Wikipedia:Reference desk/Archives/Science/2020 June 19

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June 19

magnetic field and steel box

If I have a reed switch inside a plastic box, I can actuate the switch with a magnet on the outside of the box. Can I do that if it is a metal box (sheet steel)? I suspect not, but thought I'd ask. If the steel box can work conditionally on the magnet being stronger, that is ok. Application: electronic lock. Thanks. 2602:24A:DE47:BB20:50DE:F402:42A6:A17D (talk) 00:05, 19 June 2020 (UTC)

Sheet steel is surprisingly bad at stopping the field from a magnet. You might be able to use the same magnet, but might need a stronger magnet. --Guy Macon (talk) 04:13, 19 June 2020 (UTC)

Thanks, I'll give it a try when I can. 2602:24A:DE47:BB20:50DE:F402:42A6:A17D (talk) 19:07, 19 June 2020 (UTC)

Did anybody else take as long as I did to get the pun? Jmchutchinson (talk) 19:08, 22 June 2020 (UTC)

I don't see any pun. I guess I need to go to my punny shed to be punished. Or perhaps eat some magnets to be more attractive. --Guy Macon (talk) 23:59, 25 June 2020 (UTC)