Wiktor Wise
In Prison Architect, electricity is a fundamental requirement to provide lighting, water, and power to objects such as TVs, CCTV cameras, and other electrical devices. The power station, which generates electricity, has a limited capacity and can lead to a shutdown or potential explosion if overloaded. To manage this, capacitors can be used to increase the power output and separate power grids can be built to cater to different sections of the prison. Additionally, power switches can be installed to control the flow of electricity, allowing for the creation of kill switches to manage overloads. While electricity is essential for most indoor utilities, outdoor lights do not require a power source, and indoor lights and CCTVs only need to be within a 15-square range of a power line.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Power source | Power station |
| Power station capacity | 50 units of power |
| Capacitor capacity | 50 units each, with the Capacitor Max Plus providing 100 units |
| Electrical cable range | 15 tiles in all directions (does not apply outdoors) |
| Objects requiring direct electrical connection | Objects installed outdoors, e.g. a TV in a yard |
| Objects requiring electricity | Lights, TVs, CCTV cameras, water boilers, door servos |
| Utility view | Provides an overlay of wiring, electrical connections, and plumbing |
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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. They are referred to as "a substation that draws power from the grid". You start the game with one power station provided for free, which can only supply a limited amount of electricity. Each power station generates 50 units of power. If a power station is overloaded, it will shut down as a protective measure to prevent it from exploding.
Capacitors are electrical units that increase the maximum power output of power stations. They are placed on the corners of power stations, forming a 5x5 square when fully upgraded. Each capacitor provides an additional 50 units of power, with the Capacitor Max Plus providing double at 100 units each. If the power station short-circuits, the capacitors will turn off and will need to be turned on again individually. However, turning on the power station will also turn on all surrounding capacitors.
To power objects in your prison, you will need to place electrical cables from the power source to the objects. Electrical cables can reach up to 15 tiles in all directions, but this range is blocked by walls. Some objects with higher power requirements will need a dedicated cable directly connected to them. Objects placed outdoors, such as CCTV cameras, will also need an electrical cable directly underneath them to function.
If your prison requires more power than one power station can provide, you can install additional power stations. However, it is important to note that if two power stations interact on the same electrical path, only one will be able to function at a time.
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Electrical cables
To power larger objects and utilities that demand more power, dedicated electrical cables are necessary, providing a direct connection. This is particularly important for objects installed outdoors, such as CCTV cameras, which won't function with an indoor power connection. Therefore, careful planning is required to ensure sufficient power supply to all necessary areas of the prison.
The Utilities menu in Prison Architect provides a helpful overlay, allowing players to visualise electrical circuits, wiring, and connections. This feature assists in understanding the power requirements of different objects and facilitates efficient cable management. It is important to note that electrical cables can be disrupted by running water, leading to dangerous situations such as power station explosions.
To manage power distribution effectively, players can utilise power stations and capacitors. Power stations generate electricity for the prison, and capacitors increase the power output and capacity of the power station. However, capacitors must be placed directly adjacent to the power station to function optimally. Additionally, separate power grids may need to be established to prevent overloading a single grid.
By understanding the electrical requirements of different objects and utilising the tools provided in the Utilities menu, players can effectively manage electrical cables in Prison Architect. Proper cable management ensures a stable power supply to critical systems and helps prevent power-related incidents within the prison. With careful planning and strategic use of power sources and cables, players can create a well-functioning and safe prison environment.
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Power switches
One of the primary uses of power switches is to enhance safety and security within the prison. For example, you can use a power switch to cut electricity to the kitchen during a riot to prevent fires. Similarly, power switches can be strategically placed to control the power supply to phone taps, ensuring they are only operational during specific hours, such as yard time.
In terms of placement, power switches can be positioned anywhere as long as the space is not occupied by another object or a wall. This flexibility allows for strategic power management throughout the prison. It's worth mentioning that electrical cables have a range of up to 15 tiles in all directions, but this range is blocked by walls, requiring careful cable routing.
Overall, power switches in Prison Architect provide players with the ability to control and manage power distribution within their facilities. They can be used to enhance safety, security, and operational efficiency by selectively activating or deactivating power to specific areas or objects.
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Wired connections
In Prison Architect, electricity is a fundamental requirement to provide lighting, water, and other electrical objects. Electrical cables are used to link objects that need electricity, and they can power objects up to 15 tiles in all directions, except for outdoors.
For wired connections, some objects require a direct electrical connection, where an electrical wire must be connected directly to the object. For example, a TV inside a prison won't need a direct connection, but if placed in a yard, it will. Similarly, electrical items placed outdoors, such as CCTV cameras, will require an electrical cable directly underneath to receive power.
Some objects, like a door servo, require a wired connection to a door control system. This allows for the automatic opening and closing of doors. To avoid a cluttered utility overlay view, the 'tidy wires' feature can be used to clean up wire connections.
It is important to note that capacitors can increase the power output and capacity of a power station. Capacitors must touch the power station to work, and they can prevent a shutdown due to overload.
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Hot water pipes
Hot water is transported across your prison via hot water pipes. Hot water pipes work only when connected to a hot water boiler, which requires electricity. When properly connected, you can connect hot water objects 47 squares away using hot water pipes. However, connecting to the water boiler with small pipes will shorten the distance the hot water will run. Large pipes should be used to transport water over long distances, and small pipes should be used to run water into buildings. Large pipes can move water up to 764 blocks, while small pipes can transmit water up to 38 tiles from a large pipe or water pump station. The pressure of water in large pipes can be indicated by how bright the blue colour of the water is. If the water pressure in the large pipe is low, the maximum range of the small pipes will decrease.
It is important to note that if running water touches a power station, it will explode or burst into flames. Therefore, when dealing with water and electricity, pipe valves and power switches can be used to make the area safe for firemen and workmen in the event of a water or electricity fire ignition.
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Frequently asked questions
You cannot remove the electrical requirement in Prison Architect as all prison facilities will require a supply of electricity to function.
If the Power Station is running near maximum capacity, it may explode. To prevent this, keep an eye on the red bar on the Power Station. Once this reaches the top, the Power Station is at its limit. You can increase its capacity using capacitors.
You will need to place a line of electrical cables from the Power Station to the utilities that require power. Electricity from a cable reaches up to 15 tiles in all directions, but this range is blocked by walls.
Connecting two Power Stations will cause their entire electricity systems to collapse, and only one will be able to function at a time.
