Industrial automation in Rust allows players to build efficient farms, watering systems, and industrial chains. Fluids, mainly water, play a key role in these setups.
Two core components control how fluids move and when they are allowed to flow: the Fluid Pump and the Fluid Switch. Understanding their power requirements and practical usage helps you avoid wasted electricity and unreliable systems.
Table of Contents
What Fluids Are Used for in Rust
Fluids are primarily used in automation and farming systems. While water is the most common fluid, the same mechanics apply to any liquid moved through pipes.
Common uses include:
Supplying sprinklers with water for fully automated farming systems.
Delivering fluids to industrial components and processing chains.
Managing large-scale fluid systems across complex automated bases.
Fluid Pump in Rust
Here’s what you need to know about the Fluid Pump in Rust:
What the Fluid Pump Does
The Fluid Pump moves liquid from a source to another point in your system. It is required whenever water needs to be lifted vertically or transported across longer distances.
Without a pump, water will not travel upward on its own. The pump must remain powered at all times to function.
Fluid Pump Power and Performance
The Fluid Pump consumes 5 power continuously. If power is lost, the pump stops immediately and fluid flow ends.
The amount of water moved does not depend on distance, meaning the power cost remains the same regardless of pipe length. This makes pump placement important, especially in compact or solar-powered bases.
Fluid Switch in Rust
Here’s what you need to know about the Fluid Switch in Rust:
What the Fluid Switch Does
The Fluid Switch acts as a valve that allows or blocks fluid flow based on electrical input. It does not move fluid itself but controls whether liquid is allowed to pass through a pipe.
It is commonly used in timed or conditional systems where water should only flow at specific moments.
Fluid Switch Power Usage
The Fluid Switch uses 1 power while open. When power is removed, the switch closes automatically and stops all fluid flow. Because of its very low power requirement, it is ideal for advanced logic circuits and automation chains.
Using Pumps and Switches Together
Most functional systems combine both components. The pump handles movement, while the switch controls timing and flow direction.
A standard setup usually follows this order:
A Fluid Pump pulls water directly from a river or lake.
Water is stored safely inside a tank or barrel.
A Fluid Switch controls when water exits storage.
Sprinklers or machines receive water only when needed.
This structure improves reliability and reduces unnecessary water usage.
Power Planning and Efficiency
Fluid systems are relatively power-efficient compared to other automation components in Rust. Even moderately sized farms can run on solar panels paired with batteries if power usage is planned carefully.
Power costs to remember:
Power Consumption: 5 Power
Power Consumption: 1 Power
Keeping switches off when water is not needed prevents wasted electricity and helps stabilize your power grid.
Summary
The Fluid Pump and Fluid Switch are fundamental building blocks for fluid automation in Rust. The pump provides movement at a moderate power cost, while the switch offers precise control with minimal energy use.
When combined correctly, they allow you to create clean, efficient, and scalable fluid systems that work reliably around the clock.
FAQs
1. How much power does a Fluid Pump use in Rust?
A Fluid Pump uses 5 power continuously. If power is interrupted, the pump stops immediately and fluid flow ends.
2. Does a Fluid Switch need power to stay open?
Yes. A Fluid Switch requires 1 power to remain open. When it loses power, it automatically closes and blocks fluid flow.
3. Can fluids flow upward in Rust without a pump?
No. Fluids cannot move upward on their own. A powered Fluid Pump is required to lift liquids vertically.
4. Can one Fluid Pump supply multiple sprinklers?
Yes. As long as water storage and pipe layout are sufficient, a single pump can supply multiple sprinklers through splitters and switches.
5. Is it better to leave Fluid Switches always on?
No. Leaving switches always on can waste power and water. Using timers or logic circuits improves efficiency and system control.
