Magnetic, Reed Switches

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
59170-1-S-00-C Wickmann / Littelfuse	SWITCH REED SPST-NO 350MA 140V	1214
MDRR-DT-15-25-F Wickmann / Littelfuse	SWITCH REED SPDT 180MA 120V	1020
MDSM-4R-12-23 Wickmann / Littelfuse	SWITCH REED SPST-NO 350MA 140V	2979
PMC-1496X/1320 PIC GmbH	LATCHING REED SWITCH	52
KSK-1A66/3-1520 Standex Electronics	SWITCH REED SPST-NO 500MA 200V	0
59050-1-U-00-0 Wickmann / Littelfuse	SWITCH REED SPST-NO 350MA 140V	0
MK15-B-2 Standex Electronics	SWITCH REED SPST-NO 500MA 180V	0
MLRR-3-7-13 Wickmann / Littelfuse	SWITCH REED SPST-NO 700MA 140V	0
MK23-35-B-4 Standex Electronics	SWITCH REED SPST-NO 1A 200V	0
ORD 211/10-15 AT Standex Electronics	SWITCH REED SPST-NO 100MA 24V	0
PMC-1001THY PIC GmbH	SMD NORMALLY CLOSED REED SWITCH	3166
MDCG-4-7-13 Wickmann / Littelfuse	SWITCH REED SPST-NO 350MA 140V	0
MS-108-3-2 PIC GmbH	REED SENSOR PITCH 20.32 MM	472
MK23-85-D-2 Standex Electronics	SWITCH REED SPST-NO 1A 1000V	0
KSK-1A85-2025 Standex Electronics	SWITCH REED SPST-NO 1A 1000V	0
RI-48GP-1520 Comus International	SWITCH REED SPST-NO 1A 250V	0
CT10-1540-G2 Coto Technology	SWITCH REED SPST-NO 250MA 100V	0
MK15-B-1 Standex Electronics	SWITCH REED SPST-NO 500MA 180V	0
MK06-4-B Standex Electronics	SWITCH REED SPST-NO 500MA 200V	251
RI80SMDM-1015-J1 Comus International	SWITCH REED SPST-NO 250MA 140V	0

Magnetic, Reed Switches

1. Overview

Magnetic reed switches are electromechanical switching devices operated by an applied magnetic field. Comprising ferromagnetic contacts sealed in a glass envelope, they enable contact closure (or opening) without physical actuation. Their hermetically sealed design ensures reliability in harsh environments, making them critical components in modern automation, security systems, and industrial equipment.

2. Main Types & Functional Classification

Type	Function	Application Example
Normally Open (NO)	Contacts open without magnetic field	Door/window sensors in alarm systems
Normally Closed (NC)	Contacts close without magnetic field	Emergency shut-off systems
Change-over (CO)	Three-contact configuration with common terminal	Industrial process control systems
High-Voltage Reed Switch	Rated for >1kV applications	Medical imaging equipment

3. Structure & Composition

Typical structure includes:

Hermetically sealed borosilicate glass capsule
Electroplated ferromagnetic nickel-iron contacts (0.1-0.2mm thickness)
Inert gas atmosphere (usually nitrogen or argon)
External magnetic actuation source (permanent magnet or electromagnet)

Advanced variants feature sputtered ruthenium/tungsten coatings for improved contact durability.

4. Key Technical Parameters

Parameter	Typical Range	Significance
Contact Rating	10VA - 200VA	Determines switching capacity
Operate Time	0.2 - 2.0ms	Response speed for fast-switching applications
Dielectric Strength	100V - 10kV	Electrical insulation capability
Operational Life	10⁶ - 10⁹ operations	Long-term reliability indicator
Actuation Distance	1 - 50mm	Design flexibility for mechanical systems

5. Application Fields

Consumer Electronics: Smart home sensors, wearable devices
Automotive: Transmission position sensors, anti-theft systems
Industrial: Flow meters, valve position monitoring
Medical: MRI machine interlocks, infusion pump controls
Security Systems: Window/door intrusion detection

6. Leading Manufacturers & Products

Manufacturer	Product Series	Key Features
TE Connectivity	KB Series	10⁹ operations life, aerospace qualified
Omron	Reed Relays G6K	Subminiature size (10.5mm), 24VDC rating
Honeywell	919H Series	High-voltage (3000VAC), medical-grade insulation
Hamlin	Hermetic Reed Switches	IP68 rating, -55 C to +125 C operating range

7. Selection Guidelines

Key considerations:

Contact configuration (NO/NC/CO) matching control circuit requirements
Environmental factors: Temperature (-40 C to +150 C typical), vibration resistance
Electrical parameters: Must exceed 20% of application requirements
Actuation method: Fixed magnet position vs. movable magnet systems
Mounting orientation: Axial vs. radial mounting constraints

Case Study: Smart meter applications require reed switches with >10⁸ operations life and anti-tamper certification.

Industry Trends

Emerging developments include:

Micro-scale reed switches for IoT devices (under 3mm size)
Integrated Hall effect sensor combinations
Graphene-coated contacts for ultra-low resistance (0.01 typical)
Wireless reed switch modules with BLE connectivity
Increased adoption in renewable energy systems for contactor control