| Main > Main Forum |
| Circuit Design Help |
| (1/2) > >> |
| Dudeman:
I need a bit of help here. I need to build a circuit that will cut off to current flow when the 2 parts are not in line. I My first thought was a magnetic reed switch like in the drawing, but I want to make sure a reed switch can handle that load. I figure I'll be pumping 1A at 5VDC. The specs I've seen have "Switching Current" and "Contact Current" listed, but I'm not sure of the difference. Does anyone know of a reed switch that can handle that, or any other ideas on how to accomplish this? |
| Dudeman:
Update: Seems that "Contact Current" is the maximum allowable current the device can carry continuously. "Switching Current" is the maximum current the device can handle during switching operations without damage. So I guess the following specs: Reed Switch Pull-In Amp Turns Max:32 Pull-In Amp Turns Min:18 Circuitry:SPST-NO Switching Current Max:1A Switching Voltage Max:200VDC Mounting Type:PCB Body Length:15mm Breakdown Voltage Min:325VDC Contact Current Max:500mA RoHS Compliant: Yes Mean this one won't work because I need 1A Contact Current. |
| SavannahLion:
Transistor or a relay if you're dead set on using this particular switch. |
| Dudeman:
Nope... not married to that. It is just an example of what I am finding. Reed switches that have a contact current of .5A. So I'm looking for one that can handle 1A, or another way of designing this circuit. |
| Beley:
Most reed switches are fairly low current devices, you may find it easier to use a relay. |
| Navigation |
| Message Index |
| Next page |