rule.box hub

rule.box hub from Wiesemann & Theis

The rule.box hub from Wiesemann & Theis is a compact and powerful control center for automation tasks in building automation and Industry 4.0. With the pre-installed graphical development tool Node-RED, it enables simple creation of automation workflows by dragging connections in the browser-based editor. Pre-installed nodes allow reading and controlling of Web-IOs, Web thermometers, and Com servers from Wiesemann & Theis. The extensive range of installable additional nodes permits expansion of processing functions as well as integration of devices from other manufacturers.

The rule.box hub executes the created workflows (flows) in an energy-saving and reliable manner, while integration of non-public nodes is possible upon request. With two network interfaces, flexible power supply via Power over Ethernet (PoE) or external supply, web-based management, and standard compliance, the rule.box hub offers a versatile solution for professional applications. This article highlights the technical features, applications, and benefits of the rule.box hub.

Node-RED: Easy automation via drag-and-drop

The rule.box hub comes pre-installed with Node-RED, an open-source development tool that has been used since 2013 for IoT and automation applications. Node-RED enables creation of automation workflows by dragging connections between input, output, and processing nodes in a browser-based editor. This intuitive user interface requires no deep programming knowledge, making the rule.box hub especially attractive to users without extensive programming experience. Pre-installed nodes allow direct connection of Wiesemann & Theis devices such as Web-IOs, Web thermometers, and Com servers to read and control data like temperature, switch states, or serial signals.

For example, users can control ventilation in an office based on CO₂ values or adjust air conditioning based on room temperature. The extensive range of additional installable nodes allows integration of devices from other manufacturers, such as IoT sensors, cloud services, or protocols like MQTT. The created flows are executed energy-efficiently and reliably, making the rule.box hub an efficient solution for complex automation tasks.

Interfaces and Connectivity

The rule.box hub features two network interfaces that enable flexible integration into existing networks. These interfaces support communication with a wide range of devices and systems, making the rule.box hub a central control center for IoT and automation projects. The pre-installed nodes for Web-IOs, Web thermometers, and Com servers from Wiesemann & Theis allow seamless connection of these devices. Moreover, additional installable nodes allow integration of devices from other manufacturers, such as sensors, actuators, or cloud services.

The rule.box hub also supports integration of non-public nodes upon request, increasing flexibility for specific applications. Data access and configuration are performed via an internal web server providing simple web-based management. Commissioning is quick and easy via WuTility, a tool that enables configuration in just three clicks.

Power Supply and Energy Efficiency

The rule.box hub offers flexible options for power supply, including Power over Ethernet (PoE) and external supply via screw terminal connection. PoE supports phantom power over data pairs as well as supply via unused wire pairs, simplifying installation in networks without separate power feeding. Buffer capacitors ensure controlled shutdown when disconnecting from the power supply, preventing data loss. The energy-saving architecture of the rule.box hub, supported by Node-RED’s efficient flow execution, minimizes power consumption and makes the device environmentally friendly. These features are especially advantageous in applications where energy efficiency and reliability are crucial, such as building automation or production environments.

Please note: NO power supply is included in the scope of delivery.

Data Processing and Visualization

The rule.box hub enables data storage via a file system, MariaDB, or SQLite, allowing flexible data management for automation projects. For example, temperature data from Web thermometers or switching states from Web-IOs can be stored in a database for analysis or long-term monitoring. The Node-RED dashboard offers a user-friendly way to visualize data and automation workflows. Users can create dashboards to display real-time data such as temperature, humidity, or switch states and control devices directly via the interface. This functionality makes the rule.box hub an ideal solution for applications requiring both data processing and user interaction, such as smart buildings or Industry 4.0.

Standard Compliance and Reliability

The rule.box hub meets stringent standards for immunity (EN 61000-6-2) and emissions (EN 55032:2015 + A1 Class B, EN 61000-3-2, EN 61000-3-3), qualifying it for use in residential, commercial, and industrial environments. The high immunity ensures reliable operation even in environments with electromagnetic interference, such as production facilities. The CE marking and UL approval confirm suitability for international applications, while the robust design is engineered for continuous operation. With a five-year warranty, the rule.box hub offers a low-maintenance and durable solution for professional users.

Versatile Applications

The rule.box hub is ideal for automation in building automation and Industry 4.0. It is especially suitable for scenarios where multiple devices such as Web-IOs, Web thermometers, or Com servers need to be centrally controlled. For example, users can monitor room temperature in an office building and automatically control the air conditioning based on the data. The possibility to integrate devices from other manufacturers via installable nodes makes the rule.box hub a universal control center for IoT projects. The wide operating temperature range and flexible power supply enable use in demanding environments such as production halls or data centers. The easy commissioning via WuTility and web-based management significantly reduce configuration effort.

Flexible and Efficient Automation Solution

The rule.box hub from Wiesemann & Theis impresses with its ease of use, high flexibility, and standards compliance. With Node-RED, two network interfaces, flexible power supply, and extensive data processing capabilities, it is the ideal solution for central automation tasks in building automation and Industry 4.0. The five-year warranty underscores the reliability and longevity of this control center.