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The History of Magnetic Contacts










1930's

reed-switch-comparisonThe REED SWITCH was invented by Bell Telephone Laboratories for telecommunications applications. This switch would later become adopted for use in physical perimeter security systems to detect unauthorized access through doors and windows.
reed-switch-comparisonThe REED SWITCH was invented by Bell Telephone Laboratories for telecommunications applications. This switch would later become adopted for use in physical perimeter security systems to detect unauthorized access through doors and windows.

1970's

BMS+3-reed-switchesThe balanced magnetic REED SWITCH contact (BMS) is invented to overcome the single REED SWITCH magnetic contact security vulnerabilities. Unlike single REED SWITCH magnetic contacts, BMS contacts were designed to be resistant to external magnetic defeat attempts which enabled an intruder to evade detection.
BMS+3-reed-switchesThe balanced magnetic REED SWITCH contact (BMS) is invented to overcome the single REED SWITCH magnetic contact security vulnerabilities. Unlike single REED SWITCH magnetic contacts, BMS contacts were designed to be resistant to external magnetic defeat attempts which enabled an intruder to evade detection.

1991

UL-light-blue-200x200 The Department of Defense approves Underwriters Laboratories UL-634 safety standard for connectors and switches used with burglar alarm systems. One key specification states – magnetic contact switches shall have a magnetic field with a high probability of alarm if an external magnet is introduced in defeat attempts.
UL-light-blue-200x200 The Department of Defense approves Underwriters Laboratories UL-634 safety standard for connectors and switches used with burglar alarm systems. One key specification states – magnetic contact switches shall have a magnetic field with a high probability of alarm if an external magnet is introduced in defeat attempts.

2002

mag-switchThe MAGNASPHERE® high security switch is introduced at the ISC East Expo. A single MAGNASPHERE switch offers the same external magnetic defeat resistant capabilities found in the multiple REED SWITCH BMS magnetic contacts –– but at a fraction of the cost and size.
mag-switchThe MAGNASPHERE® high security switch is introduced at the ISC East Expo. A single MAGNASPHERE switch offers the same external magnetic defeat resistant capabilities found in the multiple REED SWITCH BMS magnetic contacts –– but at a fraction of the cost and size.

SIA New Product AwardThe MAGNASPHERE switch is awarded “Best of Show” in the Security Industry Association’s (SIA) acclaimed New Product Showcase.
SIA New Product AwardThe MAGNASPHERE switch is awarded “Best of Show” in the Security Industry Association’s (SIA) acclaimed New Product Showcase.

SIA New Product Award
MAGNASPHERE is also awarded the Best New Intrusion Detection Device of 2002.
SIA New Product Award
MAGNASPHERE is also awarded the Best New Intrusion Detection Device of 2002.

Sensor Expo Best of Award 2002

MAGNASPHERE picks up a Gold Award at the Best of Sensors Expo recognizing new products that will significantly impact the use of sensing in designs and applications.
Sensor Expo Best of Award 2002

MAGNASPHERE picks up a Gold Award at the Best of Sensors Expo recognizing new products that will significantly impact the use of sensing in designs and applications.

2006

HSS-contact-250px
Aiming to set new industry standards for high security sensor performance, MAGNASPHERE introduces a high security device that is resistant to both EXTERNAL and INTERNAL magnetic defeat attempts.
HSS-contact-250px
Aiming to set new industry standards for high security sensor performance, MAGNASPHERE introduces a high security device that is resistant to both EXTERNAL and INTERNAL magnetic defeat attempts.

2007

UL-light-blue-200x200Underwriters Laboratories creates a new UL-634 Level 2 high security standard to help SCIF's and other high security installations identify sensors that provide the absolute highest level of intrusion detection. More stringent requirements for this new standard include EXTERNAL and INTERNAL resistance to magnetic defeat tampering. Magnetic contacts that do not meet these new requirements will remain as UL-634 LEVEL 1 standard devices.
UL-light-blue-200x200Underwriters Laboratories creates a UL-634 Level 2 high security standard to help SCIF's and other high security installations identify sensors that provide the absolute highest level of intrusion detection. More stringent requirements for this new standard include EXTERNAL and INTERNAL resistance to magnetic defeat tampering. Magnetic contacts that do not meet these new requirements will remain as UL-634 LEVEL 1 standard devices.

2009

global-security-award-200pxMAGNASPHERE is selected a 2009 Global Security Challenge Finalist. The Global Security Challenge Competition (GSC) recognized MAGNASPHERE as one of the Most Promising Security Start-Up Companies for 2009. MAGNASPHERE competes in the GSC Security Summit Finals in London.
global-security-award-200pxMAGNASPHERE is selected a 2009 Global Security Challenge Finalist. The Global Security Challenge Competition (GSC) recognizes MAGNASPHERE as one of the Most Promising Security Start-Up Companies for 2009. MAGNASPHERE competes in the GSC Security Summit Finals in London.

2010

HSS-contact-250px
The MAGNASPHERE HSS meets the new UL Level 2 standards. The HSS also qualifies as an intrinsically safe, simple apparatus for use in hazardous locations.
HSS-contact-250px
The MAGNASPHERE HSS meets the new UL Level 2 standards. The HSS also qualifies as an intrinsically safe, simple apparatus for use in hazardous locations.

2012

L2C L2CA
The MAGNASPHERE HSS-L2C series becomes the first and only concealed contact to meet UL634 Level 2 High Security standard.
L2C L2CA
The MAGNASPHERE HSS-L2C series becomes the first and only concealed contact to meet UL634 Level 2 High Security standard.

SS-top-30-sm
MAGNASPHERE’s high security sensors are selected as one of the Top 30 Technology Innovations for 2012 by SECURITY SALES & INTEGRATION Magazine.
SS-top-30-sm
MAGNASPHERE’s high security sensors are selected as one of the Top 30 Technology Innovations for 2012 by SECURITY SALES & INTEGRATION Magazine.

2013

MSS RFS
MAGNASPHERE teams with CSI to launch the MSS-RFS series of top-performance, most secure, wireless contacts.
MSS RFS
MAGNASPHERE teams with CSI to launch the MSS-RFS series of top-performance, most secure, wireless contacts.

2014

L2C L2CA
UL de-rates all Level 1 concealed contacts without removal tampers. MAGNASPHERE'S L2C series the ONLY High Security concealed contacts available in the industry.
L2C L2CA
UL de-rates all Level 1 concealed contacts without removal tampers. MAGNASPHERE'S L2C series the only High Security concealed contacts available in the industry.

 

Did You Know?

When World War I ended, an increase in crime followed. As a result, Americans became sensitive to security needs and were eager to find ways to protect themselves and their property. Additionally, many insurance companies began offering premium discounts to alarm subscribers. These events produced a consumer demand for alarm systems.

The first home security systems

During this time, homeowners may have subscribed to a service called door shakers— a group of night watchmen who would shake subscribers’ doors each night to ensure they were locked. More advanced users may have installed an alarm system that used electromagnetic contacts fastened to doors and windows, which were connected to a battery and bell. These systems were monitored by a central station that sent a guard to the residence when the alarm was triggered.