Electrical Systems¶
Power Grid provides the late-game electrical economy for industrial automation. Electrical systems work alongside Create's mechanical power but serve a different purpose.
Key mods¶
- Power Grid — integrated circuits, electrical components, power generation
How it works¶
Create provides rotational power through shafts, belts, and gearboxes. Power Grid provides electrical power through generators, wiring, and transformers. The two systems are separate. You need both for a fully operational base.
Use Create for mechanical tasks (mixing, pressing, deploying). Use Power Grid for electrical tasks (radar, advanced automation, communication).
Integrated circuits¶
Integrated circuits are the core component of the electrical economy. They gate:
- Radar components
- Advanced electrical systems
- Late-game automation
CC:BR and Power Grid
CC:BR (Create: CC Better Recipes) rebalances CC:Tweaked recipes to require Create materials like brass and copper. Power Grid adds its own integrated_circuit used for radar and electrical systems. These are separate systems — Power Grid circuits are not used in CC:Tweaked recipes, and CC:BR does not provide a bypass to Power Grid costs.
To craft integrated circuits, you need Power Grid components. The recipe requires electronic parts that come from Power Grid's own crafting tree.
Power generation¶
Power Grid provides several ways to generate electrical power:
Generators¶
| Generator | Fuel | Output |
|---|---|---|
| Basic generator | Coal, charcoal, wood | Low |
| Advanced generator | Diesel, gasoline | Medium |
| Solar panel | Sunlight | Variable |
Connect generators to wiring to distribute power across your base.
Wiring¶
Wiring carries electrical power from generators to consumers. Key rules:
- Wiring has a distance limit. Signals weaken over long distances.
- Wiring has a capacity limit. Too many devices on one line cause power loss.
- Use transformers to step voltage up or down for long-distance transmission.
Transformers¶
Transformers adjust voltage levels. Step up voltage for long-distance wiring. Step down voltage for local distribution.
Storage¶
Electrical storage holds power for later use. Batteries charge when generators produce excess power. Batteries discharge when generators are offline or overloaded.
Use cases¶
- Radar arrays — all radar components require integrated circuits
- Advanced automation — electrical systems for precision control
- Communication — long-range signal transmission
Integration with Create¶
The recommended setup uses both systems:
- Create drives mechanical machines (mixers, presses, drills, fans)
- Power Grid drives electrical machines (radar, communication, sensors)
Do not try to replace one with the other. Each system has its own strengths.
Tips¶
- Integrate Power Grid with Create. Use Create for mechanical power and Power Grid for electrical power.
- Stockpile integrated circuits. They are expensive and gate most late-game tech.
- Plan your power grid layout. Wiring has distance limits and capacity constraints.
- Start with solar. Solar panels are simple and need no fuel.
- Use transformers for long runs. Step up voltage to reduce power loss over distance.