Omkopplas

Omkopplas is a Dutch term used to describe the act of switching or rerouting connections within a system. The word appears across multiple domains and denotes the process of changing which components are connected to one another, often to alter function, channel, or routing.

In engineering and electronics, omkopplas refers to altering a circuit path by repositioning jumpers, toggling a multi-position switch, or reconfiguring relays. It is a common technique for configuring test setups, selecting input or output channels, or switching between operating modes without replacing hardware.

In telecommunications and data networks, omkopplas describes reallocation of circuits or channels by cross-connecting devices such as patch panels, cross-connect switches, or programmable interconnects to route signals or data flows. It can be performed manually or controlled by software.

In transport and control systems, particularly railways or automation networks, omkopplas is used to indicate changing the connectivity of control lines or track circuits to route a system toward a different path or to switch to a backup configuration.

Safety and documentation: because misconfiguration can lead to faults, omkopplas is typically governed by procedures, with labeling, access control, and verification steps. Maintenance logs and configuration records are kept to track changes.

Etymology and usage: the term derives from om- (re-, again) and koppelen (to connect); omkopplas is the nominal form of the act in many technical contexts.