diff --git a/core/src/mindustry/world/blocks/defense/turrets/Turret.java b/core/src/mindustry/world/blocks/defense/turrets/Turret.java
index 48d601a47e..7e0ab67fb1 100644
--- a/core/src/mindustry/world/blocks/defense/turrets/Turret.java
+++ b/core/src/mindustry/world/blocks/defense/turrets/Turret.java
@@ -353,7 +353,9 @@ public class Turret extends ReloadTurret{
 
         @Override
         public boolean shouldConsume(){
-            return isShooting() || reloadCounter < reload;
+            //when the block is first placed, it shouldn't consume power/liquid just to "cool down" from the initial reload
+            //thus, it should only consume once it has actually shot at something
+            return isShooting() || (reloadCounter < reload && totalShots > 0);
         }
 
         @Override