DIN rails are standardised metal strips used to mount and organise various electrical and electronic components within industrial control panels and equipment. They are designed to attach multiple components neatly to the equipment cabinet racks using mounting clips, screws, or brackets. These long metal strips comprise a symmetrical cross-section with a series of evenly spaced holes (slots), called perforated or slotted DIN rails, along its length. Din rails come in varied sizes with a typical and standard width of 32mm or 35mm Din rails. Furthermore, these rails can be mounted onto a wall or within the electrical enclosure’s interior panel. Additionally, DIN rails are indispensable for the convenient installation, organisation, and management of various electrical equipment in multiple applications.
Potential Benefits of DIN Rails:
Din rails offer numerous benefits to users while installing electrical equipment, such as:
- They provide optimised space and save time.
- Provide neat and well-managed installation with minimal maintenance needs.
- They are cost-effective and durable.
- Cross-sectional design with robust flexibility.
- Adhere to universal size standards.
- Easy and smooth installation, reducing effort.
- Provide electrical safety by reducing loose connections.
- They offer versatile performance in various settings.
Materials of DIN Rails:
Depending on the application requirements, din rails are made of various durable materials. With common metal DIN rails, other materials include:
- Steel
- Aluminium
- Stainless Steel
- Plastics
- Steel Sheet
- Galvanised Steel.
Different Types of DIN Rails:
DIN rails are classified into various types based on their sizes and compatibility with different devices, including:
- Top Hat DIN Rails – These rails are also known as Omega or TS35 rails and are the most common types. With a 35mm design, the top hat DIN rails are compatible with advanced electrical equipment. A top hat DIN rail features a top wide profile while narrower at the bottom. These rails are widely used for heavy-duty applications requiring enhanced stability and load-bearing capacity. An example includes DIN EN 50022/35mm, about 1.38 inches.
- C-Section DIN Rails – These rails have a C-shaped profile with a 32mm design. They feature inward flanges and are used for mounting devices with a lower profile in limited-space applications. An example is DIN EN 50035/32mm, about 1.26 inches.
- G-Section DIN Rails – These are G-shaped, also known as TS-32 rails, with a 32mm design. G-section rails provide additional mounting options that mount heavier components on the rail’s side.
- Miniature Top Hat Rails – Also known as TS-15 rails, these mini top hat rails are the smallest, with small 15 mm footprints. They are ideal for mounting compact devices in limited space.
DIN Rail Kits:
A DIN rail kit is a set of DIN rail components used to install and secure various electrical or electronic devices on a DIN rail. A DIN rail kit comes in various sizes comprising different components with varied widths and dimensions. The most common size is DIN 35, with a 35 mm width and a height of 7.5 mm. DIN rail kits typically comprise various components for quickly snapping equipment onto the DIN rail. These components include a metal bracket or clip that attaches to the device or equipment and allows it to be easily snapped onto the DIN rail. The kit may also include screws, nuts, or other hardware to secure the device to the bracket.
Typical Applications of DIN Rails:
A DIN rail finds applications in various settings, including:
- Power Distribution
- Industrial Automation
- Home Automation
- Robotics and Control Systems
- DIN Rail Terminal Blocks
- Plug-in Relays
- Process Control
- Instrumentation
- Panel Meters
- Renewable Energy Systems.
