Basic Wiring

The Wiring Tool: LF Cable Reel

The LF Cable Reel (LFPG_CableReel) is the primary tool for connecting devices together in LF PowerGrid. It allows you to establish wired connections between power sources, batteries, switches, and consuming devices. You can craft the Cable Reel from a Kit Box using basic materials.

Once equipped, the Cable Reel enables you to interact with compatible devices and create electrical circuits. The reel contains enough cable for multiple connections and will display connection status when you aim at devices.

How to Connect Devices

Step-by-Step Wiring Process

Follow these steps to create your first wire connection:

1. Equip the Cable Reel: Hold the LF Cable Reel in your hands
2. Start Connection: Aim at the first device (e.g., Solar Panel) and interact (right-click/action key) to begin the wire
3. Walk to Second Device: Move to the second device you want to connect (e.g., Battery). The cable will extend from the first device as you walk
4. Complete Connection: Aim at the second device and interact again to complete the connection
5. Verify Connection: Both devices will display a visual or UI indicator showing they are now connected

You can create complex networks by repeating these steps, connecting batteries to switches, switches to devices, and devices to logic gates for automation.

Wire Specifications and Limits

LF PowerGrid enforces several technical limits to prevent performance issues and encourage thoughtful circuit design:

Specification	Value	Description
Maximum Wire Length	100 meters	Total distance a single wire can span
Wire Segment Length	50 meters	Maximum distance between waypoints on a wire
Waypoints per Wire	10 maximum	Number of turns/corners a single wire can have
Connections per Device	12 maximum	Maximum number of wires that can connect to one device

These limits encourage efficient circuit design and prevent single grids from becoming overly complex. If you hit a limit, consider splitting your grid or relocating devices closer together.

Power Units: The Universal Measurement

All power in LF PowerGrid is measured in units per second (u/s). This is a universal measurement that represents the rate at which electrical energy flows through your circuits.

• Power Generation: Solar panels produce power in u/s based on conditions (sunny = high output)
• Power Storage: Batteries store energy and release it at specified rates
• Power Consumption: Each device consumes a specific amount of u/s when active
• Circuit Load: Total consumption divided by available supply, expressed as a percentage

Example: If a Solar Panel generates 20 u/s and a Ceiling Light consumes 10 u/s, your circuit is at 50% load.

Power Flow and Distribution

Circuit Topology: Source → Battery → Switch → Device

LF PowerGrid uses a breadth-first search (BFS) graph-based distribution algorithm to route power through your circuits. Power flows from sources to all connected devices following the path of least resistance.

The standard circuit topology is:

How Power Distribution Works

• Sources: Solar Panels and other generators produce power continuously
• Batteries: Store excess power and provide it when sources cannot meet demand
• Switches: Control whether power is allowed to flow to downstream devices
• Devices: Consume power to perform their function (light, cool, heat, etc.)
• Logic Gates: Process signals and control switches based on conditions

The BFS algorithm ensures power reaches all devices fairly and that all available power is utilized before affecting battery reserves.

Overload Conditions

When Supply Cannot Meet Demand

LF PowerGrid implements strict overload protection. When the total power demand exceeds available supply (i.e., demand ≥ 100% of supply), ALL devices on that grid shut off immediately to prevent damage.

This is a safety feature to prevent circuits from operating under dangerously high loads. To recover from an overload:

• Increase power supply (add more solar panels, charge batteries, etc.)
• Decrease power demand (turn off unnecessary devices, remove high-consumption items)
• Wait for battery reserves to charge (if using renewable sources)

Monitor your circuit load percentage to stay safely below 100% and maintain stable operations.

Your First Circuit: Detailed Example

Simple Lighting Circuit

Here's a complete walkthrough of building your first power grid:

Setup Steps:

1. Equip the Cable Reel
2. Place a Solar Panel outdoors in a visible location
3. Interact with the Solar Panel (start wire) and walk to a nearby Battery
4. Interact with the Battery to complete the connection
5. Interact with the Battery (start new wire) and walk to a Switch
6. Interact with the Switch to complete the connection
7. Interact with the Switch (start new wire) and walk to a Ceiling Light
8. Interact with the Light to complete the final connection
9. Toggle the switch on - your light should illuminate!

Your circuit now operates at 50% capacity, which is safe. The solar panel provides 20 u/s, the light consumes 10 u/s, and the battery can store excess energy for use at night.

Power Budget Planning

Designing Circuits for Stability

Plan your circuits to never exceed 90-95% load to maintain safety margin and ensure devices don't shut off during supply fluctuations (clouds, weather, battery drain).

Setup Type	Supply (u/s)	Demand (u/s)	Load %	Status
Basic Light	20	10	50%	Safe
Light + Fridge	40	30	75%	Safe
Light + Fridge + Door	40	45	112%	Overload
Light + Fridge + Door	60	45	75%	Safe

Planning Tips:

• Always add extra solar panels beyond your calculated need (accounts for clouds and weather)
• Size batteries to store 2-3 hours of production at peak generation
• Use switches to isolate non-essential devices during low-supply periods
• Group devices by priority and control with separate switch branches
• Test circuits before filling them with critical items (food, weapons storage, etc.)