Magnetic switch is an electrical

switch In electrical engineering, a switch is an electrical component that can disconnect or connect the conducting path in an electrical circuit, interrupting the electric current or diverting it from one conductor to another. The most common type of ...

that makes or breaks contact in the presence of a

magnetic field A magnetic field is a vector field that describes the magnetic influence on moving electric charges, electric currents, and magnetic materials. A moving charge in a magnetic field experiences a force perpendicular to its own velocity and to ...

. Applications include situations where it is not desirable or possible for moving elements to make direct contact with the switch, such as in explosive environments, submerged in liquids, and where repetitive contact with a mechanical switch would result in undesired wear. Generally, the switch remains actuated as long as a sufficiently strong magnetic field is present, and opens when the field is removed.

See also