Reed Switch
A reed switch is a magnetically operated electrical switch consisting of two ferromagnetic metal reeds sealed in a glass tube with inert gas. It closes or opens a circuit when exposed to a magnetic field, enabling contactless switching without physical touch. Commonly used for sensing position, proximity, or security in various electronic and industrial applications.
Developers should learn about reed switches when building hardware projects involving non-contact sensing, such as door/window sensors in security systems, position detection in robotics, or flow meters in industrial automation. They are ideal for low-power, reliable switching in harsh environments due to their sealed construction and lack of moving mechanical parts that can wear out.