In Smart Instrumentation, you create terminal strips based on a particular configuration of terminals. This configuration is a repeating numbering pattern that enables logical numbering of terminals on a strip. A strip terminal configuration includes the total number of terminals and the terminal numbering system.
You can create terminal strips either in the Domain Explorer or the Reference Explorer. If you are creating a terminal strip that is going to have a frequently used configuration, we recommend that you create it in the Reference Explorer. Reference terminal strips facilitate fast creation of terminal strips in your plant by copying a terminal strip from the Reference Explorer to the Domain Explorer. However, if you want to create a terminal strip that does not have a configuration that you intend to use frequently, we recommend that you create it in the Domain Explorer and in the <unit> where it is to be physically located. This is helpful when filtering the terminal strips in the current <unit>.
In the Smart Instrumentation Explorer, terminal strips are child items of panels, racks, slots, and various wiring equipment items. Terminal strips are parent items of channels and terminals.