This section provides an overview for reed switches as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 19 reed switch manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked reed switch companies as of November, 2024: 1.Euroswitch S.p.A., 2.Sweeta Products Corporation, 3.Magnelink, Inc..
Table of Contents
A reed switch is a switch with two magnetizable reeds in a glass tube that turns electrical contacts on and off.
When open, a typical reed switch opens with a small gap between the reed contact edges; when an external magnetic field (e.g., a magnet) is applied to the two reed contact edges, the reed contact edges attract each other and close, closing the circuit.
Reed switches are used in the following applications:
Reed switches are turned on and off by magnets, so they can be used for non-contact detection. Reed switches are mainly used for non-contact detection of equipment status.
The components of a reed switch include a glass tube, a reed strip, a magnet, and a contact.
Since the contacts are not contaminated, reed switches have very low contact resistance. The contacts are mainly made of metal and have a short operating distance, giving them an open/close life of up to several hundred million cycles.
Reed switches are components with moving parts. Therefore, there is no possibility of failure. The main possible failures include contact failure, contact sticking, and unexpected malfunction.
Contact Failure
Factors that can cause contact failure include deterioration of the magnet over time and carbonization due to chemical changes on the contact surfaces. Since carbonization of the contact surface is unlikely to occur in a nitrogen atmosphere, the glass capillary may be cracked.
Contact Sticking
Contacts may stick due to deterioration of the spring or welding of the contacts due to overcurrent. Deterioration of the spring is mainly due to aging, while welding of the contacts may be caused by an abnormality on the electric circuit side, so caution is required.
Unexpected Malfunction
Unexpected malfunctions may be caused by a random combination of the above two causes. In this case, it is very difficult to identify the cause.
Reed switches are components that are relatively unlikely to fail. To deal with failures, it is essential to design circuits with redundancy and prevent malfunctions. In addition, since reed switches are inexpensive, they are sometimes designed from the beginning on the assumption that they will be replaced at regular intervals.
Reed switches sense the proximity of a magnet. However, because the operating range over which the switch operates is not uniform, there is a risk of chattering. Equipment design must take chattering into consideration.
On the other hand, the distance between the contacts of reed switches is very small and the contact pressure is very slight. Because they are precision components, they must be used strictly within their rated current values. In addition, even when used within the rated current value, care should be taken not to apply strong shocks.
In addition, using reed switches under a strong magnetic field may cause malfunctions. In such an environment, a magnetic shield should be provided to block external magnetic forces.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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Reed Switch Developments Corp., established in 1967 and based in Racine, Wisconsin, USA, is a UL-certified and RoHS/REACH compliant manufacturer of magnetic reed switch and related sensors. The company’s products include magnetic reed switches for detecting magnetic fields, and proximity sensor assemblies for contactless detection of the presence or absence of objects. It also offers custom switches and sensors tailored to client specifications. The company chiefly serves medical OEMs, as well as manufacturers in the aerospace and automotive industries.
Littlefuse was founded in 1927 and headquartered in the United States. Littlefuse is a diversified industrial technology manufacturing company with customers globally. Littlefuse has products segments which are electronic, industrial, and transportation. Electronic segment products include fuses and fuse accessories, positive temperature coefficient resettable fuses, polymer electrostatic discharge suppressors, and varistors. Transportation products include blade, resettable, and high-current and high-voltage fuses, as well as battery cable protectors; fuses, switches, relays, circuit breakers, and power distribution modules. The Industrial segment offerings include contactors, transformers, and temperature sensors for use in renewable energy and energy storage systems, electric vehicle infrastructure, HVAC systems.
Pepperl+Fuchs, Inc. was founded in Mannheim, Germany in 1945 developing the forerunner of the proximity switch. Pepperl+Fuchs continues to develop proximity sensors as well as other industrial sensors including ultrasonic sensors, rotary encoders, positioning systems, display and signal processing, vibration monitoring, industrial communication, and signal processing as well as related accessories and software. Explosive protection products include safety barriers, surge protection, wireless solutions, HMI systems, power supplies, electrical explosion protection equipment, level measurement, and related software.
MagneLink, Inc. was incorporated in 1990 and is headquartered in Hillsboro, Oregon. The company is a manufacturer of magnetic switches and related products for customers in the automotive, industrial, medical, aerospace, and transportation industries. The company’s four product lines are Magnetic Switches, Defeat-Resistant (Coded) Magnetic Switches, Magnets, and Accessories. Standard switches are used in robotics, automated product handling, and other uses. Defeat-Resistant Switches use solid-state technology providing extra protection. Accessories include various connectors and adapters for switches.
Coto Technology, founded in 1917 in the USA, is a manufacturer of relay, switch, and sensor products. The company's products include reed relays, electromechanical relays, reed switches, solid-state switching relays, and digital TMR magnetic sensors used in various applications by original equipment manufacturers for proximity detection, rotary sensing, fluid level detection, and door and lid closure detection. Coto Technology also offers contract manufacturing that includes engineering, procurement, high-volume production and supply chain management.
Comus International, founded in Clifton, New Jersey in 1978 is a manufacturer of tilt switches, relays and proximity sensors. The company's product portfolio includes liquid-level pressure sensors and reed switches. smart sensors and custom products. Their products are used in markets such as Automotive and Transportation, Telecommunications, Industrial Automation, Healthcare and Medical Devices and Aerospace and Defense.The company also provides services including global distribution, product selection, customized services, technical support and customer service.
Standex Electronics is a worldwide market leader in the design, development and manufacture of standard reed switch-based sensor solutions and custom electro-magnetic components, including magnetics products. Their company history dating back to 1969, Standex has provided their service to a high customer base globally for more than 50 years. The company has high-quality standards, work by the approach of "partner, solve, deliver", focus on a customer driven innovation and commitment to absolute customer satisfaction. Their diverse capabilities and dynamic solutions allow them the ability to achieve the highest quality levels of efficiency and productivity. Sustainability is a high focus of the Standex product line, with long-term sustainability improvements continuing to drive consistent technological growth. Green switching applications are a growing demand for their customers, and they ensure to deliver.
Littelfuse founded in 1927, is an industrial manufacturing company empowering a sustainable, connected, and safer world, headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, United States. The company's product portfolio includes the solutions for both individual and entire systems, as a global manufacturer of technologies in circuit protection, power control, and sensing. Across more than 20 countries, and with approximately 18,000 global associates, partner with customers to design and deliver advanced solutions. Serving over 100,000 end customers, their products are found in industrial, transportation, and electronics end markets.
HSI Sensing, established in 1968 and based in Chickasha, Oklahoma, USA, is an AS9100-certified manufacturer specializing in sensor products that utilize Reed Switch technology. The company’s products include proximity sensors, which detect the approach of nearby objects, limit switches for detecting the presence or absence of a designated object, and reed switches, which convert mechanical motion into electrical signals. It also offers custom design and engineering services for unique projects. The company mainly serves clients in the medical, aerospace, and private security industries.
Airwork Pneumatic Equipment S.R.L., founded in 1998 with headquarters in Italy, is a UNI EN ISO 9001 and 14001 certified manufacturer and supplier of pneumatic assemblies and stand-alone components for industrial automation. The company's expanding portfolio of products includes pneumatic tubes, compact guide cylinders, precision air treatment units, and an extensive array of application-specific valves. The company's customized design and manufacturing services are available on demand as well as through pre-engineered solutions, such as the company's customizable electro-pneumatic control panels and switchboards for automation process control.
SHENZHEN SOWAY TECH. CO., LTD was established in 2002 and is located in Guangdong, China is a manufacturer of sensors for various industries. The company offers a diverse product catalog, including the SDM40S explosion-proof magnetostrictive displacement sensor, SP119 Soway aluminum magnetic proximity sensor for doors, and SFM20T dual floater magnetostrictive liquid level sensor. These products have applications, such as providing feedback on the roll gap position in continuous casting using the magnetostrictive displacement sensor, facilitating non-standard inspection fixtures, and supporting intelligent manufacturing processes.
RSCROUP was founded in 1937 in London and is a manufacturer of industrial products and electronics, providing solutions to customers across EMEA, the Americas, and Asia Pacific. The company offers various products such as black foam tape, hand tap and drill tap sets, twist drill bits, air dusters, and more, all of which undergo thorough testing, inspection, and auditing. It offers a full range of solutions and services to provide support throughout the industrial life cycle.
SWEETA was established in 1995 and is headquartered in New Taipei City, Taiwan. SWEETA is a manufacturer of switches, AC sockets, and circuit breakers globally. Most products have been certified to meet international safety standards such as UL, CSA, VDE, and others. SWEETA has an extensive product line. A few listings include AC sockets, plug adapters, switches, thermostats, and test tweezers.
PIC Proximity Instrumentation Controls Kontaktbauelemente GmbH, established in 1976 and based in Wendelstein, Germany, is a manufacturer and supplier of reed switches and sensor technology. The company’s product portfolio includes power reed switches, stainless steel floats, and flange mounts. These products are used in various applications, including automation, sports and fitness equipment, and household appliances such as washing machines and refrigerators. The company is DIN ISO 9001:2015 certified, with global sales partners in the United States, China, and South Africa.
Euroswitch, established in 1978 and is part of the MONT.EL Group, is a manufacturer of sensors and switches. Euroswitch manufactures the following types of sensors: level, pressure, temperature, and speed and rotation. The company also produces pressure and vacuum switches, flow meters, and thermostats. These products are mainly used in transportation applications such as for cars, autobikes, and trains. Euroswitch's main markets are China and South East Asia. They also are capable of customizing their products according to client requirements.
Standex Electronics Japan, founded in Japan, in 1996 is a manufacturer of sensor devices based on reed switches. The company's product portfolio includes automatic sealing machines, low-voltage signal lines and high-voltage power lines and reed switches used for contact surface deactivation treatments. The company serves industries such as Oil and Gas, Aerospace and Defense, Automotive and Transportation, Construction, and Power Generation. The company has a national distribution network and a customer support center.
Celduc Inc. through Celduc Transfo was founded in 1960 as a manufacturer of transformers. Celduc Inc. is based in, France. Celduc Inc. was officially created in 2020 and headquartered in Centerport, New York. Celduc creates electronics and customized products for industries including railway, plastic, packaging, medical, and electronics. Celduc’s main product lines include solid state relays, magnetic proximity sensors, reed relays & switches, and customized products. Customized products are versions of other products adapted for use in industries with special needs such as nuclear power, aircraft, and agriculture.
Hybrid Electronics is a global distribution specialist of electronic components, with access to over 50 million unique components. Among the markets HE serves are the aerospace, automotive, communications, defense, industrial, medical, national security, and test & measurement industries. In addition to components, HE also provides quality and compliance testing, counterfeit detection, upscreening, and other forms of quality control. Examples of component subtypes that HE offers include ICs, batteries, capacitors, semiconductor products, sensors, circuit protection, interconnectors, filters, optoelectronics, relays, switches, power supplies, and cables and cable assemblies.
Ranking as of November 2024
Derivation MethodRank | Company | Click Share |
---|---|---|
1 | Euroswitch S.p.A. |
10.4%
|
2 | Sweeta Products Corporation |
9.2%
|
3 | Magnelink, Inc. |
9.0%
|
4 | Pepperl+Fuchs Inc. |
8.0%
|
5 | Celduc Inc. |
6.8%
|
6 | Coto Technology, Inc. |
5.8%
|
7 | Comus International |
5.6%
|
8 | SHENZHEN SOWAY TECH. CO.,LTD |
5.4%
|
9 | Hybrid Electronics Corporation |
5.2%
|
10 | Littelfuse, Inc |
4.6%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the reed switch page as of November 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
---|---|---|
United States of America | 9 | 56.3% |
Italy | 2 | 12.5% |
China | 1 | 6.3% |
United Kingdom | 1 | 6.3% |
Taiwan | 1 | 6.3% |
Germany | 1 | 6.3% |
Japan | 1 | 6.3% |
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There are other part numbers.
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