Power Shutoff and rarely used objects

[zOldBulldog]

My instincts tell me that a Rock Crusher or Exosuit Forge (machines that consume plenty of power) should be able to send a signal to a Power Shutoff when machine has a work order, so that power is only consumed when needed.

But I could not find any information anywhere. Can this be done, or do I need to use a manual power switch to avoid wasting energy?

[Elidrin]

Machines only consume power when used.

[zOldBulldog]

I thought I read somewhere that there is some "idle" power consumption. Is that wrong?

[fluxtorrent]

Yes, you can verify this by clicking on any wire and seeing its load. put only a rock crusher on that line and see how its using 0 watts when not being operated.

edit: power shutoff is still useful for circuits that are setup to overload if everything on them is running. you can use it to make sure only certain machines on it are running at any given time.

[Defektiv]

Put devices you don't use very often behind a switch. Then you can hit the switch or automate it switching under certain conditions later.

[Bokonon]

Originally posted by fluxtorrent:

Yes, you can verify this by clicking on any wire and seeing its load. put only a rock crusher on that line and see how its using 0 watts when not being operated.

This, and/or click any building and look at it's Energy tab, you'll see exactly what's being produced and consumed for the entire circuit.

[Mykepatch]

I often use shutoffs to head fluids to what needs them... with appropriate logic. I find them very useful... Not everyone plays the same way.