All Textbook Topics - Electricity - Circuit symbols 2 - I know the circuit symbol for a reed switch

I know the circuit symbol for a reed switch

These are accepted circuit symbols for reed switches:

How do Reed switches work?

  • Reed switches are made up of two metal reeds which have a magnetic material on them.
  • The magnetic reeds are not normally touching so the switch is open.
  • When you bring a magnet near, the magnetic reeds are attracted together and the switch is then closed.
  • Reed switches are used when you don't want a physical switch connected to circuit.
  • This might be be due to a dangerously high current in a circuit.

Here is an example of a reed switch being used in a real circuit to turn a bulb on.

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