For decades, reed switches have been the go-to technology for magnetic door contacts in security systems. These simple devices, invented in 1937 and composed of thin metal reeds sealed within a glass tube, close or open a circuit in response to a magnetic field. However, despite their widespread use, reed switches have inherent vulnerabilities that compromise the integrity of modern security systems.

Magnasphere uses a revolutionary technology that redefines what secure sensing means. Unlike reed switches, Magnasphere switches are built to resist magnetic tampering, withstand high voltage surges and eliminate the false alarms that frequently occur with traditional systems.

Here is why Magnasphere is the preferred standard for door protection.

Challenges with Reed Switches

Magnetic Tampering
One of the most critical flaws in reed switch-based sensors is their susceptibility to magnetic defeat. Reed switches are globally magnetic, meaning they will respond to any sufficiently strong magnetic field, not just the one from the door-mounted magnet. This means an intruder can bypass the alarm system by simply placing an external magnet near the sensor, keeping the contact closed even as the door opens.

This allows a door to be opened without triggering the alarm, which is a dangerous vulnerability, especially in high-security settings. The reed switch fails “secure,” providing a false sense of safety while the breach goes undetected.

High Voltage Susceptibility
Another significant weakness of reed switches is their fragility when exposed to power surges or lightning strikes. The metal reeds inside the glass tube can weld together, causing a permanent closed state. In this scenario, even if the door opens, the system still reads it as “secure”, failing to alert to a real security event.

In environments with unstable electrical grids or frequent lightning activity this issue is especially concerning. A single surge can render the switch permanently useless and misleading.

False Alarms Due to Misalignment
Reed switches also suffer from nuisance alarms caused by misalignment between the magnet and the switch. Because the activation zone is broad and imprecise, even a slight shift in the door frame or installation position can lead to false triggers, or can even prevent the alarm from sounding at all.

False alarms cost time, money and peace of mind. They also lead to “alarm fatigue,” where security personnel may begin to ignore or downplay alerts, increasing the risk of a real breach going unnoticed.

The Emergence of the Magnasphere Solution
Magnasphere was designed to solve all these problems. Its patented switch technology leverages a spherical magnetic actuator that responds only within a precisely defined magnetic field. This directional activation zone makes it nearly impossible to defeat with an external magnet, as the ball-shaped contact only reacts when the correct magnet is in the correct position.

In contrast to the fragile, glass-enclosed reeds, Magnasphere switches are made from all-metal, welded construction, making them extremely robust and virtually unbreakable. They are also resistant to high voltage events and contact welding, ensuring long-term reliability even in harsh electrical environments.

Real-World Applications and Benefits
Magnasphere sensors are the perfect solution where security is critical. This includes military facilities, government agencies, data centers and high-value commercial properties. But as concerns about security evolve, they’re also increasingly being adopted in residential and small business systems where homeowners and entrepreneurs want the best protection available.

The benefits of switching to Magnasphere technology include:

  • Virtually tamper-proof performance
  • Reduced false alarms
  • Longer product lifespan
  • Stronger physical durability
  • Compliance with advanced security standards (UL certified)
  • A Future-Proof Technology

As the security landscape evolves, so must the technology behind it. Legacy reed switch designs, while serviceable for decades, no longer meet the stringent demands of today’s security professionals. Magnasphere’s forward-thinking approach provides a level of protection that’s both technologically superior and proven in the field.

If you’re specifying hardware for a new facility, upgrading an outdated system or simply want to avoid the costs and headaches associated with false alarms and security breaches, it’s time to consider the Magnasphere solution.

The future of secure sensing isn’t just better – it’s already here.