Marine and Boating Interiors


Top 9 Applications for Magnetic Reed Switches, Sensors and Actuators in Marine and Boating Interiors


Marine and Boating Interiors | Reed Switch Developments Corp Since 1967, the team at Reed Switch Developments Corp. has supplied thousands of magnetic reed switches, magnetic reed sensors, actuators and kits to support the rigorous application demands of the marine and boating interiors industry.

Supported vessels in the marine and boating interiors industry have historically ranged from commercial tankers, to yachts, to powerboats and watercraft.

The Top 9 most common applications for the products of Reed Switch Developments Corp. for Marine and Boating Interiors include:

1. Submersible Machines, Mechanisms and Vehicles

Magnetic reed switches can be actuated through non-ferrous materials, making them ideal for use with submersible machines, mechanisms and vehicles in the marine and boating interiors industry. Typical use cases include the external on-off control of lights, accessories, power and safety tethers. Within these applications, the magnetic reed switch sensor remains sealed in a watertight environment, while the magnetic actuator is mounted externally.

2. Personal Watercraft

Magnetic reed switches can be used on personal watercraft to sense whether storage compartments and maintenance hatches are properly closed and the safety tethers secured.

3. Ignition Switch Actuation

Magnetic reed switches can be used to sense ignition switch actuator position, which when coupled with a relay, can trigger the larger load required to operate a starter motor.

4. Control Panel Switches

Anywhere on a ship, boat or watercraft where onboard electricals, electronics, and mechanical may need to be kept watertight, magnetic reed sensors can be installed within the watertight space. The magnetic reed sensors can be housed within non-ferrous materials, and alongside external actuators, in order to provide the required on-off and/or feedback functions.

5. Watercraft Window Mechanisms

Magnetic reed switches can sense whether a watercraft window is open or closed. They can also be used to signal the motorized device which moves the window upward and downward.

6. Tank Gauge Indicators

When coupled with specialty float actuators, magnetic reed sensors can be used as tank gauge indicators to accurately sense the levels of stored fuel waste and bilge water. The tank gauge indicators can then trigger level alarms or indicator lights on control panels accordingly.

7. Cabin Interior Lighting and Luxury Accessories

Magnetic reed switches can be used to signal automated lighting, drapes and blinds, windows and doors, as well as to hide and reveal luxury accessories, such as bars and entertainment centers, in the marine and boating interiors industry.

8. Cabin Open/Closed Indicators

Magnetic reed switches can be used to sense whether cabinets, drawers, hatches, compartments, mechanisms and equipment are present or in their proper positions within cabins, quarters or other areas of the vessel.

9. Emergency and Safety Lighting Indicator LEDs

Magnetic reed switches can be used to turn on/off emergency and safety lighting indicator LEDs.

The standard and customer magnetic reed switches, sensors and actuators from Reed Switch Developments Corp. used in the marine and boating interiors industry are known for their fast-acting, high-reliability performance. The switches are free from mechanical wear and are hermetically sealed, ensuring years of reliable service within demanding environments. Most assemblies are also UL recognized and RoHS/REACH compliant. With the company’s in-house development and manufacturing capabilities, custom reed switch developments of any sized quantity may be accommodated, with production lead times as short as ten business days.

They are available in SPST, with a choice of NO or NC contacts, and SPDT configurations. Customers may choose from a variety of reed materials with varying sensitivities and wattages (0.25W – 100W). A wide selection of available case materials include Celanex, Celcon, Lexan, Epoxy and Valox. Aluminum, stainless steel and brass housings are also available for more extreme applications. Custom magnetic reed switch actuators are also available with a large selection of permanent magnets, mating with the switch. This includes custom molded magnets, configured to meet user-specific mounting, and operational requirements. Various wire and cable options are also available, with the most popular insulating materials in 18-26 AWG sizes. Connectors can also be supplied, including AMP, Molex, JST, Packard, threaded, weather sealed, snap lock, lug, and other types.

With each custom magnetic reed switch, sensor or actuator project, the company’s talented in-house applications engineering team applies more than 55 years of field-proven experience, working in close collaboration with customers to identify a unique “best fit” solution. These discernments are based on a multitude of application and performance parameters, further drawing upon an extensive portfolio of thousands of legacy success stories. All Reed Switch Development Corp. products are 100% designed, developed, and assembled at the company’s own state-of-the-art WBE-certified manufacturing facility in Racine, Wisconsin, USA.

Contact us today for a free initial applications assessment. 


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