Machine Status Signals

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This page explains how to read the status of machines and understand what signals they're sending about their operation. Understanding machine statuses is essential for troubleshooting production problems and maintaining an efficient factory.

Reading Machine Status

When your hand is empty, you can read the status of an applicable machine that you are facing by pressing RIGHT BRACKET.

Every production machine or building works continuously until it runs out of either energy, ingredients, or output space.

Status Types

Working (Green) Status

A machine operating without issues is in "working" status and also makes an audible sound as it runs. This indicates the machine has:

Sufficient power
Required ingredients available
Space in output for products

Caution (Yellow) Status

If a machine's output is full or if it has partial power, it has a caution status about these issues. This status does not necessarily require immediate attention and the machine is able to keep running, though potentially at reduced efficiency.

Common yellow status reasons:

Output full (output slots or connected belts/chests are full)
Low power (electric network isn't providing full power)

Error (Red) Status

If the machine is missing ingredients or is completely out of energy, it has an error status and may require attention because it ceases operation until the issue is resolved.

Common red status reasons:

Missing ingredients (input materials not available)
No power (electric network disconnected or no power generation)
No fuel (for burner-type machines)

Warning Menu

Some critical issues with machines generate warning signals, which are separate from machine status reports. Warnings appear as graphical icons that flash on top of the machines.

Warnings are generated for:

Buildings that are out of fuel
Buildings that are out of power
Buildings not connected to an electric grid
Turrets without ammo
Structures that receive damage

Press P to open the warnings menu.

Press LEFT BRACKET for the selected warning to jump to the building in question.

Tips for Using Status Signals

Regular status checks: Periodically check key machines in your production chains to catch problems early
Listen for silence: Machines that should be working but aren't making sound are likely having issues
Use the warnings menu: The P key warnings menu is your first stop when something goes wrong
Bottleneck analysis: Check machine statuses along a production line to identify where bottlenecks occur (see Factory Building Guidance)
Yellow is okay: Caution (yellow) statuses are often normal - a machine with a full output just means it's producing faster than consumption