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Electricity Complete Guide: Power Your Base
Electricity in Rust opens up a world of automation, defense, and convenience. From simple lighting to complex trap bases, this guide covers everything you need to master electrical systems and create ingenious contraptions.
📖 35 min read🎯 Intermediate to Advanced⚡ Full electrical coverage
Table of Contents
Electricity Basics & Concepts
Understanding Power Units
- •rWm (Rust Watt minutes): The unit of power in Rust
- •Power Output: How much electricity a component generates
- •Power Consumption: How much electricity a component uses
- •Active/Passive Use: Some items only consume power when activated
Basic Rules
- • Power flows from source to consumer
- • Cannot exceed wire capacity (1000 rWm)
- • Components have input/output limits
- • Distance doesn't affect power loss
- • Wires can be color-coded
Wire Placement
- • Maximum wire length: 30 meters
- • Can go through walls/floors
- • Visible to all players
- • Can be damaged by tools
- • Use wire tool to connect
Power Generation
Solar Panels
Large Solar Panel
- • Output: 0-20 rWm (depends on sun)
- • Cost: 25 HQM, 1 Tech Trash
- • No fuel required
- • Must face sun (south)
- • Peak power at noon
Placement Tips
- • Place on roof for best output
- • Angle 15-30° for optimal power
- • Clear of shadows
- • Protected from raids
- • Wire to root combiner
Wind Turbine
Specifications
- • Output: 0-150 rWm (varies)
- • Cost: 500 Wood, 10 HQM, 3 Gears, 1 Sheet Metal
- • Height dependent
- • Works day and night
- • Requires open space
Optimization
- • Higher = more power
- • Minimum 6 foundations high
- • No obstructions nearby
- • Coastal areas best
- • Protect base from damage
Small Generator
- •Output: 40 rWm constant
- •Fuel: 1 Low Grade per 5 minutes
- •Capacity: 500 Low Grade (41 hours)
- •Best for: Backup power, small bases
Power Generation Tips
- • Combine multiple sources for reliability
- • Solar + Wind = 24/7 power potential
- • Always include battery backup
- • Generators are loud - enemies will hear
Power Storage & Management
Small Rechargeable Battery
- • Capacity: 150 rWm
- • Max Output: 10 rWm
- • Charge Rate: 80% efficiency
- • Cost: 5 HQM
- • Good for: Small circuits, backup
Medium Rechargeable Battery
- • Capacity: 9000 rWm
- • Max Output: 50 rWm
- • Charge Rate: 80% efficiency
- • Cost: 15 HQM
- • Good for: Full base power
Large Rechargeable Battery
- • Capacity: 24000 rWm
- • Max Output: 100 rWm
- • Charge Rate: 80% efficiency
- • Cost: 25 HQM, 1 Tech Trash
- • Good for: Industrial setups
Root Combiner
- • Combines 2 power sources
- • Must be same power type
- • Solar → Root → Battery
- • Cannot chain root combiners
- • Essential for solar arrays
Battery Best Practices
- • Charge during day with solar excess
- • Use electrical branch to limit charge rate
- • Place batteries in secure location
- • Monitor charge levels regularly
- • Size battery to last full night
Electrical Components
Switches & Splitters
Switch
Manual on/off control
- • Power Use: 1 rWm
- • Toggle with E
- • Can be wired to timer
Splitter
Splits power to 3 outputs
- • Power Use: 1 rWm
- • Equal distribution
- • No power loss
Electrical Branch
Splits with set amounts
- • Power Use: 1 rWm
- • Adjustable split
- • Remainder to output 2
OR Switch
Outputs if ANY input active
- • Power Use: 1 rWm
- • 2 inputs, 1 output
- • Logic gate function
Logic Components
AND Switch
Power when BOTH inputs active
XOR Switch
Power when inputs DIFFER
Memory Cell
Stores state (on/off)
Blocker
Blocks when side input active
Counter
Counts pulses, outputs at target
Timer
Outputs power for set duration
Sensors & Detectors
HBHF Sensor
Detects players (auth or hostile)
- • Range: 20m sphere
- • Power Use: 1 rWm
- • Configurable detection
Laser Detector
Triggers when beam broken
- • Range: 50m
- • Power Use: 1 rWm
- • Invisible to players
Pressure Pad
Activates when stepped on
- • No power required
- • Hidden deployment
- • Player weight only
Door Controller
Remote door control
- • Power Use: 1 rWm
- • Pairs with doors
- • Multiple door support
Basic Circuits
Auto Lights Circuit
Automatically turns lights on at night:
Solar Panel → Blocker (Block Input) → Lights
Battery → Blocker (Power Input)When solar produces power (day), it blocks battery power to lights.
Door Auto-Close Circuit
Closes door after 5 seconds:
HBHF Sensor → Timer (5s) → Door Controller
Power → HBHF → Timer → DoorSensor detects player, timer opens door for 5 seconds, then closes.
Battery Backup System
Seamless power switching:
Solar → Branch (10 to battery) → Main Power
Battery → OR Switch → Main Power
Wind → OR Switch → Main PowerCharges battery while providing main power, switches seamlessly.
Automation Systems
Smart Lighting
Motion-Activated Lights
- • HBHF sensors in key areas
- • Timer for duration control
- • Memory cell for state
- • Saves power at night
HBHF → Timer (30s) → LightsFarm Automation
Auto-Watering System
- • Timer for intervals
- • Fluid switch control
- • Water pump activation
- • Ceiling lights for growth
Timer → Pump & SprinklersFurnace Control
Smart Smelting
- • Igniter for remote start
- • Conveyor automation
- • Smart splitter system
- • Overflow protection
Base Alerts
Intrusion Detection
- • HBHF perimeter sensors
- • Alarm speaker warnings
- • Smart alarm routing
- • Silent pager alerts
Security & Trap Systems
Trap Safety Warning
Always include auth bypass circuits for your team. Test thoroughly before activation!
Tesla Coil Defense
Components
- • Tesla Coil (35 rWm)
- • HBHF Sensor (hostile only)
- • Timer for burst control
- • Battery backup essential
Circuit Design
HBHF → Timer (2s) → Tesla
Power → Branch → Tesla
Auth → Blocker → DisableAuto Turret Integration
- •Laser Detection: Turret activates on beam break
- •Power Saving: Only active during intrusion
- •Smart Targeting: HBHF pre-detection
- •Backup Power: Dedicated battery per turret
Trap Base Circuits
Shotgun Trap Room
- • Pressure pad trigger
- • Door controller locks exit
- • Timer for trap duration
- • Hidden auth bypass
Flame Trap Corridor
- • Laser detector array
- • Igniter activation
- • Fuel management
- • Emergency shutoff
Advanced Circuits
Randomizer Circuit
Creates random outputs for unpredictable trap activation:
Timer (0.5s) → Splitter → Multiple Branches
Each Branch → Different delay → Random output
Use modulo counter for true randomnessPerfect for randomized trap patterns or light shows.
Elevator Control System
Multi-floor elevator with call buttons:
- • Call buttons on each floor
- • Memory cells for floor state
- • Counter for floor tracking
- • Safety interlocks
- • Emergency stop system
Smart Base Power Management
Load Balancing
- • Priority circuit routing
- • Automatic load shedding
- • Peak demand management
- • Battery level monitoring
Failover System
- • Multiple power sources
- • Automatic switching
- • Generator auto-start
- • Alert notifications
Troubleshooting
Common Issues & Solutions
No Power Output
- • Check all connections with wire tool
- • Verify power source is active
- • Look for damaged components
- • Test with known good circuit
Intermittent Power
- • Solar panels need direct sunlight
- • Wind turbine height/obstruction
- • Battery depleted overnight
- • Component overload
Components Not Working
- • Power requirement not met
- • Wrong input/output ports
- • Logic gate configuration
- • Exceeded max connections
Pro Tips & Best Practices
Design Tips
- • Plan circuits before building
- • Use color-coded wires
- • Label components clearly
- • Keep spare components
- • Document complex circuits
- • Test incrementally
Optimization
- • Minimize component usage
- • Use branches efficiently
- • Combine similar circuits
- • Regular maintenance checks
- • Monitor power consumption
- • Plan for expansion
Security
- • Hide critical components
- • Armored cable protection
- • Backup power systems
- • Decoy circuits
- • Multiple auth methods
- • Regular testing
Resource Management
- • Stock HQM for repairs
- • Recycle broken components
- • Trade for tech trash
- • Research all blueprints
- • Farm monuments for parts
- • Establish component boxes
Advanced Builder Tips
Circuit Efficiency
- • Use minimum components needed
- • Avoid unnecessary splitters
- • Direct connections when possible
- • Group related systems
Future-Proofing
- • Leave room for expansion
- • Use modular designs
- • Document wire purposes
- • Plan upgrade paths
Electrical Resources
Base Building 101
Learn base building before adding electricity
Electrical Components
Browse all electrical items and costs
Crafting Calculator
Calculate component costs for circuits
Trap Base Designs
Electrical trap base blueprints
Monument Puzzles
Practice with monument electrical puzzles
Components Database
All components including tech trash
Master Electricity, Control Your Base
With these electrical systems, you can create anything from simple auto-doors to complex trap bases. Practice with basic circuits before attempting advanced builds.
Remember: Great power requires great responsibility. Use electricity wisely!