Tools and techniques are described to automate commissioning of physical spaces. 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. Controllers also have access to databases of the physical space such that they can check that sensors in the space record the correct information for device activity, and sensors can cross-check each other for consistency. Once a physical space is commissioned, incentives can be sought based on commissioning results.

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.

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 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 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.

An electrical device includes: a first housing sub-assembly; a second housing sub-assembly that has a housing wall; and a locking device. The first housing sub-assembly and the second housing sub-assembly are positionable adjacent to one another along a plug-in direction and, when in a position in which they are adjacent to one another, are interlocked via the locking device. The locking device has an actuation element arranged on the second housing sub-assembly so as to be adjustable along an actuation direction, and a locking element connected adjustably to the housing wall and operatively connected to the actuation element. The locking element is configured, in the position of the housing sub-assemblies in which they are adjacent to one another, to interlock the first housing sub-assembly and the second housing sub-assembly, and, by moving the actuation element in the actuation direction towards the housing wall, are movable in an unblocking direction.

A safety ground terminal apparatus can include a ground terminal operable to switch between a common ground connection or a isolated ground connection, wherein the ground terminal comprises a hinge point that is connectable to a base of a housing via a rail in an arrangement that allows for a disconnection from the common ground connection when the isolated ground connection is required and without compromising electrical contact. The ground terminal can provide a watertight ground connection irrespective of the type of ground connection requirement. The common ground connection or the isolated ground connection can be achieved without any additional parts assembled.

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.

This disclosure provides a field termination assembly (FTA) providing for ease of mounting to a support rail. The FTA provides a lever on a base that cushions against shocks and vibrations during shipment and operation while a housing is mounted on a base secured to a support rail. The base includes a dampener feature which makes it more capable of meeting operation and transportation vibration and shock requirements even for marine applications while still providing high channel density and cable count.

An electrical component is provided, comprising at least one plug-in socket for receiving an accommodated component, in particular a relay or an optocoupler, in or on the electrical component, the accommodated component having first electrical contact elements on its underside, for being electrically connected to second electrical contact elements of the electrical component, and wherein in an active position of the accommodated component, the first electrical contact elements are electrically connected with the second electrical contact elements of the electrical component on the plug-in socket, and comprising a manipulation means, by means of which the accommodated component can be more easily plugged into the active position in the plug-in socket and/or pulled out thereof, wherein the manipulation means has a spacing portion, and wherein a free end of the spacing portion protrudes beyond the electrical component and/or beyond the accommodated component that is inserted in the plug-in socket in the active position.