Magnetic Reed Switch modification

[Jesse333]

If I have a small gap magnetic reed switch, could I use a larger magnet and increase the gap maximum as well as the tolerance for alignment?

 

[Ralston18]

Probably worth a try if you can do so without possibly breaking something.

What is the reed switches "expected" gap size and how much bigger is the required gap?

The reeds may not tolerant (or tolerate for long) extra "pull" and flexing via a more powerful magnet and additional bending.

If the gap is too large for the existing reed switch consider, if possible, placing a spacer of some sort under the switch.

Again, if experimental or just some interim fix - likely no harm/no foul....

 

[Jesse333]

Thanks Ralson - that's helpful
The situation is a gate alert:
https://www.swann.com/us/swads-gateak
installed on a large metal farm gate, so the chances of the magnet lining up with the reed switch need to be improved to allow for some movement between them.

 

[Ralston18]

Interesting.

How big of a fence gap are you dealing with? Manual (Page 4 & Page 5) indicates a separation of 3/8" (9 mm).

file:///C:/Users/Don/AppData/Local/Packages/Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe/TempState/Downloads/swads_gateak_manual_en%20(1).pdf

My thought is that that is too "tight" or compatible for a large metal farm gate.

Very likely that that gate "moves" with weather, temperatures, ground softness, and so forth.

Try to stabilize the gate and latching post as best you can to reduce movement.

Then shim the reed switch so it can be adjusted "in or out" in some manner to allow for movement still occurs. Likely seasonally related.

Hot it all expands and the gate/post are closer. Colder they contract and move apart. Frozen ground can lift and move the magnet and switch's relative positions.

Might be more controllable if the sensor and magnets are mounted on the hinge end of the gate. If the gate swings (rotates) the reed switch be could be triggered. May need a little post there for the sensor.

Also: Is that product truly rated for outside/exterior use?

Including "double sided tape" to attach the sensors just does not seem to fit exterior use.

 

[Jesse333]

I checked with their tech support, and it is weatherproof, although they don't have an IP rating
Will likely have to beef up the adhesion.
Brilliant suggestion to install it on the hinge side!!!