35mm DIN Rail Dimensions and Clips Specifications

The precision of 35mm DIN rail dimensions is the cornerstone of modern industrial control panel assembly, ensuring a universal and interchangeable mounting platform for electrical components. This standardized system, primarily governed by IEC/EN 60715, allows engineers and technicians to mount everything from small terminal blocks to heavy power supplies with confidence and efficiency. This guide, Xingrail provides a focused look at the technical specifications of 35mm DIN rails and their essential counterparts: DIN rail clips.

35mm DIN Rail Dimensions

The most common type of DIN rail is the “Top Hat” style, also known as TS35. Its name comes from the hat-like shape of its cross-section. The critical 35mm DIN rail dimensions refer to its overall width, but the depth of the rail is equally important as it determines the type of components it can support. There are two standard depths for the 35mm Top Hat rail.

1. Standard Profile (35mm x 7.5mm): This is the most widely used profile. Its 7.5mm depth is sufficient for mounting a broad range of lightweight to medium-weight components, including relays, modular circuit breakers, and terminal blocks. It offers a compact footprint, which is ideal for high-density control cabinets.
2. Deep or High-Hat Profile (35mm x 15mm): The 15mm deep profile provides enhanced mechanical stability for heavier and bulkier equipment. It is the preferred choice for mounting larger power supplies, motor controllers, and programmable logic controllers (PLCs) that require more robust support.

Rails are typically manufactured from zinc-plated, cold-rolled steel for strength and corrosion resistance. Aluminum versions are also available for applications where weight is a concern. Rails can be solid or perforated with slots to simplify the mounting process onto a backplane or enclosure wall.

35mm DIN Rail Technical Specifications 

DIN Rail Clips Specifications 

DIN rail clips are the mechanisms that physically attach a component to the rail. Most DIN-rail-mountable devices have these clips integrated into their housing. For components without this feature, separate mounting adapters with clips can be used. These clips are designed to latch securely onto the edges of the 35mm rail.

Types of DIN Rail Clips and Accessories

• Integrated Clips: These are part of the component’s molded case. They typically feature a fixed hook for one side of the rail and a spring-loaded or flexible latch for the other, allowing the device to be snapped on and off.
• Mounting Adapters: These are flat or angled brackets with DIN rail clips on one side and mounting holes on the other. They allow you to mount non-DIN components, circuit boards, or custom assemblies onto a standard 35mm rail.
• End Stops (End Brackets): These clips slide onto the rail and are tightened with a screw to lock them in place. They act as barriers to prevent a group of components, like a bank of terminal blocks, from sliding horizontally.
• Spacers and Separators: These are specialized clips that create a defined air gap between components. They are crucial for thermal management, allowing air to circulate around heat-generating devices like power supplies.
• Mounting Brackets: For raising or angling a DIN rail away from the mounting surface, specialized brackets are available. Angled brackets improve visibility and access to components, while straight brackets create space behind the rail for wiring.

DIN Rail Clips Materials 

DIN rail clips and adapters are manufactured from materials chosen for their strength, durability, and environmental resistance.

• Steel: Zinc-plated steel clips are the industry standard, offering high mechanical strength and good corrosion resistance for most indoor industrial environments.
• Stainless Steel: For applications in corrosive environments, such as marine, food processing, or chemical plants, stainless steel clips provide superior protection against rust and degradation.
• Aluminum: Lightweight and corrosion-resistant, aluminum clips are a good alternative when weight reduction is a priority.
• Plastic/Nylon: Many modern components use clips made from high-strength engineering plastics like polyamide (Nylon). These are non-conductive, lightweight, and offer excellent durability for most applications.

35mm DIN Rails and Clips Installation Guidelines

A secure and well-organized installation is critical for the long-term reliability of any control system.

1. Surface Preparation: Ensure the mounting surface (enclosure backplane) is clean, flat, and sturdy.
2. Rail Installation: Position the rail and use the perforations or drill holes to fasten it securely with screws. Use a level to ensure the rail is perfectly horizontal or vertical, as required.
3. Component Mounting: To mount a device, hook the top edge of its clip over the top edge of the DIN rail. Then, press down firmly on the bottom of the device until the lower clip “snaps” into place. A clear clicking sound usually indicates a secure lock.
4. Component Removal: To remove a device, use a small flathead screwdriver to gently pry the lower spring-loaded clip away from the rail. This will release the tension, allowing you to tilt the component up and lift it off.
5. Final Assembly: Once all components are in place, slide end stops against each end of the assembly and tighten them. This is especially important in systems subject to vibration, as it prevents components from shifting and straining their wiring.

By adhering to the standardized 35mm DIN rail dimensions and using the appropriate DIN rail clips, you can build clean, modular, and easily maintainable control panels for any industrial application.

Common Questions

What does the “35mm” in the name refer to?
The “35mm” specifies the overall width of the rail from one outer edge to the other. This dimension is standardized to ensure that any 35mm-compatible component will fit correctly, regardless of the manufacturer.

Can you cut a 35mm DIN rail to a custom length?
Yes, DIN rails can be easily cut to any required length. It is best to use a dedicated DIN rail cutter to achieve a clean, burr-free edge. A hacksaw can also be used, but the ends should be filed to remove sharp edges.

Are all 35mm DIN rails the same?
While the width is standard, the depth can be either 7.5mm or 15mm. Rails also vary by material (steel or aluminum) and can be solid or perforated. It is important to select the correct profile for your specific application.

What is the purpose of the slots in a perforated DIN rail?
The slots provide pre-made holes for mounting the rail to an enclosure’s back panel. This eliminates the need for drilling and allows for more flexible placement, as the mounting screws can be positioned anywhere along the length of the slot.

Is a 35mm DIN rail conductive?
While made of metal, a DIN rail should not be used as a primary electrical conductor or busbar. However, it can be used for chassis grounding when properly bonded to the main earth connection using specific grounding terminal blocks.