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Electricity Guide - Rust Wiki

Rust Guide • Updated Jan 10, 2026

Rust: Complete Electricity Guide

Electricity in Rust powers everything from auto turrets to smart alarms and automated doors. Understanding the electrical system is essential for creating secure, efficient bases with automated defenses. This guide covers power generation, circuits, and advanced electrical setups.

Power Generation Sources

Power Source Output Fuel/Requirements Best Use Case
Small Generator 40 Power Low Grade Fuel (1/min) Emergency backup power
Solar Panel 0-20 Power Sunlight (daytime only) Sustainable daytime power
Wind Turbine 0-150 Power Wind (variable) High-output renewable power
Large Battery 100 Power (stored) Charged by other sources Night-time power storage

Essential Electrical Components

🔌 Splitter

Divides power into multiple outputs. Essential for powering multiple devices.

🔀 Electrical Branch

Prioritizes power distribution. Set specific amounts to different outputs.

🔋 Battery

Stores excess power for use during low generation periods.

🔘 Switch

Manual on/off control for circuits. Essential for security systems.

⏰ Timer

Activates circuits for set durations. Perfect for automated systems.

🚪 Door Controller

Opens/closes doors automatically when powered. Great for airlocks.

Basic Circuit Fundamentals

Understanding Power Flow

Electricity flows from power sources through components to devices:

Power Source → Root Combiner → Splitter → Devices

Power Requirements

Device Power Required Notes
Auto Turret 10 Power Continuous power needed
SAM Site 25 Power High priority defense
Ceiling Light 1 Power Minimal draw
Door Controller 1 Power Only when opening/closing
HBHF Sensor 1 Power Triggers on player detection

Solar Panel Setup Guide

Optimal Solar Panel Placement

  1. Roof Mounting: Place on highest point of base for maximum sun exposure.
  2. South Facing: Angle panels toward the sun's path for best efficiency.
  3. No Obstructions: Ensure no walls or structures block sunlight.
  4. Protection: Build around panels to prevent raiders from destroying them.

Solar + Battery System

The most reliable power setup for 24/7 operation:

Solar Panel → Root Combiner → Electrical Branch → Battery
                                    ↓
                              Splitter → Devices

Pro Tip: Use an Electrical Branch to send 100 power to the battery during the day, then draw from the battery at night. This ensures continuous power for turrets.

Auto Turret Power Systems

Single Turret Setup

Simplest configuration for one auto turret:

  • 1x Solar Panel (20 power max)
  • 1x Large Battery (100 power storage)
  • 1x Root Combiner
  • 1x Splitter
  • Wire to Auto Turret (10 power)

Multi-Turret Defense Grid

For bases with 4+ turrets:

  1. Power Generation: 3-4 Solar Panels + 2 Wind Turbines
  2. Storage: 2-3 Large Batteries for night operation
  3. Distribution: Multiple Electrical Branches to prioritize turrets
  4. Backup: Small Generator for emergency power
Turret Count Power Needed Recommended Setup
1-2 Turrets 20 Power 2 Solar Panels + 1 Battery
3-5 Turrets 50 Power 4 Solar Panels + 2 Batteries
6-10 Turrets 100 Power 1 Wind Turbine + 3 Batteries
10+ Turrets 150+ Power 2 Wind Turbines + 4 Batteries + Generator backup

Advanced Electrical Circuits

Smart Airlock System

Automatically opens inner door only when outer door closes:

  • Components: 2x Door Controllers, 2x HBHF Sensors, 1x AND Switch
  • Logic: Inner door only opens when outer door is closed AND player detected
  • Security: Prevents door camping and unauthorized entry

Timed Lighting System

Lights activate only at night to save power:

Solar Panel → Blocker (inverted) → Timer → Lights
(No sun = Blocker active = Lights on)

Alarm System

Triggers siren when intruders detected:

  • HBHF Sensor: Detects player movement
  • Timer: Keeps alarm active for 30 seconds
  • Siren: Alerts you to potential raid
  • Counter: Tracks number of intrusions

Wind Turbine Optimization

Best Placement Locations

  • High Elevation: Mountains and hills get stronger, more consistent wind
  • Open Areas: Avoid placing near large structures that block wind
  • Coastal Regions: Ocean areas typically have better wind flow
  • Multiple Turbines: Spread across different elevations for consistent power

Wind Power Output

Location Average Output Reliability
Sea Level 20-60 Power Variable
Mid Elevation 60-100 Power Moderate
Mountain Peak 100-150 Power High

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Problem Cause Solution
Turrets Not Firing Insufficient power or broken circuit Check power flow with Wire Tool, verify connections
Battery Not Charging Power source not connected or insufficient output Use Root Combiner to combine multiple power sources
Lights Flickering Inconsistent power supply Add battery to stabilize power delivery
Circuit Not Working Incorrect wiring or component failure Use Wire Tool to trace connections, replace components

Power Efficiency Tips

Maximizing Your Power Budget

  1. Priority Systems: Use Electrical Branches to prioritize turrets over lights
  2. Timed Devices: Use timers to activate non-essential devices only when needed
  3. Battery Management: Charge batteries during peak generation, discharge at night
  4. Redundancy: Have backup power sources for critical defense systems

Important: Always protect your electrical components. Raiders can destroy solar panels, batteries, and generators to disable your defenses before raiding.

Electrical Component Crafting

Component Crafting Cost Workbench Level
Solar Panel 75 HQM, 1 Tech Trash Level 1
Wind Turbine 500 Wood, 50 Cloth, 1 Gear Level 1
Large Battery 15 HQM, 1 Tech Trash Level 1
Electrical Branch 75 Metal Frags Level 1
Auto Turret 10 HQM, 1 Targeting Computer, 1 CCTV Camera Level 2

Blueprint Acquisition

Where to Find Electrical Blueprints

  • Monuments: Harbor, Power Plant, and Airfield crates
  • Research Table: Research found components for 75-250 scrap
  • Workbench Experimentation: Random blueprint unlock
  • Outpost/Bandit Camp: Purchase from vending machines

Power your base with confidence. Host your Rust server with Supercraft for stable electrical systems and lag-free automation.

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