Magnetic reed switches control the flow of electricity in a circuit without requiring an external power source. They are engineered to function through proximity to a magnetic field, so the actuator (the source of the magnetic energy) is simply a magnet paired with a sensor or a switch.
Typically, a reed switch consists of a pair of electrical contacts sited on a magnetic metal reed and enclosed in a protective glass casing. These flexible switches can open and close circuits using AC and DC voltage.
Magnetic reed switches are preferred in many industries because of their wide range of benefits. This article will discuss magnetic reed switches’ common applications and advantages.
Common Applications of Magnetic Reed Switch
Because it is versatile, a magnetic reed switch can be applied to various industries, from home appliances to automotive. Particularly, this magnetic switch can be found in the following battery-operated devices:
Laptops and Mobile Phones
Usually used in clamshell designs and cases, magnetic reed switches allow the screen to turn off when the lid is closed.
Tamper-Proofing Systems
Magnetic reed switches are ideal to use with security systems. They function as proximity sensors that trigger an alarm when the magnet moves away from the switch.
Automobile Doors
As long as a proximity sensor is present, magnetic reed switches can power car doors and the lights connected to refrigerator doors.
Auto Shut-Off Devices
Magnetic reed switches are installed in fluid level sensors and thermal cut-offs in dishwashers, washing machines, and showers.
Measuring Devices
Anemometers used to measure wind speed are operated with magnetic reed switches. They can also power speed sensor devices on bicycle wheels, car gears, and treadmills.
Safety Features in Devices
Magnetic reed switches are a safety feature in devices like food processors and power tools. They help prevent these devices from completely turning on when a lid, guard, or other component is not correctly placed.
Environments With Explosive Gases or Chemicals
Because magnetic reed switches are encased in protective glasses, any sparking from the switching action stays within the casing, preventing accidents in environments with explosive gasses and chemicals.
Benefits of Magnetic Reed Switch
A permanent magnet often powers a magnetic field in a reed switch. However, a current-carrying wire or coil may be used as an alternative. These switches are more cost-efficient than other electrics and consume less power, resulting in low mechanical wear and a longer operational lifespan.
Further, the switches don’t need to be physically accessed to control the electricity in the circuit, reducing the potential for electrical interference. Mechanical reed switches are also durable, reliable, compact, lightweight, and highly customizable in terms of precision and sensibility.
Finally, magnetic reed switches are sustainable and safe to use in hazardous environments because they are enclosed hermetically in glass cases. Hence, they are less vulnerable to corrosion.
Reliable Magnetic Reed Switches at Magnelink
For over 30 years, Magnelink has provided outstanding service and top-notch magnetic switches to clients from diverse industries! Our dedication and extensive experience allows us to supply dependable, innovative, and affordable products to our consumers, such as magnetic reed switches in a broad spectrum of housings:
MLA Housing
MLE Housing
MLF Housing
MLG Housing
MLH Housing
MLL Housing
MLM Housing
MLP Housing
MLQ Housing
MLT Housing
MLU Housing
At Magnelink, we value customer collaboration to deliver various requirements and needs. Contact us to partner with Magnelink! You may also call us at 800-638-0801.
Posted by Maureen VanDyke on | Comments Off on About Reed Sensors
Reed sensors use a magnet or electromagnet to create a magnetic field that opens or closes a reed switch within the sensor. This deceptively simple device reliably controls circuits in a wide range of industrial and commercial goods.
In this article, we’ll discuss how reed sensors operate, the different types available, the differences between Hall Effect Sensors and reed sensors, and the key benefits of reed sensors. We’ll also provide an overview of industries that use reed sensors and how MagneLink can help you create custom reed switches for your next manufacturing project.
How Do Reed Sensors Work?
A reed switch is a pair of electrical contacts that create a closed circuit when they touch and an open circuit when separated. Reed switches form the basis for a reed sensor. Reed sensors have a switch and a magnet that power the opening and closing of the contacts. This system is contained within a hermetically sealed container.
There are three types of reed sensors: normally open reed sensors, normally closed reed sensors, and latching reed sensors. All three types may use either a traditional magnet or an electromagnet, and each relies upon slightly different methods of actuation.
Normally Open Reed Sensors
As the name implies, these reed sensors are in the open (disconnected) position by default. When the magnet in the sensor reaches the reed switch, it turns each of the connections into oppositely charged poles. That new attraction between the two connections forces them together to close the circuit. Devices with normally open reed sensors spend most of their time powered off unless the magnet is purposefully active.
Normally Closed Reed Sensors
Conversely, normally closed reed sensors create closed circuits as their default position. It isn’t until the magnet triggers a specific attraction that the reed switch disconnects and breaks the circuit connection. Electricity flows through a normally closed reed sensor until the magnet forces the two reed switch connectors to share the same magnetic polarity, which forces the two components apart.
Latching Reed Sensors
This reed sensor type includes the functionality of both normally closed and normally open reed sensors. Rather than defaulting to a powered or unpowered state, latching reed sensors stay in their last position until a change is forced upon it. If the electromagnet forces the switch into an open position, the switch will stay open until the electromagnet powers up and makes the circuit close, and vice versa. The operate and release points of the switch create natural hysteresis, which latches the reed in place.
Reed Sensors vs. Hall Effect Sensors
Hall Effect sensors also use the presence of magnetic force to power the opening and closing of a switch, but that’s where their similarities end. These sensors are semiconductor transducers that produce a voltage to activate solid-state switches rather than switches with moving parts. Some other key differences between the two switch types include:
Durability. Hall Effect sensors may need additional packaging to protect them from the environment, whereas reed sensors are protected within hermetically sealed containers. However, since reed sensors use mechanical movement, they are more susceptible to wear and tear.
Electricity demand. Hall Effect switches require a constant flow of current. Reed sensors, on the other hand, only require power to generate a magnetic field intermittently.
Vulnerability to interference. Reed switches can be prone to mechanical shock in certain environments, while Hall Effect switches are not. Hall Effect switches, on the other hand, are more susceptible to electromagnetic interference (EMI).
Frequency range. Hall effect sensors are useable over a wider frequency range, while reed sensors are usually limited to applications with frequencies below 10 kHz.
Cost. Both sensor types are fairly cost-effective, but overall reed sensors are cheaper to produce, which makes Hall Effect sensors somewhat more expensive.
Thermal conditions. Reed sensors perform better in extreme hot or cold temperatures, while Hall Effect sensors tend to experience performance issues at temperature extremes.
Characteristics for Reed Sensors
Reed sensors have many unique characteristics that make them ideal for many different applications. Those characteristics include:
Customizability
Operators can control the conditions and effectiveness of their reed sensors. For example, manufacturers may either mount reed switches on non-ferrous materials or insert a non-ferrous material barrier between the sensor and the mount. At MagneLink, we specialize in adding anti-shock protections, long-lasting mechanisms, and more.
Energy efficiency
Reed sensors only need to be powered when the switch is active in its non-default position. Latching sensors have even more efficient power demands because the switch stays in its last position until actively triggered.
Resistance
Reed sensors resist damage from adverse environmental conditions like moisture, temperature, and extreme weather. This is due to the simplicity of the mechanism, the protective seal, and its sensitivity to the magnetic field regardless of operating conditions.
Safe use in different conditions
Magnetic reed sensors can perform in extreme and hazardous environments. The hermetic seal, resistance to shock, and simplicity of the circuit let it withstand proximity to explosions, vibrations, and other hazards. Reed sensors may also operate safely near explosive gases due to the hermetic seal on the protective container.
Sensitivity
A reed sensor’s sensitivity to the magnetic field stays strong regardless of environmental factors. It will grow more responsive to magnetic fields as the temperature increases.
Applications of Reed Sensors
Reed sensors are heavily used in almost every industry. They provide a very simple and controllable mechanism for safely opening and closing circuits. Industrial facilities typically use one of the various reed sensor types for equipment that passively runs without direct intervention or equipment that automatically powers down in the event of a malfunction.
These default controls, governed by normally open and normally closed switches, create workspaces that are safe and efficient. MagneLink is proud to serve the following industries with high-quality reed sensors:
Appliances. Reed sensors operate well in appliances that create moist or humid environments, such as dishwashers, refrigerators, and washers.
Automation and manufacturing. Reed sensors have countless practical applications in production. Conveyor belts, cylinder pistons, and automated factory machinery all use reed sensors to detect limits and facilitate on/off functionality.
Automotive. Automotive goods need to meet strict standards that protect against failure. Both automotive accessories and OEM parts use reed sensors to create circuits that operate in car engines. These devices need circuitry that can withstand high temperatures, proximity to other circuits (aided by non-ferrous metal barriers), vibration, and gases.
Electronics. Reed sensors facilitate opening and closing of automatic doors. They also serve as proximity contacts for security devices used on doors and windows, or in devices that use a clamshell design.
Extreme conditions. Reed sensors offer reliable performance in applications with extreme temperatures or other harsh conditions.
General Original Equipment Manufacturing (OEM). OEM manufacturers use reed sensors for a myriad of purposes, such as speed sensors for gears and safety switches.
Medical. Electronic medical devices such as pacemakers use reed sensors to provide efficient, reliable circuitry operations with minimal maintenance requirements. Equipment such as defibrillators, sensors, feeding tubes, and hospital beds also implement reed sensors.
Recreational and fitness products. Reed sensors can be used in a variety of recreational and fitness equipment. For example, reed sensors serve as speed sensors in bicycle wheels and treadmills.
Reed Sensors from MagneLink Inc.
MagneLink, Inc. specializes in creating standard and custom reed switches for a variety of industrial and commercial applications. Each sensor comes in several options to best match the applications and intended environment of the sensors. Some of our options for custom switches include:
Housings. We provide a variety of housings that further protect each sensor and allow for easy mounting.
Electrical specifications. Our sensors can be adapted with transformers for use with different switch types and input or output requirements. We also provide different cable and connector types.
Environmental protections. Talk to our engineering team about different protections, such as our anti-shock mechanisms that make reed sensors even more durable.
Accessories. Our accessories include transformers, cables, and connector mate options.
MagneLink has been producing high-quality switches and sensors for more than 25 years. We prioritize customer service and expert custom switch design to produce exactly the right parts for your next project. Contact us today to learn more about our capabilities or request a quote to place your order from our extensive inventory of available switches and accessories.
Posted by Maureen VanDyke on | Comments Off on Magnetic Switch Selection: Reed Switch vs. Hall Effect Switch
Reed switches and Hall Effect switches are both considered magnetic switches since their properties change when exposed to a magnetic field. Strictly speaking, however, Hall Effect switches are transducers since they convert magnetic energy to electrical energy—they can be used as switches with some additional circuitry. Reed switches are true magnetic switches since they close or open in the presence or absence of a magnetic field.
Reed and Hall Effect switches are ubiquitous not only in electronic devices like cell phones and computers, but also in electromechanical systems like automobile control circuits and fluid control systems. System designers weigh many factors before considering Reed switches and Hall Effect switches for an application.
Reed Switches
Reed switches consist of a pair of contacts enclosed in a protective glass casing. The contacts are thin, flexible reeds made of ferromagnetic materials with a small air gap separating their contact points. When there is a strong enough magnetic field parallel to the reeds to magnetize them, they flex and touch to complete a circuit for current flow.
Typically the magnetic field is generated by a permanent magnet, but a current carrying coil of wire may also be used. Unlike Hall Effect switches, Reed switches:
Do not need anything other than the magnetic field to bring about their switching action.
Are not sensitive to the polarity of the magnetic field.
In other words, they will operate the same way for a North-South magnetic field as well as a South-North magnetic field as long as the magnetic field is parallel to the reeds.
The hermetically sealed glass casing of a Reed switch protects it from mechanical shock and environmental factors such as dust, moisture, and corrosive gases. This makes Reed switches ideal for a wide variety of ambient conditions. Applications include:
Reed switches are safe for use in environments with explosive gases or chemicals because any sparking from the switching action stays within the glass case and switch housing encasing the reed switch.
They are widely used as speed sensors in bicycle wheels, car gears, and treadmills.
Reed switches serve as proximity sensors in electronic devices with a clamshell design, detecting whether the device is open or closed—flip phones and laptop computers are examples of such devices.
Applications that feature wide temperature ranges or harmful environmental factors.
Hall Effect Switches
Hall Effect switches are semiconductor transducers that generate an electrical voltage when a magnetic field is present. The generated electrical voltage can be used for activating solid state switches. They require a constant flow of current to make them act as transducers.
When a piece of Hall Effect material carrying an electric current is immersed in a magnetic field that is perpendicular to the current, several millivolts of electric potential develop in the material. The direction of the voltage is perpendicular to both the current and the magnetic field. As such, the polarity and direction of the current and magnetic field are crucial to the proper function of Hall Effect switches.
Unlike Reed switches, Hall Effect switches:
Have no moving parts, so they are unaffected by mechanical shock.
Do not experience wear and tear either despite ‘switching’ at a high rate, even in excess of 100 kHz.
Can be protected from adverse environmental factors like dust and moisture through proper packaging.
For all practical purposes, Hall Effect switches have an infinite life expectancy—with no mechanical components to wear out.
Hall Effect switches are used for a variety of applications, such as:
Measuring the rotational speed of wheels and shafts.
Timing ignitions in internal combustion engines.
Tachometers and anti-lock braking systems.
Limit switches on actuators for automated controlled systems.
Since they respond accurately and quickly to rapidly fluctuating magnetic fields, they are used for sensing the location of magnets in brushless DC motors.
Magnetic Switches from Magnelink
To summarize, both Reed switches and Hall Effect switches are activated by magnetic fields—the former as a classical switch and the latter as a transducer. Reed switches do not need any additional circuitry for switching, while Hall Effect switches do. There are significant differences between the two in sensitivity, switched load capacity, and life expectancy.
Magnelink has been a supplier of reliable, high-quality magnetic switches at affordable prices for over 25 years. We specialize in providing standard and custom switches that meet our customer’s specific needs. Contact us today with your Reed switch vs. Hall Effect switch questions.
