Inside a Reed switch

Peel from the case to the element. Follow the readout through this conceptual model.

The full text version below describes every layer. All measurement explanations are available without 3D.

Case: glass tubeThe reed contacts are sealed inside a glass tube. [HSI · Reed Switch Basics]

Drag to rotate; pinch to zoom. With the view focused: arrow keys rotate, + / − zoom, 1–3 choose a layer, Home resets rotation and zoom. Step advances to the next layer; Reset returns to the case and default view. Layer buttons select a view directly. The page does not move on its own.

Layer 1 of 3 / Outside

Case: glass tube

The reed contacts are sealed inside a glass tube. [HSI · Reed Switch Basics]

Teaching view: The pale glass tube surrounds two metal reeds. The switch detects a nearby magnet; the tube view lets you locate the contacts inside.

The measurement to rememberA magnetic field can close the contacts of a normally open reed switch. [HSI · Reed Switch Basics]

Full text version · every layer

1 · Case: glass tube

The reed contacts are sealed inside a glass tube. [HSI · Reed Switch Basics]

Teaching view: The pale glass tube surrounds two metal reeds. The switch detects a nearby magnet; the tube view lets you locate the contacts inside.

2 · Interface: two leads

This teaching view shows two leads extending from opposite ends of the switch, with no interface board. [HSI · Reed Switch Basics]

Teaching view: Two leads extend from opposite ends of the glass tube and connect to the reeds inside. These are the connection points shown for the switch.

3 · Element: two reed contacts

The contacts close when the magnetic force becomes stronger than the spring force holding the reeds apart. [HSI · Reed Switch Basics]

Teaching view: Two silver reeds overlap with a small gap between them. The gap shows the contacts apart; follow each reed outward to its lead.

Explode separates the conceptual layers; X-ray makes the case translucent. External package dimensions follow the model specification; internal teaching geometry is conceptual, not to scale, and is not manufacturer CAD or a wiring diagram.