LF PowerGrid
Guide

Getting Started

Learn how to install and set up LF PowerGrid on your DayZ server.

What is LF PowerGrid?

LF PowerGrid is a comprehensive modular electrical and automation system for DayZ. It transforms bases from static structures into dynamic, electrified ecosystems with intelligent power distribution, persistent energy storage, remote control, and advanced automation logic. The system features 20+ interconnected devices spanning power generation (solar, furnace), energy storage (batteries), control (switches, logic gates), sensors (motion, laser, pressure), and 15+ powered appliances (lights, locks, fridges, cooking) that players wire together to build sophisticated base infrastructure.

Core Concept: Modular Power Networks

LF PowerGrid is built on the principle of modular power distribution. Rather than global power pools, each device is a node in a wired network. Power flows from sources (solar, furnace) through distribution (splitters, combiners, switches) to consumers (lights, appliances, locks). This design allows granular control, redundancy planning, and creative automation at every scale—from simple lighting to massive group bases with specialized power zones.

Basic Workflow: Deploy → Wire → Monitor

Building a powered base follows this repeating cycle:

  1. Deploy Source: Place solar panel or furnace to generate power
  2. Build Network: Lay cables using kits to connect source to destinations
  3. Connect Consumer: Place lights, locks, devices at the end of power lines
  4. Add Control: Insert switches, sensors, or logic gates to automate behavior
  5. Monitor LEDs: Watch LED indicators (Green=powered, Red=blocked) to diagnose power flow

Installation

For Players

Subscribe to the mod on the Steam Workshop. It will automatically download and stay updated. When joining a server that runs LF PowerGrid, the mod will be loaded automatically with all mod items available.

For Server Owners

Add LF PowerGrid to your server startup parameters and copy the mod key to your keys directory. The mod includes sensible default configurations that work out of the box. Optionally customize power rates, device weight scaling, consumption penalties, and other settings via server config files.

Device Categories & Overview

Power Generation

Generate electricity to power your base:

  • Solar Panel T1: 20 u/s daytime (basic, cheapest)
  • Solar Panel T2: 50 u/s daytime (upgraded, high-output)
  • Furnace: 50 u/s any time (burns items as fuel, works 24/7)
  • Generator: Converts fuel to power (alternative source)

Energy Storage

Buffer power for nighttime, peak loads, and emergencies:

  • Small Battery: 2,000 units (basic backup, 3-5 min autonomy at 10 u/s)
  • UPS Battery: 10,000 units (medium, bridges night at low consumption)
  • Battery Large / Substation: 50,000 units (massive capacity for large bases)

Distribution & Routing

Route power efficiently across your base:

  • Splitter: 1 input → 3 outputs (branches power, no loss)
  • Combiner: 2-3 inputs → 1 output (merges power, inverse of splitter)
  • Battery Adapter: Converts between power network and battery direct-mount

Control & Switching

Manually control power flow:

  • Switch V1: Basic persistent toggle (stay ON/OFF until toggled)
  • Switch V2: RF-remote controllable toggle (wireless switching)
  • Push Button: Momentary pulse switch (2 second burst, auto-resets)

Automation & Logic

Create conditional power delivery:

  • Motion Sensor: Detects players within 15m, gates power accordingly (three detect modes)
  • Pressure Pad: Detects footsteps, gates power (entry triggers)
  • Laser Detector: Triggers when laser beam blocked (perimeter alarms)
  • Logic Gates: AND, OR, XOR, Memory gates for complex automation
  • Timer: Delays/extends power pulses and scheduled activation

Appliances & Devices

Use power for practical base functionality:

  • Lights: Ceiling Light, Wall Light, Exterior Light (10 u/s each, cast shadows)
  • Locks: Door Controller, Fence Lock (5 u/s each, remote-controllable)
  • Storage: Refrigerator (15 u/s, preserves perishables)
  • Cooking: Electric Stove, Cooktop (variable consumption, advanced recipes)
  • Farming: Sprinkler (5 u/s, auto-waters crops with Water Pump)
  • Monitoring: CCTV Camera, Monitor (15 u/s, surveillance network)
  • Misc: Water Pump, Slow Cooker, Bitcoin ATM, Electronic Counter

Specialized Equipment

  • Kit Box: Crafts and manages all electrical cables and connections
  • RF Controller / Remote: Wireless control for Switch V2 and other RF devices

Entry-Level Build Examples

Simple Lit Shelter

Solar Panel T1 (20 u/s)
Switch
Ceiling Light (10 u/s)
Devices (10 u/s)

Easiest first build. Solar charges during day; light activates on demand. No batteries needed if you don't mind daylight-only operation. Perfect for small shelters or watchtowers.

24-Hour Autonomous Shelter

Solar Panel T2 (50 u/s)
UPS Battery (10k units)
Switch V1
Ceiling Light

Battery buffers solar during day, powers light at night. 10,000 unit battery sustains 10 u/s light load for ~16 minutes—enough for brief nighttime use. Upgrade battery capacity for longer runtime.

Furnace-Powered Base Loop

Furnace (50 u/s)
Battery
Switch V1
2x Ceiling Lights
1x Refrigerator
Door Lock

Furnace runs 24/7 burning items from your loot pile. Battery buffers peaks. Ideal for group bases where fuel is abundant. Combines with solar for true 24-hour redundancy.

Remote-Controlled Entry Lights

Solar T2
Battery
Splitter
Motion Sensor
Ceiling Light 1
Ceiling Light 2
Ceiling Light 3

Lights auto-activate when players approach base entrance. Motion sensor detects within 15m range. Saves power by only lighting when needed. Upgrade to laser detector for perimeter coverage.

Key Features & Capabilities

  • 20+ Devices: Comprehensive ecosystem covering power, storage, control, automation, and appliances
  • Dynamic Power Flow: Power routes intelligently based on demand; batteries auto-charge/discharge
  • Persistent Storage: Battery charge survives server restarts; energy stored across sessions
  • RF Control: Switch V2 and other devices respond to wireless remotes for hands-free operation
  • Advanced Automation: Logic gates, timers, sensors enable complex conditional power systems
  • Cooking System: Electric stoves unlock advanced recipes and automation-dependent meals
  • Surveillance: CCTV cameras and monitors build security networks across large bases
  • Zero Power Loss: Splitters, combiners, switches have no internal consumption—use freely
  • Modular Expansion: Start small (one light) and scale to massive bases (100+ devices)

Common Build Patterns

Single-Zone Base

Source
Battery
Switch
All Devices

Simplest architecture. One switch controls everything. Good for small shelters and test bases.

Multi-Zone Base

Source
Battery
Splitter
Zone A Switch → Zone A Devices
Zone B Switch → Zone B Devices
Zone C Switch → Zone C Devices

Each zone has independent switch. Enables controlled power rationing and zone-by-zone automation.

Redundant High-Reliability Base

Solar T2 (day)
Furnace (24/7)
Combiner
Splitter
Battery 1
Critical Devices
Battery 2

Multiple sources and batteries ensure critical systems stay online even if one source/battery fails.

Next Steps

Browse the sidebar to explore each device in detail. Click any device to view:

  • Full technical specifications (class, ports, consumption, capacity)
  • Detailed mechanics and behavior explanation
  • Multiple wiring examples with power flow diagrams
  • Tips, tricks, and optimization strategies

Start with power generation (solar or furnace), add storage (battery), then build out control and appliances. The system is forgiving—mistakes won't destroy bases, just leave devices unpowered.

Resources & Community

  • Installation Guide: See sidebar for detailed setup instructions
  • Device Specifications: Each device page has complete technical data
  • Wiring Examples: Every device includes multiple real-world build examples
  • Troubleshooting: Check LED indicators (Green=power, Red=blocked) to diagnose issues