reed switches

if the max switching voltage is 230V AC does that mean it will work with all voltages from 0 - 230V.

Posted by Anonymous on 19/11/2003, at 13:35 GMT

Max 230V AC

Yes any AC voltage up to 230V, but beware that the DC voltage rating will be much lower, maybe a maximum of 50V DC. You will need to check the maximum current rating too, this will also be lower for DC. Switching inductive loads (motors and relay coils for example) causes arcing so you will need reduce the ratings even further and maybe add protection.

AC has higher ratings because it falls to zero many times every second and is therefore less likely to cause an arc between the contacts.

Posted by John Hewes on 19/11/2003, at 14:10 GMT