Magnetic on/off switch

freeman3030

Hi all,
I've got some LED light strips which I got from Ikea. They have a sensor so when you open the cupboard the light comes on and then turn off when you shut the door. I thought this was wonderful! I've fitted them in my airing cupboard, I open the door and the come on - wonderful! Until I step in front of the cupboard and the sensors think I'm the door and turn the lights off! So I've been thinking and I'm sure you can buy magnet on/off switches but for the life of me I can't find anything! I don't know if they've got a specific name, I'm happy to buy a new set of lights or if the magnet switch can turn on/off my ikea lights which are plugged into the mains in my airing cupboard. Who ever thought it would be so difficult to get lighting in a cupboard!
Thanks

muckybutt

You want something along the lines of this http://www.mr-resistor.co.uk/item.aspx?v=1&i=10201&gclid=Cj0KEQjw1NufBRCx8ayaqY2t6KkBEiQA2nLWm9huHkmqCS3thSIOgaY-t3mPiWg_UP8I1mTFT8_4jfcaAt5M8P8HAQ
Magnetic door switch would not be suitable.

Ectophile

I suspect the type of switch you are thinking of is a "reed switch". They are used a lot on burglar alarms.

Before using one, check it is suitable for the voltage and current.

Alternatively, use a push-button switch designed for cupboards, as described by muckybutt.

freeman3030

Thanks for the info. I'll have a look and see how it all works. It's much appreciated.