Abstract: A low-voltage power installation in which elements (1-11) are to be interconnected via an energy distribution system with several sections (12-27) is configured by means of a (partial) specification of the elements (1-11) and the sections (12-27). The (elements (1-11) and the sections (12-27) are specified by access to a catalogue (51) from which predefined (partial) specifications can be selected via an interface (43). The design of the sections (12-27) can be checked, supplemented or corrected according to a dimensioning criterion.

Abstract: A technical installation is planned using a computer-supported project planning tool, by interactively specifying a number of descriptions of technical elements and by describing their topology. For this purpose, a user either selects, from at least one catalogue of predefined, unchangeable standard description of elements, of which descriptions and a priority number is assigned, or specifies a different description of the project planning tool. The planned installation is assigned this priority number by the project planning tool only if such standard descriptions are specified.

Abstract: Technical elements, their technical relationships and technical characteristics for the elements can be preset using a computer-aided configuration tool. The elements and their relationships classify a technical system. Characteristics for an element may be preset only if, in consequence, it remains compatible with another element to which it is intended to be related. Alternatively, the characteristics of the elements and a relationship which exists between them are used to check whether they are compatible with one another.