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Topic: Lights operated by magnetic switches (Read 696 times) previous topic - next topic

Lights operated by magnetic switches

How do they work? Do they operate through some type of electronic module?

I have a closet light which is operated by a magnetic switch attached to the closet door. It would not turn off when the door was closed, so I replaced the switch. I still can't get it to turn off when the door is closed. Anyone have any ideas? Any help appreciated.
Royce & Denise, MC #17410
'01 U320 4220 ISM450 Build #5895 SOLD
Toad: '10 Honda CR-V

Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world. - Gustave Flaubert

Re: Lights operated by magnetic switches

Reply #1 –
Is the switch in the door jam? If it is there should be a magnet in the door straight across from the switch.
You may have lost that alignment when you replaced the switch or maybe the magnet fell out.
They do have to be lined up.
Take a magnet and move it around close to the switch, you should be able to turn the light out.
JD
John Duld
1995 U320C SE 40'

Re: Lights operated by magnetic switches

Reply #2 –
Just what I was going to suggest
Richard & Betty Bark & Keiko our Golden Doodle
2003 U320T 3820 PBDS
Build # 6215
MC # 16926
2016 Chevrolet Colorado 4X4 diesel

Re: Lights operated by magnetic switches

Reply #3 –
Quote from: BamaFan –
How do they work? Do they operate through some type of electronic module?

Any help appreciated.

Probably a basic NC (normally closed) magnetic switch, no electronic module.  When the magnet comes near the wired portion of the switch,  it pushes the contacts apart to break the circuit. Use a magnet as John has suggested.
Good luck,
Rick

Rick

Re: Lights operated by magnetic switches

Reply #4 –

Here is what I have used on almost every interior cabinet door and closet.

NC NO Door Window Contact Magnetic Reed Switch Alarm 3W 10-20mm - Switch...

They have good 3M double sided tape and seem to hold well without using screws. The best thing is that they are three wire so they can be normally open or normally closed. One wire is common and the others open the circuit when the magnet and the switch are close to each other or complete the circuit when the magnet and the switch are close to each other.

You want the pair that opens the circuit when the doors is closed.  If you buy the NO or NC varieties you have a 50/50 chance of getting the wrong one.

These actuate when the magnet is about 3/4" away from the switch so there is some flexibility in positioning.

If you don't want the lights to come on at all you have to add a rocker switch in the +12v feed.

Roger

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Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Lights operated by magnetic switches

Reply #5 –
Well, that is what I thought - just a simple reed switch. I have to conclude that the switch is defective.
Royce & Denise, MC #17410
'01 U320 4220 ISM450 Build #5895 SOLD
Toad: '10 Honda CR-V

Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world. - Gustave Flaubert

Re: Lights operated by magnetic switches

Reply #6 –
if you replaced it the switch might be OK just the wrong kind NO vs NC.  If it has multiple wires of connection points try different wiring connections.

I see this type of switches on EBay and even Amazon and no one seems to have any idea what NO or NC switches are.  A seller at Amazon told me when I asked that a Normally Open switch is for windows that are normally open! No wonder people have to make three trips to the hardware store for just about every project.

Roger
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Lights operated by magnetic switches

Reply #7 –
I understand what NO & NC means. This switch has both types of connections. I wired it for normally open.
Royce & Denise, MC #17410
'01 U320 4220 ISM450 Build #5895 SOLD
Toad: '10 Honda CR-V

Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world. - Gustave Flaubert
 

Re: Lights operated by magnetic switches

Reply #8 –
Good job Steve,

Wikipedia says the same, sort of.  Paraphrasing ...

In a switch where the contacts remain in one state unless actuated,  the contacts can either be normally open ... until closed by actuation of the switch  or 
normally closed ... until opened by the actuation of the switch.

Confused?

If you get the three wire or three contact switch no matter who thinks which is which you will be OK.

Roger
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN