Normal is when the magnet is away. Which is the unactivated
condition. When the magnet is near the reed switch, that's
not considered normal -- it's considered activated.

--
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
..


"Bitzer" wrote in message
...
I'm replacing a broken surface mount magnetic switch mounted
on my
garage door that controls a signal light in the house that
comes on when
the door is open.

Thus, I need a switch that is OPEN (meaning no current
flows) when the
magnet is near the switch and CLOSED (meaning current flows)
when the
magnet is removed from the switch.

So do I need a normally open switch or a normally closed
one? Different
manufacturers/vendors seem to use the terms differently. Is
it "normal"
when the magnet is near the switch-- or away from it?