Cabinet light switch

Second Chance wrote:
I recently installed LED string lights in the pantry in our Reflection 5th wheel (around the inside of the door frame facing into the pantry - not directly visible from outside the pantry). The first switch I tried didn't work. The magnetic reed switch ordered from Amazon couldn't handle the current and stayed closed (on) even when the magnet was removed from the switch. Several weeks later, I found a roller switch (mechanically activated by a roller on the end of a short spring steel arm) rated much higher and it is working fine. Found the switch at Radio Shack and the pantry lighting is awesome - and turns off when the door is closed.

Rob

Do you have a pic of it?

DrewE wrote:
Most magnetic reed switches have quite low current ratings. The majority are also normally open, closing when the magnet is brought near, so you'd have the light turning on when the door closes rather than turning off. Both these problems could be overcome with an auxiliary circuit--a suitably rated mosfet controlled by the reed switch would be one rather simple and effective setup.

I did recently come across these really nice-looking reed switches which include a normally closed one rated for up to 0.5A. That would be fine for a LED or other light of up to about 6W (assuming a 12V system).

Thanks, Drew. The reed switch I tried had poles for both NO and NC, so it would have worked had it been up to the current. I didn't want to bother with an auxiliary control circuit - if the concept works, I want to replicate it in other cabinets in the rig.

Rob

Most magnetic reed switches have quite low current ratings. The majority are also normally open, closing when the magnet is brought near, so you'd have the light turning on when the door closes rather than turning off. Both these problems could be overcome with an auxiliary circuit--a suitably rated mosfet controlled by the reed switch would be one rather simple and effective setup.

I did recently come across these really nice-looking reed switches which include a normally closed one rated for up to 0.5A. That would be fine for a LED or other light of up to about 6W (assuming a 12V system).

Here is a good recent thread that is right on point with your question:...Click>>>here

The next trick is to find a Radio Shack Open haha... They all but closed down around here... I think I heard a few will remain in business after the bankruptcy...

Roy Ken

I recently installed LED string lights in the pantry in our Reflection 5th wheel (around the inside of the door frame facing into the pantry - not directly visible from outside the pantry). The first switch I tried didn't work. The magnetic reed switch ordered from Amazon couldn't handle the current and stayed closed (on) even when the magnet was removed from the switch. Several weeks later, I found a roller switch (mechanically activated by a roller on the end of a short spring steel arm) rated much higher and it is working fine. Found the switch at Radio Shack and the pantry lighting is awesome - and turns off when the door is closed.

Rob