Q: What is a Reed Switch?

A: A reed switch is an electrical switch operated by a magnetic field. It consists of a pair of contacts on ferrous metal reeds in a hermetically sealed glass envelope.

Q: What is a Reed Sensor?

A: A reed sensor consists of a reed switch encapsulated inside an enclosure with a cable attached. Lightdream reed sensor contacts are N.O. (normally open) and closed when a magnet is present. As the magnet moves away from the reed sensor the contacts open. The term “reed switch” is commonly applied to reed sensors and Lightdream uses both terms.

Q: What is a Controller?

A: A controller acts like a hub in the lighting system. It receives signals from the reed sensors, and acts on those signals by turning on or off the output.

Q: Can a reed switch be used without a controller?

A: No. The contacts are not designed for the current that LED lights use and would soon fuse in a closed position.

Q: What is the difference between the DC and AC Controllers?

• AC Controller (LD2000‑A): Switches mains power (240 V AC) to LED drivers or lamps, includes a built‑in timer to shut off automatically after a set period, and offers two independent channels in one unit. Timer settings are for both channels.

• DC Controller (LD2040): A single‑channel controller for low‑voltage LED systems, switching 12 V or 24 V DC up to 5 A.

Q: What is the difference between the LD1400 and the LD1401 reed switches?

A: Both switches operate identically, but the LD1401 includes a flange so it can sit flush in a 10 mm hole, whereas the LD1400 is fully concealed (mounted in a rebate) with no flange.

Q: What parts do I need?

A: Refer to page 2 of this document.

Q: How do I connect up LED strips for a number of shelves?

A: Wire all LED strips in parallel: connect each strip’s positive (+) lead to the controller’s + output and each negative (–) lead to the controller’s – output. Ensure your power supply can handle the total wattage of all strips combined.

Q: What is colour temperature?

A: LED strips are rated by their correlated colour temperature (CCT), typically from 2700 K (warm-white, like incandescent) up to 5000 K+ (daylight, bluish-white). Common ranges:

• 2700–3000 K: warm white (incandescent/halogen equivalent)

• 3500–4200 K: neutral/clean white (commercial and task lighting)

• 5000 K+: daylight white (very cool, blue‑tinted)