The less different parts you have the easier your life will be
The benefits of standardising your parts are manifold. The idea is over a century old. The basic principle is that for a particular task the cost and performance of three or four standard parts will suit most applications.
You can keep a smaller range of spares and benefit from bulk purchase discounts. Less obvious is the time you save. You know which parts to buy without studying a catalogue and with limited choice your design decisions become easy. You are also less likely to misread a catalogue and order the wrong thing, for example a normally closed contact instead of a normally open.
You may think that standardisation is great in principle but not within your authority. The solution is to start small. You might be stuck with your existing equipment but every time your fit new stuff you can try and standardise. You could use the same part every time you need a relay or restrict yourself to a limited selection of terminals. When you choose your items pick ones that are good quality, good value, readily available and easy to work with. Perhaps you have a large number already installed. Alternatively ask your panel builder what they prefer to use.
Standardise your parts
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