When it comes to actuating a Reed Switch, there are spatial regions around the Reed Switch where introduction of a magnet will “activate” the switch. These spatial regions are known as “activation lobes.” There are four common activation lobes and magnet orientations that are used to actuate a Reed Switch. “Single pole linear” activation occurs when one magnet pole is near the Reed Switch and the magnet moves linearly with respect to the Reed Switch. “Two pole linear” activation is similar, except two magnet poles are near the Reed Switch. Activation by rotation occurs when a magnet revolves on an axis, causing opening or closure of the Reed Switch contacts. “Ferrous vane” activation occurs when a stationary magnet is used to hold, or “bias” the Reed Switch contacts closed while a ferrous metal or antiparallel magnet moves to open the Reed Switch contacts.