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Mercury switches: Difference between revisions
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Bias magnet
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The switches are electromagnetic relays with mercury-wetted contacts inside glass envelopes that contain pressurized gas. | The switches are electromagnetic relays with mercury-wetted contacts inside glass envelopes that contain pressurized gas. | ||
The gas prevents arcing of the contacts. | The gas prevents arcing of the contacts. In some models, a physically adjustable bias magnet (permanent) is used to "bias" the reed switch in its normally closed position. | ||
Mercury switches have limited life. | |||
In pulse generators, the coil of the relay is typically driven by a multivibrator or other periodic current source. | In pulse generators, the coil of the relay is typically driven by a multivibrator or other periodic current source. | ||