Tools and techniques are described to automate line testing when wiring devices (such as equipment and sensors) to controllers. Controllers have access to databases of the devices that are controlled by them, including wiring diagrams and protocols, such that the controller can automatically check that each wire responds correctly to stimulus from the controller. After testing, a reporting device rapidly shows the results of the line testing.

A controller is described that a building design can be input into, the building design comprising inputting a layout, predefined resources and positions for resources. within the layout. The resources may have a predefined physics nature that includes physics equations, allowable inputs and outputs, etc. The system then can determine how many controllers are needed of what type, and create a guided wiring system. In some implementations a user can control certain aspects of the wiring system, such as how full the individual controllers are and how much money is to be spent on labor versus money spent on equipment.

A base module for a switch-cabinet system, having a plurality of communication units and connection elements for a plurality of functional modules. The connection elements are configured to engage in module-connection elements of functional modules. Each connection element has at least one data connection. Each communication unit is in each case connected to at least one data connection of a connection element. The communication units are connected to one another by a data bus. The base module has a first field-bus connection. The data bus is connected to the first field-bus connection to connect the communication units to a field-bus.

A control-cabinet system includes a base module and a plurality of functional modules. The base module housing has a face with openings, first connection elements and second connection elements. The first connection elements provide data and extra-low voltage connections, and the second connection elements provide low voltage connections. The first connection elements are arranged within the housing, in the area of the openings. The data connections are connected to a data line, the extra-low voltage connections are connected to an extra-low voltage line, and the low voltage connections are connected to a low voltage line. The functional modules each have a housing, an electronic circuit, and a module connection element connected to the electronic circuit. The module housing has a face with an opening. The module connection element comprises a first plug-in element extending through the opening, and adapted to engage the first connection elements of the base module.

A base module for a control-cabinet system includes a housing with a first housing face and further housing faces, the first housing face having a grid of openings. The housing has connection elements for functional modules, the connection elements each being arranged in the region of the openings of the first housing face, the connection elements comprising data connections, extra-low voltage connections and low-voltage connections. The data connections are interconnected by a data line of the base module and a field-bus connection is provided for the data line, where the data line is arranged within the housing. An extra-low voltage line and a low voltage line are arranged within the housing, where the extra-low voltage line is connected to the extra-low voltage connections and the low voltage line is connected to the low voltage connections.

A power distributor having a plurality of power distribution modules arranged in a row, for directly mounting on a carrier rail, having a supply module arranged on one end face and a signal module arranged on the opposite end face, and having at least one connection module arranged therebetween. The supply module has a supply connection for a main power line for tapping off a supply power. The connection module is fitted or can be fitted with a protective switch that can be actuated and a plurality of load connections for connecting to an interruptible load circuit by means of the protective switch. The signal module has a first signal connection for a switch signal actuating the protective switch, and the power distribution modules are or can be coupled to each other in an electrically conductive manner.

The invention is directed to a portable container system comprising a container which comprises a floor, four upwardly-extending sidewalls, wherein at least one of the sidewalls is hinged to allow the at least one sidewall to open outwardly, and a top wall. The system also comprises a plurality of skids contained within the container. Each skid comprises a base and one or more upwardly extending members; and one or more cabinets mounted on the base or one or more upwardly extending members, wherein the one or more cabinets comprise: control power distribution panel cabinets, human-machine interface cabinets, programmable logic controller-redundancy cabinets, network cabinets, or remote I/O cabinets.

A control system and a method for mounting a control system, the control system comprising a signal-distribution board, a top-hat rail, at least a first contact device and at least a second contact device. The first contact device and the second contact device are arranged at the signal-distribution board with an offset relative to each other with the signal-distribution board electrically connecting the first contact device to the second contact device for at least transmitting data. The top-hat rail is mechanically fastened to the signal-distribution board and a first coupling module may be mechanically fastened to the top-hat rail, where the second contact device is embodied to electrically contact a signal-processing module or a second coupling module. The first contact device may be electrically connected to a field device.

An I/O system having redundant removable and/or replaceable components. Each of the removable/replaceable components can be removed by displacement parallel to a common axis. An I/O device having an I/O base with a lock-out toggle to prevent installation of one or more I/O modules to the I/O base unless a ground screw has been secured to supporting structure.

An I/O system having redundant removable and/or replaceable components. Each of the removable/replaceable components can be removed by displacement parallel to a common axis. An I/O device having an I/O base with a lock-out toggle to prevent installation of one or more I/O modules to the I/O base unless a ground screw has been secured to supporting structure.