Electric system - Revision history

Bilka: linked to copper wire when talking about the tool

2025-06-13T10:21:01Z

linked to copper wire when talking about the tool

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:21, 13 June 2025
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	* Use shift-click on a existing pole to remove all its connections to other poles.		* Use shift-click on a existing pole to remove all its connections to other poles.
	* Unconnected poles can be connected with [[~~copper cable\|~~copper wire]] tool in the [[shortcut bar]] by dragging from pole to pole (Left click on the ''bottom'' of the pole while the tool is activated.)		* Unconnected poles can be connected with [[copper wire]] tool in the [[shortcut bar]] by dragging from pole to pole (Left click on the ''bottom'' of the pole while the tool is activated.)
	* Individual connections can be removed by "connecting" them with copper wire tool. This will not consume anything.		* Individual connections can be removed by "connecting" them with copper wire tool. This will not consume anything.
	* You can use place-key (default left mouse) while running/driving to auto-place poles at their greatest connectible distance while covering all unpowered entities on the way. This allows for complete efficiency when connecting long distances. If connecting over long distances, using [[big electric pole]]s is recommended.		* You can use place-key (default left mouse) while running/driving to auto-place poles at their greatest connectible distance while covering all unpowered entities on the way. This allows for complete efficiency when connecting long distances. If connecting over long distances, using [[big electric pole]]s is recommended.

Cardinal: Resized images for better layout, mentioned copper wire tool for connection.

2025-03-24T08:00:48Z

Resized images for better layout, mentioned copper wire tool for connection.

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:00, 24 March 2025
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	{{Languages}}		{{Languages}}
			[[File:Electric-network-1.png\|thumb\|Simple example of a small electric network.]]
	The '''Electric system''' is used to power a lot of different machines; the game can hardly be played without using electricity. Every machine has its own internal electric capacity. When energy is produced, it is evenly distributed to all machines in the network that need electricity. Electricity is one of two ways machines can be powered, the other being [[burner devices]] running off of [[fuel]].		The '''Electric system''' is used to power a lot of different machines; the game can hardly be played without using electricity. Every machine has its own internal electric capacity. When energy is produced, it is evenly distributed to all machines in the network that need electricity. Electricity is one of two ways machines can be powered, the other being [[burner devices]] running off of [[fuel]].

	== Network mechanics ==		== Network mechanics ==

	=== Generators ===		=== Generators ===

	There are several ways to produce electricity. More details about each method are available on the [[power production]] page.		There are several ways to produce electricity. More details about each method are available on the [[power production]] page.

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	=== Storage ===		=== Storage ===
	[[File:electrical-network-example-2.png\|thumb~~\|256px~~\|Accumulator array consisting of 48 accumulators and a substation providing 240 MJ storage capacity.]]		[[File:electrical-network-example-2.png\|thumb\|Accumulator array consisting of 48 accumulators and a substation providing 240 MJ storage capacity.]]

	Energy can be stored in:		Energy can be stored in:
	* [[Fuel]]. It can be burnt to generate power.		* [[Fuel]]. It can be burnt to generate power.
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	=== Distribution ===		=== Distribution ===
	~~[[File:Electric-network-1.png\|thumb\|256px\|Simple example of a small electric network.]]~~
	Power poles are used to transmit energy. There are 4 types of power pole, each having differently configured properties. The properties are coverage area (area in which machines are placed to be affected by the pole) and wire reach (the distance across which a pole can connect with another pole). If two poles of different wire reach are to be connected, the smallest of either applies.		Power poles are used to transmit energy. There are 4 types of power pole, each having differently configured properties. The properties are coverage area (area in which machines are placed to be affected by the pole) and wire reach (the distance across which a pole can connect with another pole). If two poles of different wire reach are to be connected, the smallest of either applies.

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	=== Consumption ===		=== Consumption ===
	[[File:machines_slow_electricity.gif\|thumb~~\|231px~~\|right\|Two [[assembling machine]]s running on ~~very low~~ electricity.]]The majority of machines in Factorio consume electricity. There are two aspects to a machine's energy use.		[[File:machines_slow_electricity.gif\|thumb\|right\|Two [[assembling machine]]s running on different electricity supplies.]]

			The majority of machines in Factorio consume electricity. There are two aspects to a machine's energy use.

	* Energy consumption – The energy consumed by the machine while it is actively carrying out a process (crafting an item, moving an item, etc). If an electric network does not have enough power generation to supply all the machines in it, the electricity will be evenly spread across all machines in the network (based on each machine's demand), and all machines will slow down proportionally to the power available.		* Energy consumption – The energy consumed by the machine while it is actively carrying out a process (crafting an item, moving an item, etc). If an electric network does not have enough power generation to supply all the machines in it, the electricity will be evenly spread across all machines in the network (based on each machine's demand), and all machines will slow down proportionally to the power available.
	** For example: If an [[assembling machine 3]] (210kW) and an [[electric mining drill]] (90kW) are on a network (90+210 = 300kW), but the network only has 3 [[solar panel]]s (3×60kW = 180kW) to power them, the Assembling machine and Mining drill will both run at 60% speed (180/300=0.6).		** For example: If an [[assembling machine 3]] (210kW) and an [[electric mining drill]] (90kW) are on a network (90+210 = 300kW), but the network only has 3 [[solar panel]]s (3×60kW = 180kW) to power them, the Assembling machine and Mining drill will both run at 60% speed (180/300=0.6).
	* Drain – The energy consumed by the machine whether it is active or not. Most machines consume a small amount of power just being connected to a network. This is usually negligible, but can become notable in small factories where power is limited. Drain is cumulative with energy cosumption - for example, an active [[assembling machine 2]] will consume 155 kW (150kW energy consumption + 5kW drain).		* Drain – The energy consumed by the machine whether it is active or not. Most machines consume a small amount of power just being connected to a network. This is usually negligible, but can become notable in small factories where power is limited. Drain is cumulative with energy cosumption - for example, an active [[assembling machine 2]] will consume 155 kW (150kW energy consumption + 5kW drain).
			{{clear}}

	=== Connection ===		=== Connection ===
	[[File:~~Disconnect power pole~~.gif\|frame\|right\|An individual connection is removed by redrawing the connection with copper ~~cable~~.]]		[[File:Connect-and-disconnect-copper-wire.gif\|frame\|right\|An individual connection is removed by redrawing the connection with copper wire.]]
	A network is created by placing electrical generators (such as [[steam engine]]s or [[solar panel]]s) and electrical consumers, then ensuring a connection between the generator and consumer can be made using Distributors (such as [[small electric pole]]s) that are connected together. Electric poles cover differently sized areas depending on their type. The area of coverage appears as a blue overlay around the pole. If two poles are placed close enough, the poles connect automatically. A building is connected if one tile of the building is in a covered area. Hovering the cursor over a pole reports the current satisfaction of power demands in that pole's network, and clicking on a pole will provide a detailed GUI about that pole's electric network. (See below)		A network is created by placing electrical generators (such as [[steam engine]]s or [[solar panel]]s) and electrical consumers, then ensuring a connection between the generator and consumer can be made using Distributors (such as [[small electric pole]]s) that are connected together. Electric poles cover differently sized areas depending on their type. The area of coverage appears as a blue overlay around the pole. If two poles are placed close enough, the poles connect automatically. A building is connected if one tile of the building is in a covered area. Hovering the cursor over a pole reports the current satisfaction of power demands in that pole's network, and clicking on a pole will provide a detailed GUI about that pole's electric network. (See below)

	* Use shift-click on a existing pole to remove all its connections to other poles.		* Use shift-click on a existing pole to remove all its connections to other poles.
	* Unconnected poles can be connected with ~~a single~~ [[copper cable]] dragging from pole to pole (Left click on the ''bottom'' of the pole ~~with~~ the ~~cable in hand~~.)		* Unconnected poles can be connected with [[copper cable\|copper wire]] tool in the [[shortcut bar]] by dragging from pole to pole (Left click on the ''bottom'' of the pole while the tool is activated.)
	* Individual connections can be removed by "connecting" them with copper ~~cable~~. This will not consume ~~the cable~~.		* Individual connections can be removed by "connecting" them with copper wire tool. This will not consume anything.
	* You can use place-key (default left mouse) while running/driving to auto-place poles at their greatest connectible distance while covering all unpowered entities on the way. This allows for complete efficiency when connecting long distances. If connecting over long distances, using [[big electric pole]]s is recommended.		* You can use place-key (default left mouse) while running/driving to auto-place poles at their greatest connectible distance while covering all unpowered entities on the way. This allows for complete efficiency when connecting long distances. If connecting over long distances, using [[big electric pole]]s is recommended.

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	# It won't be connected to 2 poles connected to each other (it won't form a 3 pole triangle).		# It won't be connected to 2 poles connected to each other (it won't form a 3 pole triangle).
	# It will not be connected to more than 5 other poles.		# It will not be connected to more than 5 other poles.
			{{clear}}

	== Electric network info screen ==		== Electric network info screen ==
	[[File:Electric network info screen.png\|thumb\|~~400px~~\|The Electric network info GUI ''(Click to enlarge)'']]		[[File:Electric network info screen.png\|thumb\|390px\|The Electric network info GUI ''(Click to enlarge)'']]
	[[File:electric_satisfaction_stress.gif\|thumb\|390px\|Slight stress on the electric system's satisfaction.]]		[[File:electric_satisfaction_stress.gif\|thumb\|390px\|Slight stress on the electric system's satisfaction.]]

Bilka: capitalisation

2025-02-21T13:46:43Z

capitalisation

Cardinal: /* Electric network info screen */ typo

2025-02-13T21:48:23Z

Electric network info screen: typo

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:48, 13 February 2025
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	Note that the timeframe influences the shown detailed production/consumption: the displayed watts is the total average power production or consumption over the full time. Setting longer timeframes also allows seeing the past production or consumption of machines even if they are not currently connected to the network.		Note that the timeframe influences the shown detailed production/consumption: the displayed watts is the total average power production or consumption over the full time. Setting longer timeframes also allows seeing the past production or consumption of machines even if they are not currently connected to the network.

	In [[Space age]] expansion, ~~fliters~~ are provided for graphs to shows the stats for the structures of the selected [[quality]] tiers.		In [[Space age]] expansion, filters are provided for graphs to shows the stats for the structures of the selected [[quality]] tiers.

	== Network priorities ==		== Network priorities ==

Cardinal: /* Electric network info screen */ Updated to 2.0 GUI

2025-02-09T12:57:38Z

Electric network info screen: Updated to 2.0 GUI

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:57, 9 February 2025
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	== Electric network info screen ==		== Electric network info screen ==
	[[File:Electric network info screen.png\|thumb\|400px\|The Electric network info GUI]]		[[File:Electric network info screen.png\|thumb\|400px\|The Electric network info GUI ''(Click to enlarge)'']]
	[[File:electric_satisfaction_stress.gif\|thumb\|390px\|Slight stress on the electric system's satisfaction.]]		[[File:electric_satisfaction_stress.gif\|thumb\|390px\|Slight stress on the electric system's satisfaction.]]

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	# '''Satisfaction''' – The current amount of energy consumed by the network. This bar should be full. If it is not full, it means that the machines connected to the network are consuming more power than is produced, and the bar will change color to yellow (>50%) or red (<50%).		# '''Satisfaction''' – The current amount of energy consumed by the network. This bar should be full. If it is not full, it means that the machines connected to the network are consuming more power than is produced, and the bar will change color to yellow (>50%) or red (<50%).
	# '''Production''' – The current energy produced by the network. This bar should never be full. If it is full, it means that the machines connected to the network are consuming all available energy. The less full this bar is, the more surplus energy is available.		# '''Production''' – The current energy produced by the network. This bar should never be full. If it is full, it means that the machines connected to the network are consuming all available energy. The less full this bar is, the more surplus energy is available.
	# '''[[~~Accumulator\|~~Accumulator]] ~~capacity~~''' – How much energy is currently held inside of the accumulators connected to your network. Measured in [[Units\|joule]]s; 1 Joule = 1 Watt * 1 second (see also [[wikipedia:Joule]]). This bar should be able to fill fully before emptying again.		# '''[[Accumulator]] charge''' – How much energy is currently held inside of the accumulators connected to your network. Measured in [[Units\|joule]]s; 1 Joule = 1 Watt * 1 second (see also [[wikipedia:Joule]]). This bar should be able to fill fully before emptying again.
	# '''Timespan''' - Set the [[Time\|time]] span for the graphs below. "5s" means over the last 5 seconds.		# '''Timespan''' - Set the [[Time\|time]] span for the graphs below. "5s" means over the last 5 seconds.
	# '''Consumption Graph''' – Shows the consumption of the different parts of the network over time.		# '''Consumption Graph''' – Shows the consumption of the different parts of the network over time.
	# '''Production Graph''' – Shows the production of the different producers of the network over time.		# '''Production Graph''' – Shows the production of the different producers of the network over time.
	# '''Detailed Consumption''' – A list of consumers from highest power consumption to lowest. In the picture example, 47 [[radar]]s consume the most power, at ~~14.1 MW~~.		# '''Accumulator Graph''' – Shows the energy held by the accumulators in the network over time.
	# '''Detailed Production''' – A list of producers from highest power production to lowest. In the picture example, ~~1,300~~ [[~~accumulator~~]]s produce the most electricity in the factory.		# '''Detailed Consumption''' – A list of consumers from highest power consumption to lowest. In the picture example, 3 [[radar]]s consume the most power, at 900kW.
			# '''Detailed Production''' – A list of producers from highest power production to lowest. In the picture example, 8 [[steam engine]]s produce the most electricity in the factory.
			# '''Detailed Accumulator''' – A list of energy storage status of the accumulators. In the picture example, 100MJ energy is held in 20 accumulators.

	Note that the timeframe influences the shown detailed production/consumption: the displayed watts is the total average power production or consumption over the full time. Setting longer timeframes also allows seeing the past production or consumption of machines even if they are not currently connected to the network.		Note that the timeframe influences the shown detailed production/consumption: the displayed watts is the total average power production or consumption over the full time. Setting longer timeframes also allows seeing the past production or consumption of machines even if they are not currently connected to the network.

			In [[Space age]] expansion, fliters are provided for graphs to shows the stats for the structures of the selected [[quality]] tiers.

	== Network priorities ==		== Network priorities ==

Alfonse: /* Network priorities */ SA power production priorities.

2024-12-04T22:37:55Z

Network priorities: SA power production priorities.

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:37, 4 December 2024
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	Electricity is provided on a priority basis. The demand for energy is satisfied by generators in following order:		Electricity is provided on a priority basis. The demand for energy is satisfied by generators in following order:

	* [[Solar panel]]s – Top priority; they always work at maximum performance available, unless they can cover all demand of the network, in which case they match demand.		* [[Solar panel]]s – Top priority; they always work at maximum performance available, unless they can cover all demand of the network, in which case they match demand.
	* [[Steam engine]]s ~~and~~ [[Steam turbine]]s – They match whatever demand solar panels cannot satisfy~~; note~~ that ~~Engines and Turbines do~~ have the same priority, leftover demand is equally divided among both.		* [[Lightning rod]]s/[[Lightning collector\|collectors]]{{SA}} - It is unclear if rods/collectors have equal priority to panels or just below them, but if they have lower priority, their priority is still higher than those below.
			* [[Steam engine]]s, [[Steam turbine]]s, and [[Fusion generator]]s{{SA}} – They match whatever demand solar panels cannot satisfy. Note that all of these have the same priority; leftover demand is equally divided among both.
	* [[Accumulator]] – Last resort. They are only discharged when demand cannot be met by other means. They are also only charged when all demand is met, and there is yet more power available.		* [[Accumulator]] – Last resort. They are only discharged when demand cannot be met by other means. They are also only charged when all demand is met, and there is yet more power available.

	There may be situations where different ~~behaviour~~ is desired (such as solar panels combined with accumulators for night-and-day delivery), in which case clever use of a [[power switch]] and the [[circuit network]] is in order.		There may be situations where different behavior is desired (such as solar panels combined with accumulators for night-and-day delivery), in which case clever use of a [[power switch]] and the [[circuit network]] is in order.

	== See also ==		== See also ==

Alfonse: /* Generators */ Forgot to add lightning collectors

2024-12-04T03:11:38Z

Generators: Forgot to add lightning collectors

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:11, 4 December 2024
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	# [[Accumulator]]s – Energy storage, see below		# [[Accumulator]]s – Energy storage, see below
	# [[Steam turbine]]s – High-power Steam engines. Used to generate power from a [[Nuclear reactor]], [[Acid neutralisation]]{{SA}}, or [[Heating tower]]s{{SA}}.		# [[Steam turbine]]s – High-power Steam engines. Used to generate power from a [[Nuclear reactor]], [[Acid neutralisation]]{{SA}}, or [[Heating tower]]s{{SA}}.
			# [[Lightning rod]]s{{SA}} & [[Lightning collector]]s{{SA}} - Converts lightning strikes during [[Fulgora]]'s{{SA}} night into power.
	# [[Fusion generator]]s{{SA}} - Converts plasma from a [[Fusion reactor]] into electricity.		# [[Fusion generator]]s{{SA}} - Converts plasma from a [[Fusion reactor]] into electricity.

Alfonse: /* Generators */ Added some SA power generation methods.

2024-12-04T03:09:46Z

Generators: Added some SA power generation methods.

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:09, 4 December 2024
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	=== Generators ===		=== Generators ===

	There are ~~four~~ ways to produce electricity. More details about each method are available on the [[Power production]] page.		There are several ways to produce electricity. More details about each method are available on the [[Power production]] page.

	# [[Steam engine]]s – Most common, requires [[Boiler\|Boilers]] (which consume [[Water]] and fuel).		# [[Steam engine]]s – Most common, requires [[Boiler\|Boilers]] (which consume [[Water]] and fuel).
	# [[Solar panel]]s – Free energy, but only works during daylight. Usually used with Accumulators.		# [[Solar panel]]s – Free energy, but only works during daylight. Usually used with Accumulators.
	# [[Accumulator]]s – Energy storage, see below		# [[Accumulator]]s – Energy storage, see below
	# [[Steam turbine]]s – High-power Steam engines. Used to generate power from a [[Nuclear reactor]].		# [[Steam turbine]]s – High-power Steam engines. Used to generate power from a [[Nuclear reactor]], [[Acid neutralisation]]{{SA}}, or [[Heating tower]]s{{SA}}.
			# [[Fusion generator]]s{{SA}} - Converts plasma from a [[Fusion reactor]] into electricity.

	If a network consumes less power than is produced, its Steam Engines and ~~Turbines~~ will slow down so that no power is wasted.		If a network consumes less power than is produced, its Steam Engines, Turbines, and fusion generators will slow down so that no power is wasted.

	=== Storage ===		=== Storage ===

Dogman15: /* Steam tanks as power storage */

2024-11-06T18:48:09Z

Steam tanks as power storage

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:48, 6 November 2024
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	** For 500°C steam (produced using [[Heat exchanger\|heat exchangers]]), a single storage tank stores as much as 480 accumulators: <code>2400MJ / 5MJ = 480</code>		** For 500°C steam (produced using [[Heat exchanger\|heat exchangers]]), a single storage tank stores as much as 480 accumulators: <code>2400MJ / 5MJ = 480</code>
	* A [[nuclear reactor]] always fully burns a fuel cell, releasing 8GJ (or more with the multiple reactor bonus) even if power demand is lower. The excess energy can be stored as steam.		* A [[nuclear reactor]] always fully burns a fuel cell, releasing 8GJ (or more with the multiple reactor bonus) even if power demand is lower. The excess energy can be stored as steam.
	* A single [[accumulator]]'s maximum discharge rate is 300kW. On a very heavy load (e.g. laser turret firing), a small accumulator array may not discharge fast enough, causing power disruptions. A steam engine can produce 900kW of energy from the stored steam (3 times faster discharge rate), and a turbine can produce 5800kW (6.4 times faster discharge rate). In other words, a number of turbines or steam engines with steam storage can cope with much higher bursts than the same number of accumulators.		* A single [[accumulator]]'s maximum discharge rate is 300kW. On a very heavy load (e.g. [[laser turret]] firing), a small accumulator array may not discharge fast enough, causing power disruptions. A steam engine can produce 900kW of energy from the stored steam (3 times faster discharge rate), and a turbine can produce 5800kW (6.4 times faster discharge rate). In other words, a number of turbines or steam engines with steam storage can cope with much higher bursts than the same number of accumulators.
	* Steam can be transferred via trains and then consumed remotely via turbines or steam engines. This essentially "transports electricity" using trains.		* Steam can be transferred via trains and then consumed remotely via turbines or steam engines. This essentially "transports electricity" using trains.

Systemparadox: /* Storage */ Add heat pipes and density comparison table

2024-06-22T23:27:19Z

Storage: Add heat pipes and density comparison table

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 * [[Accumulator]]s. Accumulators charge using excess power generated, and discharge when demand exceeds normal production.
 * [[Steam]]. It can be created in [[boiler]]s or [[heat exchanger]]s and stored in the [[storage tank]], allowing steam engines or steam turbines to operate on-demand.
 ==== Steam tanks as power storage ====
@@ Line 32: / Line 33: @@
 * A single [[accumulator]]'s maximum discharge rate is 300kW. On a very heavy load (e.g. laser turret firing), a small accumulator array may not discharge fast enough, causing power disruptions. A steam engine can produce 900kW of energy from the stored steam (3 times faster discharge rate), and a turbine can produce 5800kW (6.4 times faster discharge rate). In other words, a number of turbines or steam engines with steam storage can cope with much higher bursts than the same number of accumulators.
 * Steam can be transferred via trains and then consumed remotely via turbines or steam engines. This essentially "transports electricity" using trains.
 === Distribution ===

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:46, 21 February 2025
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	=== Generators ===		=== Generators ===

	There are several ways to produce electricity. More details about each method are available on the [[~~Power~~ production]] page.		There are several ways to produce electricity. More details about each method are available on the [[power production]] page.

	# [[Steam engine]]s – Most common, requires [[~~Boiler\|Boilers~~]] (which consume [[~~Water~~]] and fuel).		# [[Steam engine]]s – Most common, requires [[boiler]]s (which consume [[water]] and fuel).
	# [[Solar panel]]s – Free energy, but only works during daylight. Usually used with ~~Accumulators~~.		# [[Solar panel]]s – Free energy, but only works during daylight. Usually used with accumulators.
	# [[Accumulator]]s – Energy storage, see below		# [[Accumulator]]s – Energy storage, see below
	# [[Steam turbine]]s – High-power ~~Steam~~ engines. Used to generate power from a [[~~Nuclear~~ reactor]], [[~~Acid~~ neutralisation]]{{SA}}, or [[~~Heating~~ tower]]s{{SA}}.		# [[Steam turbine]]s – High-power steam engines. Used to generate power from a [[nuclear reactor]], [[acid neutralisation]]{{SA}}, or [[heating tower]]s{{SA}}.
	# [[Lightning rod]]s{{SA}} & [[~~Lightning~~ collector]]s{{SA}} - Converts lightning strikes during [[Fulgora]]'s{{SA}} night into power.		# [[Lightning rod]]s{{SA}} & [[lightning collector]]s{{SA}} - Converts lightning strikes during [[Fulgora]]'s{{SA}} night into power.
	# [[Fusion generator]]s{{SA}} - Converts plasma from a [[~~Fusion~~ reactor]] into electricity.		# [[Fusion generator]]s{{SA}} - Converts plasma from a [[fusion reactor]] into electricity.

	If a network consumes less power than is produced, its ~~Steam Engines~~, ~~Turbines~~, and fusion generators will slow down so that no power is wasted.		If a network consumes less power than is produced, its steam engines, turbines, and fusion generators will slow down so that no power is wasted.

	=== Storage ===		=== Storage ===
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	There are several advantages to storing energy in storage tanks compared with storing it in an accumulator:		There are several advantages to storing energy in storage tanks compared with storing it in an accumulator:
	* The energy density of a storage tank tile is much higher than it is with accumulators.		* The energy density of a storage tank tile is much higher than it is with accumulators.
	** For 165°C steam (produced with [[boiler~~\|boilers~~]]), a single storage tank stores as much as 150 accumulators: <code>750MJ / 5MJ = 150</code>		** For 165°C steam (produced with [[boiler]]s), a single storage tank stores as much as 150 accumulators: <code>750MJ / 5MJ = 150</code>
	** For 500°C steam (produced using [[~~Heat~~ exchanger~~\|heat exchangers~~]]), a single storage tank stores as much as 480 accumulators: <code>2400MJ / 5MJ = 480</code>		** For 500°C steam (produced using [[heat exchanger]]s), a single storage tank stores as much as 480 accumulators: <code>2400MJ / 5MJ = 480</code>
	* A [[nuclear reactor]] always fully burns a fuel cell, releasing 8GJ (or more with the multiple reactor bonus) even if power demand is lower. The excess energy can be stored as steam.		* A [[nuclear reactor]] always fully burns a fuel cell, releasing 8GJ (or more with the multiple reactor bonus) even if power demand is lower. The excess energy can be stored as steam.
	* A single [[accumulator]]'s maximum discharge rate is 300kW. On a very heavy load (e.g. [[laser turret]] firing), a small accumulator array may not discharge fast enough, causing power disruptions. A steam engine can produce 900kW of energy from the stored steam (3 times faster discharge rate), and a turbine can produce 5800kW (6.4 times faster discharge rate). In other words, a number of turbines or steam engines with steam storage can cope with much higher bursts than the same number of accumulators.		* A single [[accumulator]]'s maximum discharge rate is 300kW. On a very heavy load (e.g. [[laser turret]] firing), a small accumulator array may not discharge fast enough, causing power disruptions. A steam engine can produce 900kW of energy from the stored steam (3 times faster discharge rate), and a turbine can produce 5800kW (6.4 times faster discharge rate). In other words, a number of turbines or steam engines with steam storage can cope with much higher bursts than the same number of accumulators.
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	* Energy consumption – The energy consumed by the machine while it is actively carrying out a process (crafting an item, moving an item, etc). If an electric network does not have enough power generation to supply all the machines in it, the electricity will be evenly spread across all machines in the network (based on each machine's demand), and all machines will slow down proportionally to the power available.		* Energy consumption – The energy consumed by the machine while it is actively carrying out a process (crafting an item, moving an item, etc). If an electric network does not have enough power generation to supply all the machines in it, the electricity will be evenly spread across all machines in the network (based on each machine's demand), and all machines will slow down proportionally to the power available.
	** For example: If an [[~~Assembling~~ machine 3]] (210kW) and an [[~~Electric~~ mining drill]] (90kW) are on a network (90+210 = 300kW), but the network only has 3 [[~~Solar~~ panel]]s (3×60kW = 180kW) to power them, the Assembling machine and Mining drill will both run at 60% speed (180/300=0.6).		** For example: If an [[assembling machine 3]] (210kW) and an [[electric mining drill]] (90kW) are on a network (90+210 = 300kW), but the network only has 3 [[solar panel]]s (3×60kW = 180kW) to power them, the Assembling machine and Mining drill will both run at 60% speed (180/300=0.6).
	* Drain – The energy consumed by the machine whether it is active or not. Most machines consume a small amount of power just being connected to a network. This is usually negligible, but can become notable in small factories where power is limited. Drain is cumulative with energy cosumption - for example, an active [[~~Assembling~~ machine 2]] will consume 155 kW (150kW energy consumption + 5kW drain).		* Drain – The energy consumed by the machine whether it is active or not. Most machines consume a small amount of power just being connected to a network. This is usually negligible, but can become notable in small factories where power is limited. Drain is cumulative with energy cosumption - for example, an active [[assembling machine 2]] will consume 155 kW (150kW energy consumption + 5kW drain).

	=== Connection ===		=== Connection ===
	[[File:Disconnect power pole.gif\|frame\|right\|An individual connection is removed by redrawing the connection with copper cable.]]		[[File:Disconnect power pole.gif\|frame\|right\|An individual connection is removed by redrawing the connection with copper cable.]]
	A network is created by placing electrical generators (such as [[~~Steam~~ engine]]s or [[~~Solar~~ panel]]s) and electrical consumers, then ensuring a connection between the generator and consumer can be made using Distributors (such as [[~~Small~~ electric pole]]s) that are connected together. Electric poles cover differently sized areas depending on their type. The area of coverage appears as a blue overlay around the pole. If two poles are placed close enough, the poles connect automatically. A building is connected if one tile of the building is in a covered area. Hovering the cursor over a pole reports the current satisfaction of power demands in that pole's network, and clicking on a pole will provide a detailed GUI about that pole's electric network. (See below)		A network is created by placing electrical generators (such as [[steam engine]]s or [[solar panel]]s) and electrical consumers, then ensuring a connection between the generator and consumer can be made using Distributors (such as [[small electric pole]]s) that are connected together. Electric poles cover differently sized areas depending on their type. The area of coverage appears as a blue overlay around the pole. If two poles are placed close enough, the poles connect automatically. A building is connected if one tile of the building is in a covered area. Hovering the cursor over a pole reports the current satisfaction of power demands in that pole's network, and clicking on a pole will provide a detailed GUI about that pole's electric network. (See below)

	* Use shift-click on a existing pole to remove all its connections to other poles.		* Use shift-click on a existing pole to remove all its connections to other poles.
	* Unconnected poles can be connected with a single [[copper cable]] dragging from pole to pole (Left click on the ''bottom'' of the pole with the cable in hand.)		* Unconnected poles can be connected with a single [[copper cable]] dragging from pole to pole (Left click on the ''bottom'' of the pole with the cable in hand.)
	* Individual connections can be removed by "connecting" them with copper cable. This will not consume the cable.		* Individual connections can be removed by "connecting" them with copper cable. This will not consume the cable.
	* You can use place-key (default left mouse) while running/driving to auto-place poles at their greatest connectible distance while covering all unpowered entities on the way. This allows for complete efficiency when connecting long distances. If connecting over long distances, using [[~~Big~~ electric pole]]s is recommended.		* You can use place-key (default left mouse) while running/driving to auto-place poles at their greatest connectible distance while covering all unpowered entities on the way. This allows for complete efficiency when connecting long distances. If connecting over long distances, using [[big electric pole]]s is recommended.

	A newly-placed electric pole will be automatically connected to nearby poles according to the following rules:		A newly-placed electric pole will be automatically connected to nearby poles according to the following rules:
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	# '''Production''' – The current energy produced by the network. This bar should never be full. If it is full, it means that the machines connected to the network are consuming all available energy. The less full this bar is, the more surplus energy is available.		# '''Production''' – The current energy produced by the network. This bar should never be full. If it is full, it means that the machines connected to the network are consuming all available energy. The less full this bar is, the more surplus energy is available.
	# '''[[Accumulator]] charge''' – How much energy is currently held inside of the accumulators connected to your network. Measured in [[Units\|joule]]s; 1 Joule = 1 Watt * 1 second (see also [[wikipedia:Joule]]). This bar should be able to fill fully before emptying again.		# '''[[Accumulator]] charge''' – How much energy is currently held inside of the accumulators connected to your network. Measured in [[Units\|joule]]s; 1 Joule = 1 Watt * 1 second (see also [[wikipedia:Joule]]). This bar should be able to fill fully before emptying again.
	# '''Timespan''' - Set the [[~~Time\|~~time]] span for the graphs below. "5s" means over the last 5 seconds.		# '''Timespan''' - Set the [[time]] span for the graphs below. "5s" means over the last 5 seconds.
	# '''Consumption Graph''' – Shows the consumption of the different parts of the network over time.		# '''Consumption Graph''' – Shows the consumption of the different parts of the network over time.
	# '''Production Graph''' – Shows the production of the different producers of the network over time.		# '''Production Graph''' – Shows the production of the different producers of the network over time.
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	* [[Solar panel]]s – Top priority; they always work at maximum performance available, unless they can cover all demand of the network, in which case they match demand.		* [[Solar panel]]s – Top priority; they always work at maximum performance available, unless they can cover all demand of the network, in which case they match demand.
	* [[Lightning rod]]s/[[Lightning collector\|collectors]]{{SA}} - It is unclear if rods/collectors have equal priority to panels or just below them, but if they have lower priority, their priority is still higher than those below.		* [[Lightning rod]]s/[[Lightning collector\|collectors]]{{SA}} - It is unclear if rods/collectors have equal priority to panels or just below them, but if they have lower priority, their priority is still higher than those below.
	* [[Steam engine]]s, [[~~Steam~~ turbine]]s, and [[~~Fusion~~ generator]]s{{SA}} – They match whatever demand solar panels cannot satisfy. Note that all of these have the same priority; leftover demand is equally divided among both.		* [[Steam engine]]s, [[steam turbine]]s, and [[fusion generator]]s{{SA}} – They match whatever demand solar panels cannot satisfy. Note that all of these have the same priority; leftover demand is equally divided among both.
	* [[Accumulator]] – Last resort. They are only discharged when demand cannot be met by other means. They are also only charged when all demand is met, and there is yet more power available.		* [[Accumulator]] – Last resort. They are only discharged when demand cannot be met by other means. They are also only charged when all demand is met, and there is yet more power available.