Once the adapter size is adjusted, it is press-fitted onto a DIN rail. The finished connector is then secured to the rail using four M3 screws held in brass bushings. This can be done with a standard tool. To facilitate quality control, the adapter design includes a bracket that allows the fully assembled connector to rotate 100 degrees. This gives the cabinet or enclosure manufacturer access to the front and back of the connector. A small probe can then be used to test continuity in each position. Once the testing sequence is complete, the connector is simply rotated into position and is ready for service.
After fitting the industrial connector housing with its mounted counterpart, a locking lever secures the two halves of the interconnect. The adapter's cam-profile locking mechanism applies a spring load to the lever, preventing accidental activation. This added safety feature facilitates handling in cabinets with a high density of connections. When the lever reaches its closed position, the spring load provides tactile feedback. If it becomes necessary to disconnect the connector, the cam profile of the locking mechanism will help to disengage the two halves of the interconnect.
Since space inside an enclosure is often limited, the adapter has a symmetrical design. It can be mounted horizontally or vertically to make the best use of available space. The cable can be inserted from either direction, which is useful if the adapter needs to be mounted at the top or bottom of the enclosure. The cable cross-section can be up to 16 mm² (AWG 26-4). If required, the adapter can also be panel-mounted.
The DIN rail adapter frame is made of glass fiber reinforced plastic (GRP). As it is primarily an accessory for industrial connectors, the rail adapter has no inherent electrical properties. Its dimensions conform to EN 60715 (IEC 715).
