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Din Rail – The unsung hero of industrial electrical applications

Date: 27-03-2024
Controls & Automation

In industrial applications, there are some electrical components that can easily go unnoticed despite being integral to countless applications.

One such unsung hero is din rail. This simple but versatile metal rail sits inside electrical enclosures to mount equipment such as circuit breakers, terminal blocks and power supplies.

While simple in design, it’s vital for installing, maintaining and operating electrical equipment and brings many benefits. 

This article covers the advantages of using din rail, and the top considerations in choosing the din rail that’s best for your application. 

 

What are the benefits of din rail?

Din rail systems allow you to:

  • Save time

Instead of panel mounting each individual component separately, din rail provides modularity allowing you to save time by snapping components easily into place on the rail.

This flexibility also simplifies any maintenance, troubleshooting, and replacement procedures.

  • Establish an organised system layout

Industrial electrical components mounted on din rail are organised, accessible and secure. This organisation supports efficient maintenance, reduces downtime and also enhances overall system reliability and safety.

  • Save space (and get cost efficiencies)

With their compact design and standardised format, din rail helps you save valuable space in enclosures by neatly bringing wiring circuits together in tight configurations. This can significantly reduce the overall amount of wiring and enclosure space needed, providing cost efficiencies.

 

Considerations when choosing the right din rail for your industrial application

Material

Din rail is often available in both aluminium and steel. When it comes to choosing the right material, here’s what you need to know.

  • Aluminium Din Rail
    • Lightweight
    • Corrosion-resistant
    • Suitable for use in humid conditions
    • Provides good protection against rust and oxidation
    • Usually more expensive than steel

Aluminium din rail is ideal for general industrial use, control panels and applications where weight matters.

  • Steel Din Rail
    • Heavier in weight
    • Offers better strength and durability
    • Usually cheaper than aluminium

Steel din rail is often used in industrial settings where moderate corrosion resistance and strength is required.

Slotted vs Un-slotted

Another factor to consider is whether you need din rail that is slotted (has pre-cut mounting holes) or un-slotted.

  • Slotted Din Rail
    • Makes it easy to adjust the position of industrial electrical components
    • Provides space for internal and external wiring circuits to converge, promoting neat and organised layouts
    • Great for applications with limited space where efficient wiring management is essential
  • Un-slotted Din Rail
    • Provides a fixed position for components, ensuring stability and preventing accidental movement
    • A cost-effective option as they are simpler in design
    • Great for applications where you don’t anticipate frequent changes to the position of industrial electrical components

 

At Dore Electrics we stock a range of aluminium and steel din rail in various sizes to suit almost any industrial application.

Check out our online store for fast and easy ordering or give us a call to discuss your needs.