# Direct-operate command interface

Canonical URL: https://eloragrid.ai/symbols/direct-operate-command-interface
Publisher: Elora Grid
Updated: 2026-11-03
Lookup label: DCI
Drawing use: Schematic
Reference families: Manufacturer

Representation: Functional block
Installation focus: substations
Input: Authorized direct command
Output: Assigned device operation request

Identifies the assigned command path that does not use a separate selection transaction.

## In plain English

### What this block does

Identifies the assigned command path that does not use a separate selection transaction.

### A simple example

In a substation control building, the station controller receives bay information and forwards an operator's selected command to the correct bay device. Device feedback confirms whether the intended result actually occurred. For this reference, the drawing identifies “Authorized direct command” at the input and “Assigned device operation request” at the output. Command acceptance differs from operation confirmation.

### What the drawings help you do

Start at the named input: Authorized direct command. Identify its source device or document and the state represented on the drawing. Follow the named output: Assigned device operation request. Cross-reference its destination and separate the command from confirmation that the equipment responded.

### Terms

- Input: Authorized direct command
- Output: Assigned device operation request
- Application reference: An explanation of a named drawing function or circuit relationship; the project documents define the equipment and its connections.

Concept diagram: Authorized direct command → DCI → Assigned device operation request
A reading guide. The entry's original illustration and input/output facts describe this application.

- [SEL-2411 programmable automation controller](https://selinc.com/products/2411/)


## What it represents

Identifies the assigned command path that does not use a separate selection transaction. Station automation collects measurements and statuses and issues assigned commands through defined authority paths. A communicated point has a value, quality and equipment identity; it should not be treated as an unexplained contact.
In a substation control building, the station controller receives bay information and forwards an operator's selected command to the correct bay device. Device feedback confirms whether the intended result actually occurred. For this reference, the drawing identifies “Authorized direct command” at the input and “Assigned device operation request” at the output. Command acceptance differs from operation confirmation.
Document the point mapping, source, destination, command authority and failure behavior. A communication interface block explains information flow and does not certify network security or control-system availability. The functional block is an independent explanation of this named application. Equipment-specific ratings, terminal connections and operating conditions must be established in the project documentation.

## How to read it

- Start at the named input: Authorized direct command. Identify its source device or document and the state represented on the drawing.
- Follow the named output: Assigned device operation request. Cross-reference its destination and separate the command from confirmation that the equipment responded.
- Command acceptance differs from operation confirmation.
- Document the point mapping, source, destination, command authority and failure behavior. A communication interface block explains information flow and does not certify network security or control-system availability.

## Information to show or reference

- Label the source and connection reference for authorized direct command.
- Identify the destination and defined state of assigned device operation request.
- Record the equipment or control-document revision supporting this functional block.
- Check this application limit in the project design: Command acceptance differs from operation confirmation.

## Important distinction

Command acceptance differs from operation confirmation. This reference describes the named application; it does not establish a new IEC graphical symbol, an ANSI device-function number or an exact manufacturer connection diagram.

## Facts

- Representation: Functional block
- Installation focus: Substations
- Input / boundary: Authorized direct command
- Output / connection: Assigned device operation request
- Lookup label: DCI is a library lookup label, not a standard device designation.

## Public references

- [SEL-2411 programmable automation controller](https://selinc.com/products/2411/) — SEL. Public technical context for substation automation and command interfaces. Station I/O, alarms, event recording, command and communications interfaces. The application text and educational graphic are independently authored; the publisher does not certify this representation.

## Graphic scope

Independent original educational concept illustration by Elora Grid. Not a certified standards graphic or manufacturer footprint. Unitless; not to scale. Original artwork licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/. Publisher material is linked only.