Can you utilize any 'magnet' with a Reed Switch?

I ask because I'm concerned that the 'matching' magnet for the Reed switch that I'm going to purchase my not be powerful enough to work through two layers of plastic (center console).

If it didn't work, could I crank up the magnetic power with a different magnet - say, out of a refrig magnet thingy - and get it to work?

I don't want to get too carried away as I may have credit cards (or similar) somewhat near it and thus, I don't want to zap them!

Thanks guys!

RP

 

Plastic won't have any effect on the magnetic field except on the distance.
Trial the reed switch for sensitivity to distance with magnets before installation then change strength accordingly.
Your getting sneaky.

 

THANKS MAN!

LOL! Sneaky eh?

I guess that the 'poles' on the magnets will be the only issue, correct?

 

No, the magnet will work either way. The reed switch isn't a magnet, so polarity will have no effect.

 

If the reed switch is pole sensitive or mag latching then yes.
Otherwise if it is just a normal open or normal closed then it makes no difference except you need to keep the magnet close to make the switch stay operated.

 

Thanks guys!

 

Hey rockpick, where are you getting your magnet switch from?

 

Also how powerful of magnets are you using?

 

Just bought these:

Switch

Magnet

I had absolutely NO rationale on those two items other than the switch is NC (which I knew I needed) and the fact that one of the members here highly recommended this setup for this application (and he obviously knew what he was talking about when it came to these things).

*shrugs*

You guys around here haven't let me down at this point in time -- not sure why it would occur now either! LOL! Even if it doesn't work (which I suspect that it *will* work), I'm out $10...

-RP-

 

What are we building???

 

Goofy little LED console light thingamajig. luke280 is to blame for this one -- I saw his LED console light mod in person and decided that I had to have one too.

The Reed Switch should make it such that I can keep EVERYTHING out of sight and mind with the sole exception of the LEDs (obviously). We'll see how it works out...

-RP-

 

Aaaahhh... I did that on my old console, but fortunately, the illuminated pre-'87 glove box latch also fits the pre-'92 floor console, so it's a really simple mod.