PENGLIN RJ45 8P8C DIN Rail Mount Ethernet Connector Breakout Board (2 Ways)
Product description
What it is
The PENGLIN RJ45 8P8C DIN Rail Mount Ethernet Connector Breakout Board is a compact, protected breakout solution designed for accessing all contacts of an 8P8C RJ45 connector. It comes in a plastic enclosure to improve durability and is mounted on a 35mm DIN rail, with compatibility to 15mm DIN rails.
How it’s laid out
This is a two-way breakout board that brings each of the nine connections to screw terminals, allowing fast and secure termination to wires. The board uses a 5.08 mm (0.2 inch) terminal pitch and includes an adaptor option with a 120Ω termination matching resistor. The compact design enables installation in tight spaces, with mounting holes to secure the assembly for a solid connection.
What it’s for
The unit is suitable for Ethernet networking and can also be used with DMX512, RS485, RS422, and RS232 applications. It provides a practical method to access and distribute contacts from a standard RJ45 connector, making it handy for hobby projects and small-scale installations where a clean, DIN rail-mounted solution is preferred.
Strengths and limitations
On the plus side, the enclosure adds protection, the screw terminals offer straightforward wiring, and the DIN rail mounting supports robust, space-conscious setups. The 2-way breakout and accessible contacts simplify termination in compact layouts. A potential limitation is that, as with any breakout board, you’ll want to ensure the wiring meets the pitch and terminal requirements for your specific use case, and note that the 120Ω termination resistor is optional rather than mandatory.
Who it’s for
This board is likely to appeal to technicians, hobbyists, or engineers needing a compact, durable RJ45 breakout on a DIN rail for Ethernet and serial-style communications (RS485/RS422/RS232) in controlled environments or cabinets.
Who it isn’t for
If you require a larger number of channels or a more feature-rich network interface, this two-way board may feel limited. It’s also not a plug-and-play complete network solution, some assembly and wire termination are still required.
When it makes sense to buy
Consider this breakout when you need a compact, rail-mounted access point to an 8P8C RJ45 for tidy wiring in a cabinet or equipment rack, especially if space is constrained and you value a protective enclosure.
What to check before buying
- Confirm the DIN rail compatibility (35 mm width and 15 mm rail) matches your enclosure and mounting space.
- Verify whether you need the 120Ω termination resistor in your particular application and whether you’ll use the screw terminals for all nine connections.
- Ensure the pitch and terminal type suit your wiring gauge and planned termination method.
Practical use example
Imagine wiring a small Ethernet or RS-485 network inside a control panel: the PENGLIN breakout lets you terminate each RJ45 contact directly to screw terminals, reducing clutter and enabling a tidy, grounded wiring approach without needing a separate panel mount jack. The protective enclosure helps in busy environments where cables and dust are concerns.
Quick comparison approach
If you’re weighing options, this board sits between simple, bare RJ45 jacks and more feature-rich multi-channel distribution modules. It’s a sensible pick when you prioritise compact form, DIN rail mounting, and straightforward screw termination over high channel counts or integrated termination networks.
FAQ
- Can I use this for DMX512 networks? Yes, it can be used in DMX512 alongside its Ethernet/RS485/RS422/RS232 capabilities, provided the wiring and termination suit your system.
- Is the termination resistor mandatory? The 120Ω termination resistor is optional according to the description.
- How many channels does it expose? It is a 2-way breakout with nine connections brought out to screw terminals.
Final verdict
Is it worth it? Worth considering if you need a compact, DIN-rail mounted RJ45 breakout with protective enclosure for neat wiring in compact enclosures. It may be less ideal if you require more channels or a fully integrated network solution for larger setups.