This part of IEC 62246 series, which is a generic specification applies to all types of reed switches including magnetically biased reed switches of assessed quality for use in general and industrial applications. NOTE 1 Mercury wetted reed switches are not covered by this standard due to their possible environmental impact. It lists the tests and measurement procedures which may be selected for use in detail specifications for such reed switches. This standard also specifies the quality assessment procedures to be followed. This standard applies to reed switches which are operated by an applied magnetic field; it is not restricted to any particular type of contact load. NOTE 2 For elementary relays with reed switches, this standard is recommended to be used together with the standards IEC 61810-1 and IEC 61811-1 as applicable. NOTE 3 The applications of reed switches can be covered by specific product standards and the use of the IEC 62246 series does not guarantee compliance with those standards. NOTE 4 Where any discrepancies occur for any reasons, documents rank in the following order of authority: the detail specification, the sectional specification, the generic specification, any other international documents (for example, of the IEC) to which reference is made. The same order of precedence applies to equivalent national documents.