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HOW IT WORKS: The Reed Switch

Reed vs. MAGNASPHERE

THE REED SWITCH CONSISTS OF A PAIR OF FLEXIBLE MAGNETIC CONTACTS sealed in a fragile glass tube with inert gas.  In the normal open position, the metal reed-like blades remain separated.  But, when a magnet approaches from any direction globally around the switch, the contacts pull together and complete an electrical circuit.  Once the magnetic field is removed, the contacts are able to separate, and the circuit is re-opened.