DIN rails are metal rails typically used for mounting industrial control equipment inside racks and enclosures. First adopted in Germany in the late 1920s, DIN rails were soon taken up throughout Europe and can now be found in various industrial settings worldwide.

There are now many types of DIN rail mounting brackets available and this variety is reflected in our extensive product range. Whether you're looking for a Phoenix Contact DIN rail, a 35mm DIN rail, or any other popular brand or specification, we're likely to have it in stock and ready to ship.

Browse our products online and use relevant search filters to narrow down your selection. Alternatively, read more about the origins and types of DIN rails below.

What are DIN rails?

DIN rails are long metal strips that function as a mechanical support structure for electrical components including:

Circuit breakers
Terminal blocks
Power supplies
Actuators
Solenoids

DIN rails act purely as physical support rather than as conductive or connective elements in an electronic system. They're usually mounted inside an electrical equipment housing cabinet or frame, or directly onto a wall.

What are the historical origins of DIN rails?

The acronym 'DIN' stands for Deutsche Institut für Normung, which translates roughly as 'German Institute of Standards'. Now universally familiar, the DIN rail mounting bracket was first created in the late 1920s by a separate German company before DIN standardized its designs for mounting electrical components.

DIN rails would go on to be standardized by neighboring European countries in the 1950s before quickly being adopted worldwide.

What are the advantages of a DIN rail system?

DIN rails aren't exactly the most exciting element of electronic systems - but their functionality is essential in many industrial settings. Their key benefits include:

Promoting a common standard for the mounting of electrical components, meaning designers and installers can use parts made by different manufacturers with the assurance they will fit
Making the mounting of electrical components and equipment faster and easier by saving having to panel mount each component separately
Conserving space by allowing for tight configurations of components and reducing the amount of mounting hardware needed
Saving money by reducing the amount of wiring and cabinet space needed to house electrical components
Organizing components neatly for better safety and maintenance access

What are the different types of DIN rail?

DIN rails can be made from steel, aluminum, or copper, with various protective coatings available. But most still fall into one of four categories defined largely by their physical footprint. These categories are as follows.

TS35 or 'top hat' rails

TS35 rails are the most commonly available and most used type of DIN rail. The 'top hat' name comes from the rail's cross-section, which is like that of a deep hat.

These rails are 35mm in width with channel depths of 7.5mm and 15mm available. If debating between a TS35 DIN rail 7.5mm or 15mm version, it's useful to know that 7.5mm is considered standard, while 15mm is considered deep.

A 7.5mm TS35 DIN rail is suitable for most everyday component-mounting applications.

TS15 or 'miniature top hat' rails

As you might infer from the naming convention, TS15 DIN rails are the same shape as TS35 DIN rails, only smaller. These rails typically measure 15mm wide by 5.5mm deep and are useful when space is more limited, or when dealing with smaller components.

TS32 or 'C' rails

TS32 DIN rails are 32mm wide with a cross-section resembling the letter 'C' in a symmetrical curve. These rails were more common in years gone by and have since largely been superseded by the TS35.

TS32 rails still provide excellent support for larger or heavier components, however, and are categorized by their vertical height once mounted. C20, C30, C40, and C50 are the four most popular types, with the number corresponding to height in millimeters.

TS32 or 'G-type' rails

The cross-section of these DIN rails resembles the letter 'G' and features a deeper recess at one side than the other. The deeper recess is usually positioned lower down when the rail is mounted to offer extra support for heavier and higher-powered components you may need to attach.

Slotted or non-slotted DIN rails

As well as the rail sizes and shapes discussed above, DIN rails also come with or without pre-cut mounting holes. Choosing pre-cut slots enables quick and easy mounting of your chosen DIN rail and removes the need for a punching tool, though non-slotted DIN rails can offer more user flexibility.

Order DIN rails for your electronic components today

Whether you need an industry-standard 35mm DIN Rail mounting bracket or something more specific, we're here to deliver the parts you need. We're one of the largest suppliers in North America and offer the high level of shipping and customer service capabilities you should expect as a result.

Place an order through our website or contact our experts if you have any questions. You can also read news and advice on all things electronics over on our expert hub.