Do mounting methods affect power supply operation?

Power supplies typically mount on DIN rails but they can also mount flush on a panel within a control cabinet. Different mounting scenarios can affect the power supply’s heat dissipation. Therefore, supply manufacturers may derate operating capacity depending on ambient conditions and how the supply is mounted. Typically, there must be a space between power supplies installed side-by-side to allow heat dissipation. Power supplies are generally cooled via air convection (and whenever possible, forced air cooling).