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The Herborn-based systems specialist Rittal has now presented a newly developed open platform for power distribution systems called RiLineX. A click system of boards and components is designed to simplify the previously time-consuming task of setting up power distribution in control cabinet construction – with time savings of up to 30 percent in engineering and 50 percent in assembly compared to conventional busbar systems. Another advantage is that RiLineX ensures greater sustainability by reducing plastic waste and providing a decentralized supply that requires fewer trips to transport heavy copper. The product design has already been named a winner of the 2025 German Design Award.

Suitable for use up to 1,000 volts alternating current (AC) or 1,500 volts direct current (DC)

Everyone who relies on a fast and reliable power distribution solution up to 1,000 volts alternating current (AC) or 1,500 volts direct current (DC) should benefit from RiLineX. This ranges from classic control and switchgear manufacturers to the energy storage industry, the builders of photovoltaic systems or the IT sector. With the new power distribution platform, the laborious dimensioning of the system, the loss of space when installing the components and the sawing open of protective covers are now a thing of the past.

Bracket planning was yesterday

First and foremost, RiLineX makes the planning and assembly process significantly faster. Since the copper rails are inserted directly into the board that can be built on, the components can be planned and installed in a completely consistent manner. The laborious project-specific design of the holders is no longer necessary, nor is the complicated sawing of covers. This also eliminates scrap and plastic waste – on average 1.9 kilograms per system. The cover remains continuous in the system above the rails from the outset, and protects against accidental contact. The touch protection is certified to protection category IP2XB. This prevents foreign bodies with a diameter of 12 millimetres or more from entering the system. At the front, the touch protection can also be extended to protection category IP4X. This way, Rittal protects the system from foreign bodies with a diameter of 1 millimetre or more. Contact between live parts and fingers is prevented in all cases. Thanks to the design, the entire system has already been pre-tested for short-circuit resistance up to 52.5 kiloamperes, meaning that both planners and users can rely on a completely safe solution.

Complete board or modular system

Depending on the customer application, Rittal offers two different approaches, thereby creating greater flexibility of use. The RiLineX platform is available as a complete board that can be installed in a flash, including copper bars for Rittal AX compact and VX25 baying enclosures up to 1,200 millimetres, and can also be pre-assembled in the enclosure. This makes the board ideal for standard applications. It saves users costs, increases clarity and enables the system to be installed without any special prior knowledge. On the other hand, the open modular system offers complete design freedom for individual system configuration, even beyond 2.4 meters thanks to the baying connection. Users only need the length of the mounting plate and can combine the modules individually in 200-millimeter increments. The hole pattern on each mounting plate from Rittal remains identical. Only standard busbars need to be cut to size for the system. The copper bars are then securely fixed in the board, so that short-circuit resistance is always guaranteed. This variant is also available as a system kit without bars. Particularly in the case of international applications, it makes economic and ecological sense not to ship heavy metal to other continents. With RiLineX, the boards can simply be used on site with low-priced standard copper or aluminium bars in various cross-sections. It is also no problem to extend the bars across several enclosures, even retrospectively. Rittal's new RiPower planning tool is available to provide support.

Four-pole for the future

With RiLineX, Rittal is taking power distribution in the enclosure into the future. Initially, the system will be available as a three-pole solution for currents of up to 800 amps, with four-pole systems to follow. The platform is also equally suitable for use in DC applications, which play a particularly important role in the field of efficient industrial applications and renewable energies on the way to the “All Electric Society”. All relevant connection adapters, fuses and isolators for the 3-pole system will already be available at HANNOVER MESSE 2025.

Interface data for product development

Rittal is taking the platform concept beyond the company itself. Even before the sales launch, Rittal has initiated an ecosystem with numerous technology partners. Equipment and component manufacturers can obtain the necessary interface data for their product development and develop and distribute “Ready for RiLineX” solutions.

Award-winning product design

RiLineX also impressed the jury of the German Design Council – Rat für Formgebung. The platform was named the winner in the Energy category at the German Design Awards 2025. The German Bundestag (Federal Parliament) established the German Design Council. With this award, the foundation recognizes outstanding products and highlights the contribution that functional design can make to the sustainable transformation of the economy.

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