Re: HELP - Outdoor reed switch recomendations

["Patrick Lidstone" <patrick@xxxxxxx>]

--- In ukha_d@y..., "Bov" <abovingdon@y...> wrote:
> 
> My god, so many options on the RS website - nothing outlines which
> are suitable for exterior use though. Both RS and Maplin have reed
> switches that are pre-wired and encased in plastic or metal - but 
> nothing that says they will survive the weather any better than the
> other ones. 
> 
> Unless anyone has any suggestions, I guess I'll buy one of these 
> encased ones and try it.

A reed switch is just a glass envelope with a couple of carefully 
placed metal contacts. One contact is typically fixed and one is free 
to pivot. The free contact is magnetised, and when in the proximity 
of a suitable magnet, pivots closing the contact.

What all this means is that you can create your own housing. So long 
as the magnet is strong enough to operate the switch, you can enclose 
the switch in whatever you like. An obvious starting point would be 
small-bore plastic pipe - because you'll be able to get the clips to 
mount it satisfactorily too. Put the reed switch inside, together 
with the joint to your "home run" cable (preferably soldered).
Plug 
the ends of the pipe with silcone sealant and you'll probably be home 
and dry :-)

Patrick



http://www.automatedhome.co.uk
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