Power Grid Calculator
Calculate the exact number of cables, extenders, and materials needed to connect your power sources to the Lazarus Complex and other facilities. Account for obstacles and optimize your electrical infrastructure.
Calculate Your Power Grid
Approximate straight-line distance before obstacles
Current Inventory (Optional)
How to Use the Calculator
Select Source
Choose your power origin: Generator Room, Solar Array, or Lazarus Main Grid
Set Destination
Pick where power needs to go: Lazarus Levels, Docking Bay, or Storage Area
Add Details
Enter distance and obstacles (walls +30%, floors +50%, water +20%)
Understanding Results
Adjusted Distance
Total cable route length after accounting for all obstacles. Used to calculate materials.
Cables Needed
Number of 20-meter cable segments required. Round up to ensure complete coverage.
Extenders Required
Signal boosters needed (1 per 4 cables) to maintain power transmission quality.
Material Costs
Total plastic and copper required. Check inventory before starting construction.
Optimization Strategies
Route Planning
- Use vertical shafts when connecting multiple floors to reduce cable waste
- Place intermediate power sources for runs exceeding 100 meters
- Plan routes that minimize obstacle crossings whenever possible
- Consider future expansion when laying initial cable infrastructure
Resource Management
Plastic
Primary cable insulation material. Essential for all electrical work.
Sources: Debris fields, recycled equipment, storage containers
Copper
Conductor material. Critical for power transmission.
Sources: Generator rooms, electrical panels, old wiring
Lazarus Complex Power
- Base consumption: 100 Wh continuous
- Per incubation chamber: +20 Wh
- Full operation (5 chambers): 200 Wh total
- Efficiency Matrix upgrade: -10% consumption
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Floor crossings add 50% to route length. Always account for vertical travel.
Power loss occurs without extenders. Place one every 4 cables automatically.
Check inventory first. Calculator warns if materials are insufficient.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is each power cable?
Each power cable segment is 20 meters long and can be connected to other cables using extenders.
Do I need extenders for every cable?
No, you need one extender for every 4 cables to maintain electrical signal strength.
Can I reduce material costs?
Yes! Recycle old electronics and equipment for plastic and copper. Also, plan efficient routes that minimize cable length. Our calculator helps identify the most material-efficient paths.
What if I don't have enough materials?
The calculator will warn you if your current inventory is insufficient. Consider exploring debris fields or recycling equipment before building. See our Resource Farming Guide for locations.
Always add 10-20% extra cable to your calculations for routing flexibility. Having spare cables available lets you adjust routes during construction without running short on materials.
