A technique for configuring programmable, networked electrical components of a system includes downloading data into each component from a configurator, based upon a database for the system. The components include memory objects which are designed to store data descriptive of the system, the component, the component location in the system, and the component configuration. The configurator may load the information prior to, during or following assembly of the components in the system. The configurator may also modify system and component configurations following installation of the system by modifying the data downloaded into the individual components.