Survival in the harsh conditions of a wild island often requires not only strength and endurance, but also basic comfort, which provides refrigerator. In the world of ARK: Survival Evolved, this item is critical for storing perishable food, fertilizer, and extending the life of your pet dinosaurs. However, for the device to work, it requires a stable source of electricity, which becomes a serious challenge for new and even experienced survivors.
The process of providing the base with electricity begins long before you place the refrigerator itself on the workbench. You will have to go from extracting crude oil to creating complex circuits with electrical cables sockets. A miscalculation or incorrect connection could cause your entire system to fail, leaving your inventory unprotected. Understanding the principles of operation of generators and energy distribution is the key to successful automation of the base.
In this guide, we will analyze all the stages of creating a power system that is guaranteed to power your refrigerator. We will look at the choice between a windmill and a generator, proper wiring and connection nuances in various conditions. If you want your base to function like a clock, and the meat not to spoil after a couple of hours, carefully study the following sections.
Required resources and drawings to create the system
Before you start assembling, make sure that you have all the necessary ones open. engrams. Without studying blueprints at a low level of progress, you simply will not be able to create complex electrical components. The basis of the system will be a generator, which will require a significant amount of metal and electronics. Don't forget also about cables, without which energy transfer is impossible.
To create a basic power system you will need to collect an impressive list of resources. Metal ingots will be required in huge quantities, so prepare several furnaces in advance or use industrial smelter to speed up the process. Electronics are created from metal ingots, redstone ingots and black pearls, which makes them quite expensive components in the early stages.
⚠️ Note: The generator and refrigerator require level 35 and 25 respectively to create. Make sure you invest engram points correctly, otherwise progress will stop.
Below is a table with an approximate calculation of resources to create a minimum viable system from one generator, one refrigerator and the required number of cables for connection.
| Component | Metal Ingot | Electronics | Polymer | Crystal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Generator | 140 | 20 | 10 | 20 |
| Refrigerator | 80 | 10 | 5 | 10 |
| El. cable (1 piece) | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| El. socket | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
Assembling all the components may take time, especially if you are playing alone. It is recommended to first create a generator and provide it with fuel, and then start laying a network. Polymers It is best to mine in the ocean or on snowy peaks, since quite a lot of them are required for crafting.
Choosing an energy source: Generator or Windmill?
The main question that every survivor faces is: what to choose as a power source? In ARK, there are two main ways to generate electricity for the refrigerator: burning fuel in generator or using wind power through a wind turbine. Each method has its pros and cons, which directly affect the efficiency of your base.
The generator is a classic solution that works stably in any weather. Its power depends on the quality of the fuel used. Gasoline provides the best efficiency, but is expensive to produce. Crude oil burns faster and produces less energy, while coal is the cheapest but least efficient option. For a refrigerator that must operate around the clock, a constant supply of fuel is important.
- ⚡ The generator requires constant replenishment of fuel, which can distract from other matters.
- 🌬️ The windmill is completely autonomous, but its output depends on the installation height and wind strength in the location.
- 💰 The generator is cheaper to produce, but more expensive to maintain with resources.
- 🏔️ A windmill requires installation on a hill, which is not always convenient for a base.
If you live on a map with constant winds and can build a base on a high mountain or platform, a windmill will be an excellent choice. However, for most players, especially at the initial and middle stages, generator remains a more predictable option. It ensures that the refrigerator does not turn off due to calm conditions, which is critical for saving resources.
Correct laying of electrical cables
After the energy source has been selected and installed, the network installation stage begins. Electrical cables in ARK have a limit on the connection length. You can't just throw a cable across the island; the maximum distance between two connection points is approximately 13-14 foundations. This means that for large bases it will be necessary to use intermediate sockets or several generators.
Cables can be laid along the ground, along walls and even along the ceiling. It is important to watch the visual indicator: if the cable is pulled too tight or passes through solid objects, the connection will break. Use electrical sockets not only as endpoints for the refrigerator, but also as nodes for branching out the network. This allows you to create complex lighting and automation schemes.
⚠️ Attention: The cable cannot pass through doorways or windows without the use of special adapters or bypasses. Plan your route in advance so you don't have to break down walls.
To connect the refrigerator, you need to run the cable from the generator to the outlet, and then insert the refrigerator cord into this outlet. Make sure the green light on the generator is on to indicate there is power. If the indicator flashes or lights up red, check the continuity of the line and the presence of fuel.
Setting up and connecting the refrigerator
When the electricity is connected, installation refrigerator becomes a matter of technology. Place the item in a convenient location, preferably near a workbench or kitchen for easy access. Once installed, go to the outlet and press the interact button to connect the refrigerator. In the management interface you will see the current charge level and energy consumption.
It is important to set priorities correctly if you have multiple energy sources or a complex network. The refrigerator consumes relatively little energy compared to industrial ovens or turrets, but turning it off is unacceptable. Make sure that there are no short circuits in the network, which can occur if the cables are damaged by dinosaurs or enemies.
The refrigerator interface allows you to see timers for damage to items. There are preservation multipliers inside: meat lasts 100 times longer than in a box. This makes energy costs completely justified. Do not forget the fuel level in the generator to avoid sudden defrosting.
☑️ Check before starting
Consumption calculation and network optimization
The power system in ARK has its limits. Each generator has a maximum powerthat it can output. If you connect too many appliances, the system may not be able to withstand it, although the refrigerator alone will not create such a load. The problems begin when you decide to power light, turrets and industrial devices from one generator.
One generator can support the operation of several refrigerators and dozens of lamps simultaneously. However, if you plan to scale your base, you might want to consider separating your networks. Create a separate line for critical items such as the refrigerator and incubator, and a separate one for lighting and decorations. This will help avoid cascading shutdowns.
You can use timers to optimize fuel consumption if you play on servers with such mechanics, but for a refrigerator this is a bad idea. It must work 24/7. The best optimization is to use high quality gasoline, which is produced from oil in a refinery, and not in a workbench.
The secret to long-lasting work
One full stack of gasoline (100 pcs.) in the generator can power a refrigerator and a couple of lamps for several in-game days. Don’t be afraid to refill “with reserve.”
Frequent problems and ways to solve them
Even with proper assembly, problems may occur. Most often, players are faced with the fact that the refrigerator does not turn on, although the generator is working. In 90% of cases the problem lies in a broken circuit. The cable may have been accidentally disconnected during construction or damaged by a flying pteranodon. Carefully inspect the entire line from source to consumer.
Another problem is lack of fuel. The generator may be strained if you are using cheap coal or low quality crude oil. Switching to gasoline will solve the problem of frequent refueling. Also make sure that the generator is not blocked by building elements, which sometimes happens when expanding the base.
- 🔍 Check that the green indicator on the socket is lit.
- 🔥 Make sure that the generator has fuel and it did not run out while you were away.
- 🔌 Reconnect the cable in the outlet, sometimes repeated interaction is required.
- 🏗️ Make sure that the distance between the generator and the outlet is not too far.
If all else fails, try dismantling the refrigerator and reinstalling it. Sometimes the game engine can get stuck, and simply restarting the item solves the problem. Also check that the refrigerator's inventory is not full, although this rarely affects the ability to turn on.
Is it possible to power the refrigerator from a wind turbine in a cave?
No, there is no wind in caves, so wind turbines there do not generate energy. In underground bases, use only generators.
How many refrigerators can be connected to one generator?
One generator can easily power 5-10 refrigerators at the same time, since their energy consumption is minimal compared to other equipment.
Will food be lost if the electricity goes out?
Food will not disappear instantly. Corruption timers will simply return to normal values. You will have time (several hours of game time) to repair the generator.