Molly Ayala
In Prison Architect, electricity is a necessity for any prison facility. Lighting, water, and electrical objects all require a power source to function. The Power Station is the main source of electricity, providing power to objects that need it. It is important to note that a single Power Station has limited electrical capacity, and if overloaded, it may shut down or explode. To increase capacity, capacitors can be used. Electrical cables are used to link objects to a power source, with a range of up to 15 tiles in all directions, except diagonally under walls. Some objects may require a direct electrical connection, especially if placed outdoors. The Utilities menu provides an overlay of all wiring, electrical connections, and plumbing, allowing players to manage their prison's functionality effectively.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Power source | Power Station |
| Power Station capacity | Limited; can be increased with capacitors |
| Power Station overload | Protective measure forces shutdown to prevent explosion |
| Power Station and water | Power Station will explode if it comes into contact with water |
| Power Station and Power Switches | Installing Power Switches allows control over electricity flow |
| Electrical Cable | Used to link objects that need electricity |
| Electrical Cable range | Reaches up to 15 tiles in all directions, blocked by walls |
| Electrical Cable and outdoor items | Electrical items placed outdoors require a direct electrical cable underneath |
| Lights | Need to be within close proximity to a working electric cable |
| Objects requiring direct electrical connection | TV placed outdoors, door servo |
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What You'll Learn
Power stations and capacitors
Power stations are essential to providing electricity to your prison in Prison Architect. When starting a new prison, one power station is provided for free. This power station can only supply limited amounts of electricity, so if you exceed its electrical capacity, it will shut down as a protective measure before it overloads and potentially explodes. Each power station generates 50 units of power.
You can install more power stations if one is not enough to satisfy your prison's needs. However, it's important to note that if two power stations interact on the same electrical path, both will shut down, and only one will be able to function at a time. Therefore, when placing multiple power stations, the circuits must be separated from each other.
Capacitors are devices that increase a power station's electrical capacity and power output. They are placed around a power station, with a maximum of 16 capacitors forming a 5x5 square around it when fully upgraded. Each capacitor outputs an additional 50 units of power, except for the Capacitor Max Plus, which outputs 100 units. Capacitors can be upgraded to Capacitor 2.0, which are twice as efficient but also twice as expensive.
If a power station short-circuits or is overloaded, it will shut down along with its capacitors. Turning a power station on will also turn on all surrounding capacitors.
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Electrical cables
It is important to note that electricity from a cable has a limited range, typically reaching up to 15 tiles in all directions. This range is sufficient to power small electrical objects such as light bulbs. However, walls can obstruct the flow of electricity, requiring the cable to be placed strategically. For objects that demand more power, a dedicated cable directly connected to the object may be necessary.
When dealing with outdoor electrical items, such as CCTV cameras, a direct approach is required. These items need an electrical cable placed directly underneath them to receive power. This is a key distinction from indoor items, which can be powered from a short distance.
The Utilities menu in Prison Architect provides a comprehensive view of your prison's electrical system. It displays all the wiring, electrical connections, and plumbing, helping you maintain a functioning facility. This feature allows you to manage and troubleshoot any issues with power distribution.
Additionally, power switches can be installed to control the flow of electricity. These switches enable you to shut down power in non-essential sections, ensuring that essential areas remain operational during an overload. This feature is particularly useful for managing power distribution and preventing potential overloads or explosions. Overall, understanding how to effectively utilise electrical cables and power sources is key to maintaining a well-functioning and safe prison in Prison Architect.
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Wired objects
Wires are used to connect objects labelled as "Wired". Wired objects include CCTV cameras, which need to be wired to a CCTV monitor, and door servos, which need to be wired to a door control system. Wires are directional and must be installed in the correct sequence. For example, to make a door servo and door control system work, you must connect the door control system to the door servo, not the other way around.
Wires can also be used to connect logic circuit pieces, such as logic bridges and pressure pads. Phone booths may be wired to a phone tap. Wired objects can be wired in the Utilities menu.
Lights, TVs, and CCTV cameras need to be within close proximity to a working electric cable to turn on. Some objects require a direct electrical connection, where an electrical wire must be connected directly to an object. Objects that are installed outside or outdoors will usually need a direct electrical connection. For example, a TV placed in a yard will need a direct electrical connection.
To view all wires connected to an object, click "Show Wires". To rearrange wires, click "Tidy Wires".
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Power switches
To connect electricity in Prison Architect, you'll need to understand the basics of power generation and distribution. Your prison's electricity is generated by a power station, which draws power from the main grid. Each power station has a limited capacity, and if it reaches its maximum, it will stop functioning and may even explode. To increase the capacity and power output, you can utilise capacitors, with the Capacitor Max Plus providing the highest output of 100 units.
When it comes to distributing power, electrical cables play a vital role. These cables link objects that require electricity, and their range is crucial. Electricity from a cable typically reaches up to 15 tiles in all directions, but this range is blocked by walls. Lights, TVs, and CCTV cameras are examples of objects that can be powered by proximity to a working electric cable. However, some objects, particularly those placed outdoors, require a direct electrical connection, with a cable directly underneath them.
Overall, power switches offer a strategic approach to electricity management in Prison Architect. They allow you to prioritise essential areas, conserve resources, and maintain the safety of your prison by preventing potential power-related disasters.
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Water boilers
- Water boilers require a direct supply of water and electricity to function. They are connected to a cold water pipe and have a direct electrical connection.
- Hot water generated by the boilers is only transferable through hot water pipes. The distance the hot water can travel is affected by the type of water pipe attached. Large water pipes can stabilize the distance, and these pipes should have high-pressure water flowing through them.
- The ideal standard temperature for prisoners is 20°C/68°F. If the prisoners become too cold, the danger temperature of the prison will rise, leading to potential issues.
- Hot water pipes are separate from cold water pipes and can be overlaid with no penalty. Multiple hot water pipe systems can be interconnected.
- Radiators, supplied with hot water, can be used to warm cold areas of the prison.
- Sinks and showers will function faster if supplied with hot water.
- Boilers are also a decent source of heat for your prison. However, placing a boiler outdoors will result in the heat dissipating instead of warming the prison.
- If weather and temperature are not enabled from the start menu/map settings, water boilers will only produce cold water.
- To manage the electricity supply to the boilers, you can use power switches to control the flow of electricity. This is useful if you need to fix an overload or if a power station catches fire.
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Frequently asked questions
You are provided with one Power Station to begin with, which generates electricity for your prison. This will be enough to power a limited number of objects.
You can increase the power output of your Power Station using capacitors. Alternatively, you can install additional Power Stations.
You need to place a line of electrical cables from the Power Station to the object. Objects within 15 tiles of a cable can be powered. Some objects may require a dedicated cable.
Yes, outdoor objects like CCTV cameras will require an electrical cable directly underneath them to receive power.
