rule.box Digital 2xIn, 2xOut

rule.box Digital 2xIn, 2xOut from Wiesemann & Theis

The rule.box Digital 2xIn, 2xOut from Wiesemann & Theis is a compact control center for automation tasks in building automation and Industry 4.0. With the pre-installed graphical development tool Node-RED, it enables easy creation of automation workflows by dragging connections in the browser-based editor. The two digital switching inputs and two switching outputs in 24V technology are available for processing in Node-RED, allowing direct connection of sensors and actuators. Pre-installed nodes enable reading and controlling Web-IOs, Web thermometers, and Com servers from Wiesemann & Theis. The extensive range of installable additional nodes allows extension of processing functions as well as connection of devices from other manufacturers.

The rule.box executes the created workflows (flows) in an energy-saving and reliable manner, while integration of non-public nodes is possible upon request. With one network interface, flexible power supply via Power over Ethernet (PoE) or screw terminal connection, web-based management, and standard compliance, the rule.box Digital offers a versatile solution for professional applications. This article highlights the technical features, applications, and benefits of the rule.box Digital 2xIn, 2xOut.

Node-RED: Intuitive automation with digital inputs/outputs

The rule.box Digital 2xIn, 2xOut 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 especially attractive to users without extensive programming experience. The two digital switching inputs in 24V technology, equipped with 32-bit pulse counters, allow capturing signals from sensors such as switching contacts or pulse generators. The two switching outputs, current-driven up to 500 mA, can directly control actuators like relays or lamps. Pre-installed nodes enable connecting Wiesemann & Theis devices such as Web-IOs, Web thermometers, and Com servers to read and control data like temperature or switch states. For example, users can activate an alarm system based on a door sensor or control a pump based on fill level signals. The range of installable additional nodes permits integration of devices from other manufacturers, such as IoT sensors or cloud services, via protocols like MQTT. The created flows are executed energy-efficiently and reliably, making the rule.box an efficient solution for automation tasks.

Interfaces and connectivity

The rule.box Digital features one network interface that enables easy integration into existing networks. This interface supports communication with a wide variety of devices and systems, making the rule.box a central control center for IoT and automation projects. The two digital switching inputs in 24V technology with 32-bit pulse counters are suitable for capturing pulses or switching states common in industrial automation. The two switching outputs, supplying up to 500 mA, allow control of actuators such as valves or signal generators. Pre-installed nodes for Web-IOs, Web thermometers, and Com servers from Wiesemann & Theis enable seamless connection of these devices. Installable nodes extend compatibility to devices from other manufacturers, such as sensors or cloud services. Integration of non-public nodes is available on request, increasing flexibility for specific applications. Data access and configuration are done via an internal web server providing web-based management. Commissioning is fast via WuTility, a tool that enables configuration in just three clicks.

Power supply and energy efficiency

The rule.box Digital 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 power supply over unused wire pairs, simplifying installation in networks without separate power. Buffer capacitors ensure controlled shutdown when disconnecting from the power supply, preventing data loss. The energy-saving architecture, supported by Node-RED's efficient flow execution, minimizes energy consumption and makes the device environmentally friendly. These features are especially advantageous in applications where energy efficiency and reliability are decisive, such as building automation or production environments.

Data processing and visualization

The rule.box Digital enables data storage via a file system, MariaDB, or SQLite, allowing flexible data management for automation projects. For example, switch states from sensors or pulse counter data can be stored in a database and used 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 switch states or pulse counter readings and control devices directly via the interface. This functionality makes the rule.box Digital ideal for applications requiring both data processing and user interaction, such as smart buildings or Industry 4.0.

Standard compliance and reliability

The rule.box Digital 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 Digital offers a low-maintenance and durable solution for professional users.

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

Versatile applications

The rule.box Digital is ideal for automation in building automation and Industry 4.0. It is especially suitable for scenarios where sensors and actuators need to be centrally controlled via digital inputs and outputs. For example, users can control lighting in a building based on motion sensors or activate a machine based on pulse signals. The connection of Web-IOs, Web thermometers, or Com servers as well as devices from other manufacturers via installable nodes makes the rule.box a universal control center for IoT projects. The wide operating temperature range and flexible power supply enable usage in demanding environments such as production halls or data centers. Easy commissioning via WuTility and web-based management significantly reduce configuration effort.

Flexible and efficient automation solution

The rule.box Digital 2xIn, 2xOut from Wiesemann & Theis impresses with its ease of use, high flexibility, and standards compliance. With Node-RED, digital inputs/outputs, flexible power supply, and extensive data processing, it is the ideal solution for central automation tasks in building automation and Industry 4.0. The five-year warranty emphasizes the reliability and longevity of this control center.