In Project Zomboid, the generator is a must-have tool for prolonged survival. The generator serves like a mini power plant, supplying electricity to maintain the proper functioning of your base or structure.
To make the most of it, let’s learn how to connect the generator, where you should put it, how long it will last, and how to fix it.
Recommended Read: How to Drive a Car in Project Zomboid
In Project Zomboid, you can connect the generator by right-clicking on it and selecting “Connect Generator”. This option is only available if you have read the “How to Use The Generator” magazine or chose the Electrician occupation. To turn on the generator, make sure it’s connected, then right-click on it and select “Turn On”.
You should put the generator near most electrical devices and outside the base, as it can be harmful if placed indoors. The generator has a maximum range of 20 tiles, extending up to 5 levels high, including the level where it’s located, with 2 levels above and 2 levels below.
How long a generator lasts depends on its current fuel and how many electrical devices it powers. The generator’s runtime (Hours) = the remaining fuel (%) / all working devices (L/H).
Table of Contents
- How to Connect Generator in Project Zomboid
- Where to Put Generator in Project Zomboid
- How Long Does a Generator Last?
- How to Fix a Generator
How to Connect Generator in Project Zomboid
In Project Zomboid, the generator can be found in warehouses, storage lots, and garages.
Once you find the generator, right-click on it, select “Take Generator”, and transfer it to your base. This option is only available if the generator is disconnected.
Remember that although you can put the generator in your inventory and run, you’re holding it in two hands, so you can’t use any weapons to clear the undead.
As a result, having a car with a large trunk to place the generator in can be a game-changer.
To put the generator down, right-click on it in your inventory and select “Drop” or right-click on the ground and select “Drop Generator”.
You can’t connect or use the generator unless you:
- Choose Electrician as your occupation.
- Read the “How to Use The Generator” magazine.
Once you meet one of these two requirements, right-click on the generator and select “Connect Generator” (this option will turn red if you’re not eligible).
Next, ensure the generator has fuel, which you can check by right-clicking on it and selecting “Generator Info”. You can also add more fuel to it by right-clicking on it and selecting “Add Fuel” => “Gas Can”.
To turn on the generator, right-click on it and select “Turn On”.
On the contrary, when you no longer use it, right-click on it and select “Turn Off”.
You can use the generator whenever you want, but it’s advisable to connect it only if the power is shut off.
Where to Put Generator in Project Zomboid
While connecting the generator is pretty easy, deciding where to place it might be a concern, as it can cause harm if you put it in the wrong place.
In theory, the generator has a maximum range within a circle of 20 tiles. It extends up to 5 levels high, including where it’s located, with 2 levels above and 2 below.
Therefore, any electrical devices, as long as they’re within this range, are powered as soon as the generator is turned on.
So, selecting a spot to put the generator is a personal choice, which depends on your preferences and current setup.
For example, you can use the generator to supply power for 2 houses by placing it in the middle of them.
Alternatively, you can place it outside your base and let it power just your electrical devices.
Moreover, you can put the generator inside your house, on the first or second floor, or even on the roof.
However, as soon as you turn the generator on and stand next to it in a house, your health immediately goes down, along with other negative moodles.
Therefore, never place the generator inside the base where you live. Try putting it outside the walls and near a place that contains several electrical devices, such as an oven, TV, washing machine, etc.
Note that the generator makes noise while operating within a radius of 10 tiles. If your base is bigger than 10 tiles and walls or fences surround the generator, you’re okay. Otherwise, zombies can hear noise, and they’ll come toward it.
How Long Does a Generator Last?
How long a generator lasts depends on its current fuel and how many electrical devices it powers.
Here’s how to calculate the generator’s runtime:
Generator Runtime (Hours) = Remaining Fuel (%) / All Working Devices (L/H).
When the generator runs out of fuel, it no longer works. In that case, you need to refuel it with Gas Cans. Remember that you can only refuel the generator when it’s turned off.
To check how many devices connect to your generator, ensure it’s turned on, then right-click and move the cursor to “Generator Info”.
Suppose you have a base with an oven, a fridge, 10-12 lights, a TV, a washing machine, or a clothing dryer; then, it takes approximately 6 days for the generator to run out of fuel.
It’s worth noting that some electrical devices have a higher power demand than others, for example, the fridge. Thus, more of them will consume more power.
How to Fix a Generator
More devices connected to the generator drastically reduce its condition.
Unlike a car, where you can visually evaluate its condition by looking at its appearance, the generator has a fixed appearance, so you can only check its condition by right-clicking on it and selecting “Generator Info”.
To fix the generator, turn it off, right-click, and select “Fix Generator”.
Scrap Electronics are the required materials to repair the generator. Interestingly, your Electrical skill level affects the percentage by which the generator is fixed.
At level 10 Electrical skill, you can restore 6% condition with 1 scrap, while this number is 4% at level 1.
The generator’s condition doesn’t affect you unless it drops below 20%, which can result in an explosion or an increased risk of catching fire. Therefore, inspect and maintain your machine regularly to prevent these dangers.
That’s how to connect the generator in Project Zomboid!
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