This is a normally open reed switch. It's a magnetic control switch that closes a circuit when a magnet is nearby. The switch is off when no magnet is present. It's a simple, dependable part for touchless sensing, sold here in a pack of 10. Features and Benefits
- Normally Open (NO) Contact - The circuit stays open and uses no power until a magnet activates it. This helps save battery life in portable devices.
- Sealed Glass Body - The inner contacts are protected from dust, moisture, and rust. This ensures steady performance for a long time.
- Plastic Casing - The 6 x 30mm plastic housing makes the delicate inner glass tube easier to handle and mount in your projects.
- Passive Operation - This reed tube does not need any power to work. This makes it a very efficient part for trigger circuits. Applications
- Home Security Systems - Put them on windows and doors. You can make a simple alarm that goes off when someone opens the entry point.
- Position Indication - Use it to confirm that a mechanical part, like a gate or machine guard, is in the correct closed spot.
- Custom Electronic Toys - Build simple interactive toys. Bringing a magnet close to the switch can trigger a light or sound.
What It Is
This product is a Reed Switch, a type of proximity sensor designed to detect the presence of a magnetic field. It functions as either Normally Open or Normally Closed, meaning it can either complete or break an electrical circuit when a magnet is brought into proximity. The overall dimensions of each sensor are 6 x 30 mm, with the active plastic tape measuring 4 x 18 mm. This pack contains 10 individual reed switches, making it suitable for multiple applications or replacements.
Key Uses & Applications
Reed switches, as proximity sensors, are commonly used in various industrial sensor applications and electronics modules. They are effective for position sensing, such as detecting door or window closures, or for monitoring fluid levels when paired with a magnetic float. Other uses include security systems, limit switches in machinery, and simple control circuits. Their compact size, with overall dimensions of 6 x 30 mm, allows for integration into tight spaces where other barrel sensors or optical sensors might not fit.
How to Choose
When selecting a proximity sensor like this reed switch, consider the required switch type: Normally Open or Normally Closed, depending on whether you need the circuit to be made or broken in the presence of a magnetic field. The physical dimensions, 6 x 30 mm overall, are important for installation space. To test a proximity sensor like this, you typically use a multimeter to check for continuity across the switch terminals while bringing a magnet near it. For specific distance requirements, note that reed switches are not time sensors and their activation distance, unlike some optical sensors, depends on the strength and proximity of the external magnet, often within a few centimetres.
Dimensions: 4 x 18 mm (plastic tape), 6 x 30 mm (overall). Product Type: Reed Switch. Quantity: 10 pieces. Switch Type: Normally Open/Closed. Dimensions (Plastic Tape): 6 mm width x 30 mm length. Dimensions (Reed Switch Glass): 4 mm diameter x 18 mm length. Contact Material: Rhodium or Ruthenium (typical for reed switches). Material: Mixture (glass, metal, plastic). Maximum Switching Voltage: 200V DC. Operating Temperature: -20°C to +80°C. Contact Resistance: Typically < 100 mΩ. Insulation Resistance: > 10^9 Ω. Maximum Carry Current: 1.0A. Maximum Switching Current: 0.5A. Product Name: Normally Open Closed Reed Sensor Proximity Switch. Quantity: 10 pieces. Sensor Type: Reed Switch. Switch Type: Normally Open (NO) and Normally Closed (NC). Q: What are the exact measurements for the switch and the included magnet? A: The switch itself is housed in a plastic tube that is 30mm long and 6mm in diameter. The corresponding magnet is 18mm long and 4mm in diameter and has adhesive tape on one side.. Q: What kind of material is the housing, and are the wires flexible? A: The housing is made from a simple plastic that protects the internal glass switch. The attached wires are stranded, which makes them flexible and helps prevent them from breaking during installation.. Q: What's the maximum voltage and current this switch can handle? A: These are intended for low-power signal circuits. They are generally rated for up to 100V DC and can switch currents of about 0.5A safely.. Q: I received a switch that is always on and opens with a magnet. Did I get a faulty one? A: It sounds like you have a 'Normally Closed' (NC) version, which is working as intended. If you needed a 'Normally Open' (NO) switch instead, please contact us and we can arrange an exchange.. Q: How would I use this reed switch to build a simple security sensor for a window? A: You would use a 'Normally Open' type for that. Mount the switch on the window frame and the magnet on the window itself. When the window is opened, the magnet moves away, allowing the switch to close and complete your alarm circuit..