Abstract: A ground conductor monitoring device, having: at least one ground conductor connection which is designed to connect a ground conductor potential, at least one first potential connection which is designed to connect a first electrical potential which differs from the ground conductor potential, at least one second potential connection which is designed to connect a second electrical potential which differs from the first potential and the ground conductor potential, at least one electrical switching device which is designed to establish an electrical connection, optionally in accordance with an electrical control signal, between the first potential connection and the ground conductor connection (connection state) or to interrupt same (interruption state), at least one control unit which is designed to automatically output control signals to the electrical switching device.

Abstract: A circuit for reducing a power consumption when driving a relay, the circuit includes a first input, a second input, a timing element, a longitudinal control having a Zener diode and a transistor, a first output, and a second output. The first and second inputs are configured to input an input voltage and the first and second outputs are configured for outputting an output voltage for driving the relay. The Zener diode is configured, when the input voltage exceeds a breakdown voltage of the Zener diode, to generate a voltage source, which is connected to the control input of the transistor via a diode and to provide a control voltage that is stabilized and reduced in level compared with the input voltage. The control input is connected to the first input via a timing element.