Reed Switches, Reed Sensors, Magnet Sensors and other Reed-based products are extremely delicate in nature and care needs to be taken so as to not inadvertently damage the product. Some tips are listed below.
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Wire cutters transfer shock in both directions and end nippers only transfer shock one way. Use only oriented end nippers for cropping reed switch leads leads. Continue reading |
 | Reed Switches are sensitive devices and should not be dropped. Subjecting reed switches to higher than specified shock or vibration limits will permanently damage the contact, introduce micro-cracks in the glass or alter the Operate AT. Continue reading |
 | Using Ferro-magnetic mounting parts or screws within a 100 mm vicinity of a reed switch will reduce its operating distance as such ferro-magnetic parts shunt the magnetic field away from the actuating magnet. Continue reading |
 | When manual soldering, do not subject devices to more than 2 seconds of solder tip dwell. Heat sinks can be used for thermal protection during welding or soldering operations so that the seals are not damaged. Continue reading |
 | When designing cropping or forming tools for bulk use, gripping of leads between the seal and the cropping or forming point is mandatory. This will ensure minimum AT scattering after the forming operation. Continue reading |
 | As some potting compounds cure over 24 hours, the glass seals should be protected. Use a flexible resin for potting or encapsulation, after protecting the seals with a resilient, shock absorbing compound like a silicone paste. Continue reading |
 | Cables with higher strands should be used so that there is minimal work hardening during constant movement. Twisting cables or bending them too close to the housing will damage the reed contact inside. Continue reading |
 | The storage and usage temperature of magnets should be within the specification limits. Magnets should not be stored near other stronger magnets or equipments generating magnetic fields. Continue reading |
 | Switching voltage, switching current, and contact rating should not exceed maximum limits stated in specification sheets. The product of voltage and current being switched should not exceed the maximum contact rating. Continue reading |
| | When switching inductive, capacitive or lamps loads with high surge current, use contact protection circuits specific to the the type of load to protect reed switches from early failure. Continue reading |
