BS EN 62246-1:2015

What is BS EN 62246-1 - Reed switch standards about?  

The reed switch is an electrical switch operated by an applied magnetic field. The contacts are usually normally open, closing when a magnetic field is present, or they may be normally closed and open when a magnetic field is applied. The switch may be actuated by an electromagnetic coil, making a reed relay, or by bringing a permanent magnet near it. When the magnetic field is removed, the contacts in the reed switch return to their original position. Reed switches which are in mass production, and which are widely used in practice could be classified by the following characteristics: 

• Size 
• Type of switching of electric circuit 
• Withstand voltage level 
• Switches power 
• Types of electric contacts 

BS EN 62246-1 which is a generic specification applies to all types of reed switches including magnetically biased reed switches of assessed quality for use in general and industrial applications. 

Note: Mercury wetted reed switches are not covered by BS EN 62246-1 due to their possible environmental impact. 

Who is BS EN 62246-1 - Reed switch standards for? 

BS EN 62246-1  on reed switch standards is useful for: 

• Manufacturers of reed switches 
• Product development / innovation / research teams 
• Quality control teams 

Why should you use BS EN 62246-1 - Reed switch standards?  

One or more reed switches inside an electromagnetic coil constitute a reed relay. Reed relays are used when operating currents are relatively low, and offer high operating speed, good performance with very small currents that are not reliably switched by conventional contacts, high reliability, and long life. BS EN 62246-1 lists the tests and measurement procedures which may be selected for use in detail specifications for such reed switches. BS EN 62246-1 applies to reed switches which are operated by an applied magnetic field; it is not restricted to any particular type of contact load. For applications of reed switches, BS EN62246-1 is recommended to be used together with specific product standards. 

The sections on functional tests, remanence test, contact circuit resistance, dielectric test, insulation resistance, and operating times are some of the many guidelines discussed in thorough details in BS EN62246-1. Using BS EN62246-1 guidelines you can, specify all types of reed switches including magnetically biased reed switches of assessed quality for use in general and industrial applications. BS EN 62246-1 enables you to provide your customers with suitable, reliable, and high-quality products. 

What’s changed since the last update?  

BS EN 62246-1:2015 supersedes BS EN 62246-1:2011. BS EN 62246-1:2015 includes some editorial changes with respect to BS EN 62246-1:2011. These include: 

• Latest date by which the document has to be implemented at national level by publication of an identical national standard or by endorsement has been fixed as 04.12.2015 
• latest date by which the national standards conflicting with the document have to be withdrawn has been fixed as 04.03.2015