The Complete Guide to DIN Rail Types and Applications
March 22, 2025
DIN rail is a standardized mounting solution that has become the backbone of modern electrical control panels and equipment racks. Originally developed by the German Institute for Standardization (Deutsches Institut für Normung, or DIN), these metal rails have evolved into an essential component across various industries. As an authorized distributor of Phoenix Contact DIN rails, Proax is committed to providing you with comprehensive knowledge about these versatile mounting systems.
What is DIN Rail?
DIN rail is a metal rail of a standardized type widely used for mounting control equipment in electrical panels and equipment racks. The term “DIN” refers to the German national standards organization that first standardized these rails. Today, DIN rails follow the European standard EN 60715 (formerly DIN EN 50022), which has been adopted worldwide.
The Purpose of DIN Rail
DIN rails serve as a universal mounting method for industrial control components, creating an organized, secure, and standardized system for:
- Circuit breakers
- Terminal blocks
- Relays
- Contactors
- PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers)
- Power supplies
- Various industrial automation products
DIN Rail Types and Specifications
Top Hat Rails (TS35)
The most common type of DIN rail, often referred to as “top hat” due to its profile shape.
TS35/7.5 (35mm × 7.5mm)
- Specifications: 35mm width, 7.5mm height
- Material Options: Steel, aluminum, stainless steel
- Applications: Standard for most industrial control panels
- Advantages: Broad compatibility with most DIN-mountable devices
- Phoenix Contact Options: [Include specific Phoenix Contact model numbers]
TS35/15 (35mm × 15mm)
- Specifications: 35mm width, 15mm height
- Material Options: Steel, aluminum, stainless steel
- Applications: Heavy-duty applications requiring additional strength
- Advantages: Greater load-bearing capacity
- Phoenix Contact TS35/15 (35 mm × 15 mm) Perforated Version
Part Number: 1201730
Description: DIN rail perforated, 35 mm width, 15 mm height, 2000 mm length, made of galvanized steel.
Unperforated Version:
- Part Number: 0801681
- Description: DIN rail unperforated, 35 mm width, 15 mm height, 2000 mm length, made of galvanized steel.
C-Rails (C20, C30)
- Specifications: 20mm or 30mm width with C-shaped profile
- Applications: Specialized equipment, certain European panel designs
- Advantages: Alternative mounting options for specific devices
- Phoenix Contact Options: [Include specific Phoenix Contact model numbers]
G-Rails (G32)
- Specifications: 32mm width with G-shaped profile
- Applications: Legacy systems, specialized applications
- Advantages: Compatibility with older equipment
- Part Number: 1201002
- Description: G-profile DIN rail, perforated, 32 mm width, 15 mm height, 2000 mm length, made of galvanized steel.
Miniature DIN Rails (MR15)
- Specifications: 15mm width, compact design
- Applications: Space-constrained applications, small control boxes
- Advantages: Space efficiency
Phoenix Contact offers DIN rails compatible with TS15 profiles, which are similar to MR15.
- Part Number: 1401682
- Description: DIN rail perforated, 15 mm width, 5.5 mm height, 2000 mm length, made of galvanized steel.
DIN Rail Materials and Their Applications
Galvanized Steel
- Characteristics: Corrosion-resistant, durable, economical
- Applications: Standard indoor environments
- Advantages: Cost-effective solution for most applications
- Limitations: May not be suitable for harsh environments
- NS 35/7.5 PERF 2000MM (Part Number: 0801733):Description: Perforated DIN rail, 35 mm width, 7.5 mm height, 2000 mm length, made of galvanized steel with a thick passivated layer.
- NS 35/15 PERF 2000MM (Part Number: 1201730):Description: Perforated DIN rail, 35 mm width, 15 mm height, 2000 mm length, made of galvanized steel with a thick passivated layer.
- NS 35/7.5 UNPERF 1000MM (Part Number: 1207649):Description: Unperforated DIN rail, 35 mm width, 7.5 mm height, 1000 mm length, made of galvanized steel with a thick passivated layer.
Aluminum
- Characteristics: Lightweight, good corrosion resistance
- Applications: Weight-sensitive applications, moderately corrosive environments
- Advantages: Lighter weight, natural resistance to oxidation
- Limitations: Lower strength compared to steel
- Dimensions: 35 mm width × 7.5 mm height × 2000 mm length
- Material: Uncoated aluminum
- Profile: Standard
- Color: Aluminum
- Part Number: 0814681
- Dimensions: 35 mm width × 15 mm height × 2000 mm length
- Material: Uncoated aluminum
- Profile: Standard
- Color: Silver
- Part Number: 1201756
Unperforated Aluminum DIN Rail: NS 35/15 AL UNPERF 2000MM
- Dimensions: 35 mm width × 15 mm height × 2000 mm length
- Material: Uncoated aluminum
- Profile: Standard
- Color: Silver
- Part Number: 1201756
Stainless Steel
- Characteristics: Highly corrosion-resistant, durable
- Applications: Food processing, pharmaceutical, outdoor, and harsh environments
- Advantages: Superior resistance to corrosion, suitable for washdown environments
- Limitations: Higher cost
NS 35/7.5 V2A UNPERF 2000MM Unperforated Stainless Steel DIN Rail
- Dimensions: 35 mm width × 7.5 mm height × 2000 mm length
- Material: Stainless steel V2A (AISI 304)
- Profile: Standard
- Coating: Uncoated
- Color: Silver
- Part Number: 0801377
NS 35/7.5 V2A UNPERF 2000MM VPE 10
- Dimensions: 35 mm width × 7.5 mm height × 2000 mm length
- Material: Stainless steel V2A (AISI 304)
- Profile: Standard
- Coating: Uncoated
- Color: Silver
- Part Number: 0843100
Industry-Specific Applications of DIN Rails
Manufacturing and Industrial Automation
- Process control panels
- Motor control centers
- PLC integration
- Machine safety systems
Energy and Utilities
- Power distribution panels
- Metering equipment
- Renewable energy systems
- Substation control cabinets
Building Automation
- HVAC control systems
- Lighting control panels
- Security systems
- Building management systems
Transportation
- Railway signaling systems
- Vehicle charging infrastructure
- Traffic control systems
- Marine electrical panels
Telecommunications
- Network equipment racks
- Communication hubs
- Data center applications
- Signal distribution panels
DIN Rail Accessories and Complementary Components
End Clamps and Brackets
- Purpose: Secure components at the ends of rails
- Description: Quick-mounting end clamp suitable for NS 35/7.5 and NS 35/15 DIN rails. Features a marking option and parking space for bridges and plugs.
- Part Number: 3022276
- Description: End bracket for mounting on NS 32 or NS 35 DIN rails, made of gray PA material.
- Part Number: 0800886
- Description: This product is a quick-mounting end clamp for securing components on DIN rails, which aligns perfectly with the purpose of end clamps and brackets.
Part Number: 3022263
- Description: This is a tool designed for precise cutting of DIN rails, ensuring clean and accurate cuts, which is a typical accessory used alongside DIN rails.
DIN rails continue to be an essential component in electrical and control systems across numerous industries. Their standardized nature, versatility, and reliability make them indispensable for modern panel builders and system integrators. As an authorized distributor of Phoenix Contact DIN rails, Proax is committed to providing the highest quality products along with the expertise to help you select the right options for your specific application.
Contact Proax for Your DIN Rail Needs
Proax Technologies’ team of experts is ready to assist you in selecting the ideal DIN rail solution for your specific requirements. Contact them today to discuss your project and discover how their Phoenix Contact DIN rail offerings can enhance your electrical systems.
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