This Standard applies to dry reed switches, magnetically actuated, with hermetically sealed contacts. The Standard provides the procedure to be used for inspecting, testing and rating various switch types as defined in the individual Detail Specifications. If the procedures are followed carefully, the results should be uniform, correlatable test methods, standard acceptance and rejection criteria, and a means of comparing ratings of various manufacturers for similar types of switches. Switches conforming to this Standard are suitable for use in electrical and electronic equipment where application is within the stated limits of operation.

This EIA Recommended Standard is considered to have international standardization implications. IEC Standards, where applicable, have been included in this Standard to provide an international scope to products qualified under this Standard. An (IEC) indicator precedes paragraphs or sections that are directly referenced to an IEC Standard.

The test and measurement methods given in this Standard are not necessarily the only methods that can be used. However, the manufacturer should be capable of proving that the alternative methods which he may use will give results equivalent to those obtained by the methods specified.

Alternative methods shall not be used where methods are specifically designated to referee or reference methods. (IEC)

It is the purpose of this Standard to provide realistic, objective testing means to define and determine the quality of a given product. The intention is to provide the above without excessive testing costs. The Standard does not apply to mercury-wetted contacts even though the geometry may be similar to those of dry reed switches.