Reed relays –
for precise signaling and switching applications
Reed relay for demanding applications
Reed relays are often used when small signals need to be switched with high reliability. Thanks to their hermetically sealed reed contacts, they offer a long service life and high contact quality and are also suitable for sensitive electronic circuits.
What is a reed relay?
Structure of a reed relay
How a reed relay works
Advantages of reed relays
Typical applications of reed relays
Technical characteristics of reed relays
Contact – Direct & Competent.
- Molded insulating housing
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- Up to 4 switching contacts
- Compact design
- Pluggable in 14-pin DIP socket
- 1 normally open contact
- Pluggable in 14-pin DIP socket
- 2 normally open contacts or 1 normally closed contact
- Pluggable in 14-pin DIP socket
- 1 normally open contact
- Pluggable in 14-pin DIP socket
- Various designs
- Axial reed contact connections
- Encapsulated metal housing
- Axial reed contact connections
- Molded plastic housing
- Axial reed contact connections
- Molded plastic housing
- Switching current up to max. 3 A
- Optional magnetic shield
- High insulation resistance 10 TOhm
- Electrostatic shield
- High insulation resistance 10 TOhm
- Electrostatic shield
- Cast insulating material housing
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- Cast insulating material housing
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- Cast insulating material housing
- Cast-in high-voltage cables
- Molded insulating material housing
- Optional with cable connection
FAQ - about reed relays
How is a reed relay constructed?
A reed relay consists of a reed contact inside a coil. Optionally, a diode is connected in parallel with the coil to render voltage peaks harmless.
How does a reed relay work?
The reed relay has a reed switch in a coil. If a voltage is applied to the coil, a current flows through it, generating a magnetic field. This magnetic field causes the reed contact in the coil to switch. As soon as the voltage is switched off, the reed contact also switches back. This enables galvanic decoupling between the switching circuit and the load circuit. Due to the hermetic encapsulation of the switching contact in a glass tube, the reed contact is insensitive to external influences.
How do reed relays differ from solid state relays?
Reed relays switch via mechanical reed contacts that are closed by a magnetic field. They offer galvanic isolation, very low contact resistance and are ideal for precise signal or measurement applications.
Solid state relays switch electronically without moving parts, are therefore wear-free and particularly suitable for high switching frequencies or loads - but usually have higher leakage currents and do not have perfect insulation in the open state.
How long do reed contacts last in the relay?
With suitable dimensioning, over 10 million switching cycles are possible. The decisive factors are contact material, switching voltage and switching current.
What housing sizes are available?
From standard DIL housings to SIP formats and special designs - we supply exactly what mechanically fits your layout.
What switching functions do reed relays have?
There are reed relays with normally open, normally closed and changeover contacts. A relay can have 1 to 4 switching contacts, depending on the size. The relays are controlled with a nominal voltage of 5V, 12V or 24V.
Can reed relays be used in safety-critical systems?
Yes, depending on the type, our high-voltage and high-insulation relays also meet medical, automotive or measurement technology requirements - documented and tested.
What needs to be considered when controlling reed relays?
Reed contacts are sensitive to high inrush currents. We will be happy to advise you on the ideal wiring and offer optional protective measures in the design.
The specifications in the data sheet must not be exceeded under any circumstances, not even for a short time!Are customized series also possible for small quantities?
Absolutely. We frequently develop new relay variants together with customers, starting at just 50 units. Fast development cycles included.