Information

5. Handling/Treatment
5.1 Shock Resistance
In general, Reed Switches provide a high shock resistance of up to 100
g. However, a drop on a hard surface can still generate a shock of
several 100 g, which can result in the de-adjustment of contacts.
Switches that have been dropped should be re-tested for sensitivity
before usage!
5.2 Do’s and Don’ts when cutting and bending
5.3 Dimensioning of modified Reed Switches
We supply Reed Switches with terminals that can be modified to
almost any requirement. Dimensioning should be made according to
the examples below.
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Further Information
Further information about our products, their technical specifications,
applications and operation as well as information about Magnets are
available on our website:
http://pic-gmbh.com/en/tech-center/reed-switches/faq/
http://pic-gmbh.com/en/catalogue/view-online/
PIC GmbH
Nibelungenstr. 5A
90530 Wendelstein, Germany
Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]
Mail [e-mail]
Facebook.com/picgmbh
© PIC GmbH, 04/2011
Important Info when testing Reed Switches:
›
Always consider the relevant data sheet, especially
with regard to the mentioned maximum values.
›
Always control the coil’s current during the test.
›
Check the position of the Reed Switch within the
test coil. A change in position might cause different
AT measurements.
›
Consider external magnetic fields: Even the
earth‘s own magnetic field can result in a variance
of 1 AT. External magnetic fields could be caused
by nearby fans, motors etc.
›
Ferromagnetic materials (e.g. screws) close to the
test coil can distort the measurements.
›
Large stresses on the glass tube or the leads
might result in damage or maladjustments.
›
Reed Switches are designed to operate under
specific temperature conditions. Operating under
higher temperatures than those specified can
result in an increase of the Pull In value. In
addition, magnets are temperature-sensitive and
have a maximum operating temperature.
›
Reeds and leads are parts of the magnetic circuit.
Bending and cutting of the leads will cause
changes in Pull In (PI) and Drop Out (DO) values.
Lifetime/Contact Protection
Lifetime
depends on load conditions. If switching signal
loads only, many millions, and indeed even billions of
switching cycles can be achieved. Meanwhile, higher
loads (e.g. mains applications or high currents) may
provide from 10,000 up to a few million switching
cycles. Usually the Reed Switch lifetime itself is much
longer than the lifetime of the device incorporating the
Reed Switch. As a general rule the same contact
protection as for common mechanical switches
(varistors, diodes, RCs) should be provided for Reed
Switches to prevent the reduction of life expectancy.
Switching of lamp loads:
Bulbs with a tungsten filament
have approximately 10 times less resistance when they
are cold, as compared to a switched on glowing bulb.
This means a 10 times higher current occurring during
the switching process. This current can be reduced by a
resistor connected in series. Another possibility is the
parallel connection of a resistor to the switch, in order
to pre-heat the filament close to the glowing
temperature.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any
questions regarding the test procedure or our
protocols. We would be happy to help you with any
enquiries.