DIN Rails Explained: Types, Construction Materials, and Key Design Traits
Publish Date: Sunday, November 02, 2025
DIN rails are standardized metal rails widely used for mounting electrical and automation components inside equipment cabinets and panels. They form the backbone of industrial control and electrical systems, providing a reliable and modular platform for attaching devices such as sensors, terminal blocks, relays, circuit breakers, PLCs, and more.
Types of DIN Rails
The most common DIN rail profile is the "Top Hat" rail, designated as TS35, characterized by its symmetrical hat-shaped cross-section. There are two main depths available:
- TS35/7.5 (35mm width × 7.5mm height)
- TS35/15 (35mm width × 15mm height)
Besides TS35, other less common types include:
- C-Rails (C20, C30) with a C-profile used in specialized applications
- G-Rails (G32) for legacy and specific equipment
- Miniature DIN Rails (MR15) for space-constrained installations
The choice of rail depends on the application, load requirements, and space available.
Construction Materials
DIN rails are manufactured from several materials tailored to various environmental and mechanical needs:
- Steel (cold-rolled carbon steel sheet): The most common material, usually zinc-plated or chromate-treated for corrosion resistance. Steel rails are strong, durable, and cost-effective, suitable for most indoor industrial use.
- Aluminum: Lightweight and naturally corrosion-resistant due to its oxide surface layer. Aluminum is favored in applications where weight reduction is important or where mild corrosion resistance is needed. However, it offers lower mechanical strength compared to steel.
- Stainless Steel: Provides superior strength and corrosion resistance but at a higher cost, used in harsh or outdoor environments.
- Copper: Sometimes used when the rail serves as a grounding busbar, though less common due to mechanical limits and cost.
Key Design Traits
DIN rails come with standard dimensions and tolerances regulated primarily under IEC 60715 (also EN 60715). They are normally produced in lengths of 100 to 2000 mm, and can be cut to required sizes. They often feature through holes or slotted holes for easy mounting to surfaces via screws or bolts.
The rail profile facilitates "snap-on" mounting of components, allowing secure attachment and easy removal for maintenance or reconfiguration. Surface treatments such as clear anodizing for aluminum improve corrosion resistance and aesthetics.
MISUMI India DIN Rail Product Example
- Product Types:
- Installation Surface 27mm for M4 screws (Part Number: DNR274)
- Installation Surface 31mm for M4 screws (Part Number: DNR314)
- Installation Surface 31mm for M5 screws (Part Number: DNR315)
- Material: Aluminum Alloy A6063S-T5
- Surface Treatment: Clear Anodize
- Hole Configuration: Fixed positions, with through holes and slotted hole options
- Overall Length: Available from 100 mm up to 1000 mm
This product provides lightweight yet sturdy mounting rails for industrial electrical components with corrosion resistance and precise hole positioning for easy installation.
Product Link: MISUMI India DIN Rails
