Electricity System
Power generation, wiring, logic gates, and circuit design in Rust.
01Power Basics
Rust's electricity system uses a simple model: Power Sources generate power (measured in rW), which flows through Wires to power various components. Each component consumes a certain amount of power. If a source can't provide enough power, downstream components won't work.
Power flows from Output to Input. Most components have a Power In, a Power Out (passthrough), and sometimes additional IO ports.
02Power Sources
There are several ways to generate power in Rust:
| Source | Output | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Generator | 40 rW (constant) | WB2: 5 HQM + 2 Gears | Burns Low Grade Fuel — 500 LGF/hour |
| Wind Turbine | 0-150 rW (variable) | WB2: 5 HQM + 3 Sheet Metal + 3 Gears | Wind-dependent — best at high elevation |
| Solar Panel | 0-20 rW (variable) | WB1: 5 HQM | Only works during daytime |
| Large Solar Panel | 0-40 rW (variable) | WB2: 10 HQM + 1 Tech Trash | Double output of regular solar |
| Test Generator | 100 rW (constant) | Admin only | Infinite power — debug/testing |
- •Wind Turbines are the best renewable source but output varies by weather and altitude
- •Pair solar panels with batteries for 24/7 power
- •Generators are reliable but expensive to fuel long-term
- •Use Root Combiners to merge power from multiple sources
03Batteries
Batteries store excess power and release it when sources can't keep up (night time, low wind). They charge when receiving more power than they output.
Small Battery: 150 rWm capacity, max 10 rW throughput Medium Battery: 9,000 rWm capacity, max 50 rW throughput Large Battery: 24,000 rWm capacity, max 100 rW throughput
rWm = rust Watt minutes. A 100 rWm battery outputting 10 rW lasts 10 minutes.
- •Large batteries + solar panels = reliable 24/7 power
- •Always use a Blocker before batteries to prevent them draining back into the grid
- •Calculate: Battery capacity / power draw = runtime in minutes
04Common Circuits
Auto Turret Setup: Solar Panel → Root Combiner → Large Battery → Blocker → Branch (1rW to Blocker) → Auto Turret (10 rW)
Smart Switch Door: Smart Switch → Door Controller (allows remote lock/unlock via Rust+ app)
Auto Lights: HBHF Sensor → Ceiling Lights (turns on when players detected)
Raid Alarm: Heartbeat Sensor → Memory Cell → Audio Alarm + Smart Alarm (sends phone notification)
- •Use Electrical Branches to split power — set the branch amount and the rest passes through
- •The Blocker component prevents backflow — essential for battery circuits
- •HBHF Sensors detect players through walls within a configurable range
- •Smart Switches and Alarms can be controlled via the Rust+ companion app
05Logic Gates
Logic gates allow for complex automated systems:
| Gate | Function | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| AND | Output = ON only if ALL inputs are ON | Require multiple conditions met |
| OR | Output = ON if ANY input is ON | Multiple triggers for same action |
| XOR | Output = ON if inputs DIFFER | Toggle/flip-flop circuits |
| Blocker | Blocks passthrough when receiving signal | Battery backflow prevention |
| Counter | Counts input pulses up/down | Combination locks, counters |
| Memory Cell | Stores ON/OFF state | Latching alarms, toggle switches |
| Timer | Outputs for set duration | Timed door locks, delayed systems |