Magnetic Switches as Proximity Sensors
What is a magnetic switch?
Magnetic switches are based on the tried-and-tested Reed contact-magnet principle, which guarantees reliable and durable functionality. A Reed contact installed in the housing is actuated by the magnetic field of a magnet. The switching state of the Reed contact can be evaluated and further processed by a downstream control device.
Examples of use:
- Door contacts
- Air-conditioning system control units
- Position monitoring of processes
- Alarm systems
- Fill-level monitoring
Advantages of Electromagnetic Switches Compared to Mechanical Switches
Compared to conventional mechanical switches, magnetic switches offer several technical and economic advantages. Thanks to their contactless switching process, they are completely wear-free and characterized by a long service life. They are resistant to dirt, moisture, and many environmental influences, which facilitates their use even in demanding environments. In addition, they operate potential-free and require neither maintenance nor calibration – an advantage that significantly reduces operating costs. The switching speed is sufficient for a wide range of industrial applications and has proven itself in practice. With more than 30 years of experience, Reed Electronics stands for competence and reliability.
Our sensors identify the magnets from a defined distance and detect whether, for example, a door is open or closed.
Peter Schmid – Technical Sales | Reed Electronics AG
Custom Magnetic Switch Versions
Our portfolio of magnetic switches focuses on custom-made solutions precisely tailored to specific requirements. Geometry, switching function, and connection type are all implemented according to customer specifications – starting from a quantity of just one. When it comes to material selection, virtually all options are available: whether plastics or metals, we realize customized designs for a wide range of application conditions. This flexibility enables precise alignment with technical, spatial, and industry-specific system requirements.
Technical Data at a Glance
The switches are designed for a maximum switching voltage of 25 V AC or 50 V DC and allow a switching capacity of up to 10 watts. Depending on the design, various switching functions are available: normally closed (NC), normally open (NO), and changeover contacts (CO). On the connection side, Reed offers solutions with pre-assembled cables, plug connectors, or customer-specific interfaces. Upon request, we can supply the matching magnet as well – for a particularly simple and integrated system solution. Electrical safety and reliable operation are thus consistently ensured.
Materials and Designs: Magnetic Switches 12V, 230V & More
The product range includes versions made of high-quality materials such as stainless steel, brass, aluminum, PVC, POM, PP, and PVDF – each adapted to the chemical, thermal, or hygienic requirements of the application area. Available models include threaded versions, integrated housing designs, or plug-in variants. Standardized items, such as the M8x1.25 switch made of stainless steel or the Ø8x35mm switch made of POM, cover a wide range of applications. Our portfolio is complemented by special versions for explosion-hazardous areas (EX), for operation with 230 V AC, or for food-processing applications with electropolished surfaces.
How does a reed magnetic switch work?
A magnetic switch contact comprises two flat contact tongues that are hermetically fused in a glass tube filled with protective gas. If a permanent magnet is brought close to the switch, the overlapping contact tongues are attracted to each other and contact is quickly made. When the permanent magnet is moved away, the contact tongues are immediately demagnetised and return to their rest position.
Advantages of the Reed magnetic switches
Fields of Application & Functions of Magnetic Switches
Our magnetic switches can be used in a wide range of industrial and commercial applications – wherever reliable, contactless switching operations are required:
Industrial Automation and Mechanical Engineering
In industrial automation, magnetic switches are essential components for position monitoring, process control, and status detection. They are used in linear axes, conveyor systems, or assembly lines, where they detect movements contactlessly and provide reliable feedback – even at high cycle rates and under harsh environmental conditions. Thanks to their compact design and easy integration, they can be seamlessly incorporated into existing machine concepts.
Typical areas of application:
- End position monitoring of pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders
- Object and proximity detection on production lines
- Position feedback in automated handling systems
Safety Technology and Building Management
Magnetic switches also provide valuable services in the field of safety technology. They reliably detect the opening and closing of doors, hoods, or flaps – without mechanical wear. In safety-critical applications such as emergency stop systems, access controls, or safety door monitoring, they offer a high level of fail-safety.
Application examples:
- Door monitoring in machine enclosures
- Flap position control in air duct systems
- Window contact detection in security or alarm systems
Other Industry Solutions
Thanks to their robust design and variety of material options, our magnetic switches are also ideal for special applications. Industries with specific requirements particularly benefit from hygienic, explosion-proof, or temperature-resistant versions.
Other typical areas of application:
- Food industry: hygienic versions for systems with cleaning processes
- Chemical industry: corrosion-resistant materials for aggressive media
- Automotive engineering: reliable signal transmitters in control units
- Pharmaceutical and medical technology: precise position queries in sensitive system components
Benefit from our expertise and receive non-binding advice from our technical experts.
Integration of Our Magnetic Contact Switches into System Solutions
We support our customers not only in selecting and manufacturing suitable magnetic switches but also in seamlessly integrating them into existing assemblies and system solutions. Upon request, we also take over the procurement and proper storage of all required components. Through close collaboration with development teams, technical interfaces can be defined at an early stage and customized solutions can be implemented efficiently. This results in integrated, perfectly coordinated systems from a single source.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions About Our Magnetic Switches
Which switching functions are available?
Our magnetic switches are available as normally closed (NC), normally open (NO), or changeover (CO) versions.
From what quantity are custom solutions possible?
We offer custom-made products starting from a quantity of just one piece.
Which connection types are available?
We supply our switches with cables, plug connectors, or customized connection solutions upon request.
Can the switches be used in explosive environments?
Yes, we offer EX-certified versions for use in potentially explosive atmospheres.
Which materials are available?
Available materials include stainless steel, brass, aluminum, PVC, POM, PP, and PVDF. On request, we also manufacture customer-specific versions from other materials such as ceramics – precisely tailored to the respective application and specific requirements.
Are there solutions for hygiene-critical applications?
Yes, we offer food-grade versions with electropolished surfaces for use in sensitive environments.
Can magnetic switches be integrated into existing systems?
Yes, we support the technical integration and, if required, also take care of the procurement and storage of all components.
