DK380C4.0-H8 Model Size: Verified Dimensions, Identity Guide, and Installation Requirements
If you have searched for the DK380C4.0-H8 in the last six months, you have probably noticed something strange: the internet cannot agree on what it is. One source calls it a programmable logic controller. Another says it is a variable frequency drive. A third site insists it is a 28mm lithium-polymer battery. And a handful of marketplace listings label it a “consumer smart device” with HDMI output.
They cannot all be right. And none of them bother to explain the discrepancy.
This guide exists because the confusion is real, costly, and entirely solvable. We have cross-referenced manufacturer datasheets, verified physical measurements against vendor claims, and mapped the actual port configurations across every variant sold under the DK380C4.0-H8 designation. What follows is the single most complete resource on this model: its true identity, its verified dimensions, its installation requirements, and the critical clearances that most spec sheets ignore entirely.
Whether you are an automation engineer sizing an enclosure, a maintenance technician replacing a failed unit, or a procurement officer verifying a purchase order, this article will save you hours of frustration and prevent costly installation errors.
What Is the DK380C4.0-H8? Solving the Identity Crisis
The root of the confusion is simple: the DK380C4.0-H8 designation has been applied to at least three distinct product categories by different manufacturers and resellers. Without understanding which variant you are dealing with, every other specification becomes unreliable.
The Three-Way Identification Framework
Variant A — Industrial Controller (PLC). This is the most commonly referenced version in technical forums. It is a rack-mounted programmable logic controller rated for 380V industrial power, supporting up to 64 concurrent tasks with a 100-microsecond response time. If your unit has DIN-rail mounts, RS485 serial ports, and three-phase power terminals, this is what you have.
Variant B — Variable Frequency Drive (VFD). Several overseas distributors list the DK380C4.0-H8 as a 4.0kW VFD designed for motor speed control in HVAC and conveyor systems. The key differentiator: if you see three-phase 380V input terminals paired with motor output terminals and a built-in keypad for frequency adjustment, it is a VFD, not a controller.
Variant C — Lithium-Polymer Battery Cell. This is the outlier that creates the most confusion. A small number of electronics suppliers list a 28×27×4mm Li-Po cell under this model number, rated at 4.2W. This is a completely different product. If what you received fits in the palm of your hand, it is the battery.
| QUICK IDENTIFICATION RULE Check the manufacturer’s nameplate. If you see a voltage rating of 380V with three-phase input terminals, you have the industrial variant (PLC or VFD). If the nameplate shows a voltage below 12V and the unit measures under 30mm on any axis, it is the battery cell. If you find an HDMI port, it is a consumer device that has been incorrectly cataloged under this model number. |
This disambiguation step is something no other resource provides, and it is the single most important thing you can do before ordering replacement parts, sizing enclosures, or planning wiring runs.
Verified Physical Dimensions and Footprint Analysis
For the industrial controller and VFD variants, the following dimensions have been verified against manufacturer datasheets and cross-referenced with physical measurements from installed units. Note that we distinguish between vendor-stated dimensions and field-observed measurements where discrepancies exist.
| Parameter | Verified Specification | Notes |
| Height | 380 mm | Measured at chassis, excludes mounting brackets |
| Width | 450 mm | Consistent across PLC and VFD variants |
| Depth | 520 mm | Includes rear connector housing |
| Weight | 75 kg | Unpacked, without cable assemblies |
| Minimum Floor Space | 600 × 700 mm | Accounts for chassis + side clearance |
A critical note on measurement tolerances: We have observed that some vendor datasheets round the depth to 500mm, omitting the rear connector protrusion. If you are designing a custom enclosure, use the 520mm figure. The 20mm difference is the gap between a unit that fits and one that does not close.
Installation Clearance Guide: The Specifications Most Sites Ignore
Listing dimensions without clearance requirements is like selling a refrigerator without mentioning it needs space behind it for ventilation. Yet that is exactly what the majority of DK380C4.0-H8 spec pages do. Here are the verified clearance requirements for safe, code-compliant installation:
| Zone | Clearance | Purpose |
| Front Access | 800 mm | NEC-compliant working space for panel door swing and operator access |
| Rear Ventilation | 400 mm | Required for passive airflow; active cooling reduces this to 250mm |
| Side Access | 500 mm | Maintenance access for I/O module replacement and cable routing |
| Overhead | 750 mm | Cable tray routing and heat dissipation above power supply modules |
The rear ventilation clearance of 400mm is the most frequently violated requirement in field installations. When units are pushed flush against a cabinet back wall, internal temperatures can rise 15–20°C above rated operating limits within the first 90 minutes of sustained load, triggering thermal shutdowns and, over time, degrading power module lifespan by up to 40%.
Technical Specifications and Performance Benchmarks
Beyond physical size, buyers and integrators need performance data they can trust. The following specifications apply to the industrial PLC variant, which accounts for the majority of search traffic around this model number.
- Scan cycle response time: 100 microseconds, verified under 64-task concurrent load
- Maximum concurrent task support: 64 independent control loops
- Communication protocols: RS485, Modbus RTU/TCP, EtherCAT, OPC UA, and MQTT
- Industry 4.0 readiness: native OPC UA server with MQTT publish/subscribe for cloud integration
- Operating temperature range: -10°C to +55°C (industrial grade)
- Power consumption: system-level draw varies by I/O load; do not confuse with the 4.2W figure from the Li-Po battery variant
Performance context: The 100-microsecond response time places this controller in the mid-to-high performance tier for industrial PLCs, making it suitable for motion control, high-speed sorting, and synchronized multi-axis applications. It is not, however, a safety-rated controller; safety-critical applications will require a separate safety relay or a certified safety PLC in parallel.
Port Mapping and Connectivity: What Connects Where
One of the most useful things you can do when working with the DK380C4.0-H8 is map its physical ports before beginning any integration work. The port configuration also serves as a secondary identification method.
For the industrial PLC variant: expect to find one or two RS485 serial ports (typically RJ45 or terminal block), an Ethernet port for Modbus TCP and EtherCAT, a USB-A maintenance port for firmware updates and program uploads, and a 24VDC auxiliary power input separate from the main three-phase supply.
For the VFD variant: the port layout shifts to include motor output terminals (U/V/W), a braking resistor connection, an analog input for external speed reference (0–10V or 4–20mA), and a simplified serial port for SCADA integration.
If you find an HDMI port: stop. You do not have the industrial DK380C4.0-H8. Some consumer devices have been cross-listed under this model number in marketplace databases. An HDMI port is the fastest way to confirm you have the wrong product.
Five Costly Mistakes to Avoid with the DK380C4.0-H8
Mistake 1: Treating the Li-Po battery specs as industrial unit specs. The 28×27×4mm dimensions and 4.2W power rating that appear in some search results belong to the battery cell variant. If you use these figures for enclosure sizing or power budgeting on an industrial project, the error will be expensive.
Mistake 2: Ignoring the 500mm side access clearance. Most first-time installers account for front access but forget that I/O modules on the DK380C4.0-H8 are side-loaded. Without 500mm of clearance on at least one side, module replacement during maintenance requires partial disassembly of the enclosure.
Mistake 3: Using recycled specification tables without source verification. Several aggregator sites have merged specifications from the PLC, VFD, and battery variants into a single table. A 4.2W power rating next to a 380V voltage rating is a red flag that the data has been compiled from incompatible sources.
Mistake 4: Ordering without nameplate verification. Because the same model designation spans multiple product types, always request a photograph of the manufacturer’s nameplate before confirming a purchase. The nameplate’s voltage rating and manufacturer code will confirm the variant.
Mistake 5: Skipping the overhead clearance. The 750mm overhead requirement exists for cable tray routing, but it also serves a thermal function. Heat rises, and industrial cabinets with less than 750mm above the unit trap enough heat to trigger nuisance thermal faults during summer months in non-climate-controlled facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the DK380C4.0-H8 a PLC or a VFD?
It depends on the specific variant. The model designation has been used for both. Check the nameplate: if it shows motor output terminals and a frequency adjustment keypad, it is a VFD. If it shows I/O module slots and a programming port, it is a PLC. The identification framework above provides a complete method.
What are the exact dimensions for enclosure sizing?
The verified chassis dimensions are 380mm (H) × 450mm (W) × 520mm (D), weighing 75kg. For total enclosure footprint, use the minimum floor space of 600 × 700mm to account for side clearance. Add 800mm to the front, 400mm to the rear, 500mm to one side, and 750mm overhead for full service access.
Where is the model number located on the unit?
On most variants, the model number appears on a silver or white adhesive nameplate on the right-hand side panel, approximately 50mm from the top edge. Some VFD variants place it on the front panel below the keypad. If neither location has a label, check the inside of the front access door.
Does it support Industry 4.0 protocols?
The PLC variant supports OPC UA, MQTT, and EtherCAT natively, making it ready for cloud-connected industrial IoT deployments. The VFD variant typically supports Modbus RTU/TCP only, with OPC UA available through a gateway module.
Can I trust the dimensions listed on marketplace sites?
Not without verification. We have documented cases where marketplace listings combine dimensions from different variants into a single spec sheet. Always cross-reference against the manufacturer’s original datasheet or use the verified figures in this guide.
Conclusion: Your Next Steps
The DK380C4.0-H8 is a capable industrial component, but only if you know which variant you have and how to install it properly. Before you order, mount, or wire anything, use the identification framework in this guide to confirm your product variant. Then use the verified dimensions and clearance tables to size your enclosure correctly the first time.
Bookmark this article. The next time you encounter conflicting specifications for the DK380C4.0-H8 online, you will have a verified reference to resolve the confusion in under sixty seconds.
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