An arrangement that includes a first rack formed with a plurality of slots for receiving individual assemblies that form a first automation system, and a second rack formed with further pluralities of slots for receiving further individual assemblies that form a second automation system, wherein a slot of the first rack forms a first supply module receptacle, and a slot of the second rack is formed as a second supply module receptacle, where the first and second supply module receptacles are constructed to structurally/electrically complement one another between the first rack and the second rack to form a supply base module, the first contact supplies the first and second racks with a supply voltage and the second contact supplies the second and the first rack with the supply voltage, and the supply base module formed by the supply module receptacles receives a first, second and third supply voltage modules.

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.

A modular I/O system for an industrial automation network includes a network adapter including first and second adapter modules, wherein each adapter module is configured for connection with an industrial network. The I/O system further includes a first I/O device with first and second I/O modules each configured for operative connection to a controlled system for input/output of data with respect to the controlled system. The I/O system further includes first and second independent backplane data networks that connect each of the first and second adapter modules to each of the first and second I/O modules. The network adapter includes first and second removable backplane network switches and the first I/O device includes third and fourth removable backplane network switches that establish the backplane networks. The backplane network switches can be Ethernet gigabit switches.

An electrical apparatus includes an electrical device that generates heat and a fan unit. A case of the electrical device includes a first opening and a second opening. A case of the fan unit includes a third opening and a fourth opening. The case of the electrical device and the case of the fan unit are configured such that a space sandwiched between a recess of the case of the electrical device and the support rail and a space sandwiched between a recess of the case of the fan unit and the support rail constitute an air flow path.

An electronic device including a plurality of ports for electrically connecting the device to another device. The electronic device may include a housing including a front, a back and at least a first side and an opposing second side extending between the front and the back, a printed circuit board housed by the housing, and an electrical connector electrically connected to the printed circuit board. The electrical connector may include a first spring contact, a second spring contact, and an electrically conductive bridge mechanically and electrically connecting the first spring contact and the second spring contact. The electrically conductive bridge may be housed by the housing. The first and second spring contacts may extend outside of the housing and may be accessible from the first and second sides of the housing, respectively.

A redundant power supply motherboard assembly connects control segments of a fieldbus-type control system to a host computer. The assembly has a compact design with pairs of power supply modules in side-by-side nests on the motherboard. The nests are mounted on the motherboard in desired locations and securely hold the modules on the assembly despite vibrations, shocks and handling to prevent contact impairment. The nests provide touch protection for components on the motherboard.

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.

A module carrier for use in a potentially explosive atmosphere, in particular in a potentially explosive atmosphere in the form of gas or dust, including a housing for receiving at least one module with a pushbutton, wherein the at least one module can be switched to live via the pushbutton, wherein the module carrier further includes a locking cap, wherein the locking cap has a device for actuating the pushbutton and wherein, in the unactuated state, the pushbutton is switched to not live and the pushbutton is actuatable by locking the locking cap using the actuating device.

A modular I/O system for an industrial automation network includes a network adapter including first and second adapter modules, wherein each adapter module is configured for connection with an industrial network. The I/O system further includes a first I/O device with first and second I/O modules each configured for operative connection to a controlled system for input/output of data with respect to the controlled system. The I/O system further includes first and second independent backplane data networks that connect each of the first and second adapter modules to each of the first and second I/O modules. The network adapter includes first and second removable backplane network switches and the first I/O device includes third and fourth removable backplane network switches that establish the backplane networks. The backplane network switches can be Ethernet gigabit switches.

An electronic device including a plurality of ports for electrically connecting the device to another device. The electronic device may include a housing including a front, a back and at least a first side and an opposing second side extending between the front and the back, a printed circuit board housed by the housing, and an electrical connector electrically connected to the printed circuit board. The electrical connector may include a first spring contact, a second spring contact, and an electrically conductive bridge mechanically and electrically connecting the first spring contact and the second spring contact. The electrically conductive bridge may be housed by the housing. The first and second spring contacts may extend outside of the housing and may be accessible from the first and second sides of the housing, respectively.