_power_symbol? +

add_power_symbol is a Write tool with medium risk. Write tools should be rate-limited to prevent accidental bulk modifications.

Can I rate-limit add_power_symbol? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the add_power_symbol rule in your PolicyLayer policy. For example, setting max: 10 and window: 60 limits the tool to 10 calls per minute. Rate limits are tracked per agent session and reset automatically.

How do I block add_power_symbol completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for add_power_symbol. The AI agent will receive a policy violation error and cannot call the tool. You can also include a reason field to explain why the tool is blocked.

What MCP server provides add_power_symbol? +

add_power_symbol is provided by the Kicad MCP server (productofamerica/mcp-server-kicad). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.