This part of IEC 62246 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 applies to reed switches which are operated by an applied magnetic field; it is not restricted to any particular type of contact load. For elementary relays with reed switches, this standard is recommended to be used together with the standards IEC 61810-1, IEC 61811-1 as applicable. For applications of reed switches, this standard is recommended to be used together with specific product standards. NOTE 2 Where any discrepancies occur for any reasons, documents rank in the following order of authority: a) the detail specification, b) the sectional specification, c) the generic specification, d) any other international documents (for example, of the IEC) to which reference is made. The same order of precedence applies to equivalent national documents.