In very low-level applications or where high accuracy measurements are important, the presence of thermal EMFs can cause unacceptable errors. For example, when switching thermocouples where temperature monitoring is required, or data acquisition where the signal levels from transducers are very low, a voltage introduced by a thermal EMF can create significant accuracy issues.

The design of the Pickering Series 100 and Series 101 reed relays helps to minimize the heating effect of the coil, the prime reason for the temperature gradients across the reed switch that creates the thermal EMF voltages. With values as low as 1 microvolt generated across the closed switch, this is significantly lower than an industry standard reed relay or an electromechanical relay. Using a 2 Form A relay with the switches connected differentially, there can be some cancellation of the thermal EMF voltages generated from the two switches resulting in even lower values, making these reed relays an ideal solution when switching thermocouples.

The Series 100 and Series 101 offer 1 Form A, 2 Form A, 1 Form B and 1 Form C configurations, all featuring magnetic screening to allow for side by side stacking and instrumentation grade reed switches to ensure long life. The low coil power consumption also makes these reed relays ideal for portable equipment.