This standard applies to circuit board mounted relays that utilize magnetically actuated dry reed switches to perform the switching function. This document is intended to help standardize dry reed relay packaging, testing, and rating methods. If this standard is used properly, it should yield interchangeable relay packages, correlative test methods, standard acceptance and rejection criteria, and relays with comparable switch ratings. Relays conforming to this standard are suitable for use in electrical and electronic equipment where application is within the stated limits of operation.

Relays covered under this standard will generally use switches covered under EL4 RS-421 "EINNARM Standard for Dry Reed Switches."

The testing methods provided in this standard are intended to provide realistic, objective tests to defineand determine the quality of a given relay.

Dry reed switches are used in many other relay formats. Provisions of this standard may or may not be useful for these other packaged forms. A discussion with the supplier should be held before a user attempts to utilize the various sections of this standard for relays in other formats. The standard should not be used on hybrid relays utilizing dry reed switches.

This standard does not apply to relays using mercury-wetted contacts.