Reed relays for signal, measurement, and high-voltage applications

Durable, maintenance-free, reliable even under high voltage

Reed relay for demanding applications

Reed Relais sind elektromechanische Relais, die einen hermetisch gekapselten Reedkontakt als Schaltelement verwenden. Durch ihre kompakte Bauform, schnelle Schaltzeiten und hohe Zuverlässigkeit eignen sie sich besonders für präzise Signal- und Schaltanwendungen in der Elektronik, Messtechnik und Automatisierungstechnik.

Reed Relais werden häufig eingesetzt, wenn kleine Signale mit hoher Zuverlässigkeit geschaltet werden müssen. Dank der hermetisch versiegelten Reedkontakte bieten sie eine lange Lebensdauer sowie eine hohe Kontaktqualität und eignen sich auch für empfindliche elektronische Schaltungen.
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Reed Relay Overview: Binsack

The selection of a reed relay depends on the switching voltage, switching current, contact resistance, insulation requirements, design, coil voltage, and service life requirements. For measurement, testing, and high-voltage applications, it is crucial that the relay and the switching task are technically compatible.

What is a reed relay?

A reed relay is a relay that uses a reed contact as a switching element. The reed contact consists of two ferromagnetic contact tongues located in a hermetically sealed glass tube.

When a coil is supplied with electricity, it generates a magnetic field. This magnetic field attracts the contact tongues in the reed contact, thereby closing the electrical circuit.

As soon as the coil is de-energized, the contacts open again and the circuit is interrupted.

This design enables particularly fast and reliable switching.
Relay assembly

Structure of a reed relay

A reed relay typically consists of the following components:
Reed contact – hermetically sealed switching element Coil – generates the magnetic field for switching the contact Housing – protects the relay from mechanical influences Terminal contacts – connection to the circuit board or circuit
  • Reed contact – hermetically sealed switching element
  • Coil – generates the magnetic field for switching the contact
  • Housing – protects the relay from mechanical influences
  • Terminal contacts – connection to the printed circuit board or circuit
The hermetically sealed reed contact is the central component and ensures high reliability and very low contact aging.

How a reed relay works

The mode of operation is based on a magnetically actuated contact.
> A current flows through the coil.
> The coil generates a magnetic field.
> The magnetic field attracts the contact tongues in the reed contact.
> The electrical circuit is closed.
> When the coil current is switched off, the contact opens again.
This type of circuit enables very short switching times and a long service life.

Advantages of reed relays

Reed relays offer several advantages over other relay technologies:
> Very compact design
> fast switching times
> High switching reliability
> hermetically sealed contacts
> Low contact aging
> Suitable for small signals and sensitive circuits
The encapsulated contacts make reed relays particularly durable and resistant to environmental influences.

Typical applications of reed relays

Reed relays are used in many technical areas.
Measurement technology
Reed relays are used in measuring instruments and test equipment to reliably switch sensitive signals.

Medical technology
In medical devices, they ensure precise signal control.

automation technology
Reed relays are used in control systems and electronic circuits.

telecommunications
They enable signals to be switched quickly in communication systems.

testing technology
In automated test systems, they are often used to switch measurement paths.

Technical characteristics of reed relays

Typical technical characteristics are:
> low contact resistance
> short switching times
> long service life
> compact design
> High reliability
The exact technical data depends on the respective design and application.

Relay Types

High voltage

- Switching voltages up to 10 kV
- Switching current up to a maximum of 3 A in some cases

Highly insulated

- High insulation resistance, up to 10 TOhm
- Axial reed contact terminals
- Plastic or metal housing
Optional:
- Magnetic shield
- Electrostatic shield

DIL

- High packing density
- Compatible with 14-pin DIP sockets

Standard

- 1 to 4 switching contacts

Optional:
- magnetic shield
Go to the Reed Relay Product Overview

Direct Contact with Technical Support

Don't have all the technical specifications yet?
No problem. Send us a sketch, photo, drawing, or the key specifications. Our technicians will determine which design is technically feasible.
B. Jäger - Binsack
  • Binsack Reedtechnik GmbH
  • Lämmerspieler Straße 87-89,
    , 63165 Mühlheim am Main,
    , Germany
  • +49 6108 7001-0
  • Office hours:
    Mon-Thu: 7:00 a.m. – 4:15 p.m.
    Fri: 7:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

FAQ - about reed relays