What is a DIN rail and how does it work? If you have encountered or built an electronic device at some point, chances are you have encountered a DIN railing. Basically, DIN rails are used to install various types of electrical equipment, such as circuit breakers.
The DIN rail has a relatively simple design, which is essential for the installation, maintenance and operation of electrical equipment. Here is everything you need to know about the DIN rail and how it works.
1. What is a DIN rail?
What does DIN Rail stand for? DIN stands for Deutsches Institut fur Normung, which translates as the German Standards Association. In the 1970s, DIN became the official symbol of German technical standardization.
DIN rail is a standard type of metal rail used to install circuit breakers and industrial control equipment on equipment racks. In addition, it can also be used as a mechanical support structure for different types of small electrical components.
The guide rail is usually installed directly on the wall or the inner panel of the electrical enclosure. If it is installed in an enclosure, the component will be installed directly on the track. On the other hand, if it is installed on the wall, the electronic components can be installed directly on it.
2. Types of equipment mounted on DIN rails
There are different types of equipment mounted on DIN rails. Equipment types include:
Breaker
A circuit breaker is an automatically operated electrical switch that protects the circuit from short-circuit or overload current damage. It mainly cuts off the current after detecting a fault. Circuit breakers come in different sizes, from small devices for protecting small current circuits to large switching devices for protecting high voltage circuits.
Surge Arrester
It is a device that protects electrical equipment from overvoltage transients through internal (switch) or external (lightning) events. Surge arresters are used to protect equipment in power distribution and transmission systems.
It is important to note that the surge protector is not designed to prevent the wire from being directly struck by lightning. However, it is designed to prevent electrical transients caused by lightning strikes near conductors.
Switch Breaker
Isolators are used in electrical engineering to ensure that circuits are completely deenergized before maintenance, repair, or servicing. According to its structural characteristics and installation arrangements, it can be divided into different types of isolators.
The switch isolator combines the characteristics of a load switch and an isolator. Therefore, it provides a safety isolation function that can disconnect or make the nominal current at the same time.
Rail Meters
German DIN rail instruments are designed for high performance. The installation process is simple and quick. There are several configurations of DIN rail-mounted meters to meet different needs and applications.
3. DIN Rail Types
DIN rails are available in different shapes. The most common types include:
- Top hat rails. It is the most common type of DIN rail with 35mm design. Most electronic components are designed to be compatible with top hat rails.
- C Rails. These rails are characterized by a C-shape, which is the opposite of the top hat rail. It has a 32mm design. Unlike the top hat track, the C track is no longer widely used
- G Rails. Also known as TS-32 rails, these 32mm rails have an asymmetric G shape. They are used to install larger or heavier components because they provide additional support. Their asymmetrical design helps protect components from incorrect installation
- Mini top hat rails. Also known as TS-15 track, the mini top hat is the smallest DIN track size of only 15mm.
The top hat 35mm rail is the most preferred choice due to its versatility.
4. How does the DIN railway work?
DIN rails allow equipment manufacturers to install electrical hardware in the enclosure. The track is fixed on the rear wall or mounting plate of the chassis by screws. Using the DIN rail, you can quickly install compatible components, such as terminal blocks, using its standardized design.
The versatility and durability of DIN rails make them a popular choice for a wide range of applications, requiring a simple and flexible installation solution. DIN rail is an effective tool for installing hardware in electrical enclosures.
5. How to cut a DIN rail
One of the safest and most effective ways to cut DIN rails is to use DIN rail cutters. First of all, when using the DIN rail cutter, make sure your property is safe to avoid damage and injury. Then set the measuring guide of the tool to accurately measure the DIN rail you want to be cut. Once the measuring rail is securely secured in place, slide the DIN rail into the groove. Some tools are equipped with different grooves for different types of DIN rails.
Lower the rail wall to ensure that the DIN rail is flush with the rail. Next, slowly pull down the lever of the cutter and let it gently return to its original position. Next, lift the wall of the rail and remove the cut DIN rail.
According to your choice, DIN rails are relatively easy to use and cleanly cut DIN rails without damaging them. DIN rail cutters also ensure a safe working environment. Different manufacturers have different designs of DIN rail knives, which means that they are used in different ways.
If you are using a DIN rail cutter for the first time, it is recommended to ask an expert to cut your DIN rail.
6. Conclusion
DIN rail is a metal rail used by experts to install circuit breakers and industrial control equipment. Generally speaking, DIN rails have different variations. However, they have similar characteristics all over the world. For ease of use, DIN rails need to be cut. A typical DIN rail cutter is the standard method for cutting DIN rails to accurate length measurement.
Din rail instruments, circuit breakers, switch isolators, surge arresters, and surge arresters are some of the devices installed on DIN rails. ALION manufacturers and supplies high-quality electrical equipment, which can usually be found mounted on DIN rails. Check out our comprehensive catalog of high-quality modular DIN rail products in a variety of shapes and sizes.
