Ways Magnets Are Used for Safety & Security

Magnets are amazing tools that are used more commonly than we realize. They can be found in refrigerators, blenders and speakers. They are used to hold signs, clasp jewelry and point us in the right direction. But did you know that they play a role in a variety of safety and security applications as well?

How Magnets Help Keep Us Safe

From removing debris and sounding alarms to securing doors and preventing accidents, magnets have several useful applications rooted in keeping us safe.

At The Pump

Most modern gas pumps have a device called a breakaway that automatically detaches the gas hose from the pump if enough force is applied, such as a driver accidently driving away with the nozzle still inserted in their fuel tank. This prevents damage to the pump and hose and stops a geyser of gas from spilling. The two halves of the breakaway are often held together by strong magnets, allowing for easy reconnect after a drive-off.

Prevent Shoplifting

Two kinds of anti-theft devices are often used by retailers. One is the magnetic peg hook lock that can’t be removed without the magnetic key. The other is a magnetostrictive tag that has to be deactivated at checkout, otherwise it will trigger an alarm when it passes through the magnetic field created by the store’s security system.

Behind Locked Doors

Credit card companies no longer rely on magnetic strips, but they are still widely used in other forms of security. Hotels and other establishments use magnetic key cards to restrict access to locked rooms. The magnetic stripe on key card is programmed with information that a sensor in the lock reads in order to open the lock.

Keeping Kids Safe

Magnets are often used in home safety, such as child proof cabinets, door locks and baby gates. These contain a hidden magnetic lock that can only be opened by a magnetic force, keeping curious children from opening or entering.

Sounding the Alarm

Home security systems often rely on reed switches, which is a rather simple type of magnetically operated sensor. A magnet is placed on the door or window, and the magnetic sensor would be attached to the door frame. When the window or door was opened, the magnet would be removed from the magnetic field of the sensor and trigger the alarm.

Fighting Gravity

When working at heights where dropping a tool could lead to a delay in work, or worse, cause an injury, magnets can be used to hold metal objects in place. Construction sites and industrial facilities often utilize strong magnetic forces to secure metal tools and resist the downward pull of gravity.

Make Clean Up a Breeze

Magnetic sweepers and pickups are a safe, easy and quick way to keep areas clear of hazardous metal debris and fine ferrous particles. These handy tools and devices also help to prevent injury from handling sharp metal fragments or shrapnel and are commonly used in garages, barns, home shops and on roads and airport runways.

Shop Industrial Magnets

Not all magnets are made to be front and center. Some are made to be the backbone of your product, providing safety, security and dependability. US Magnetix offers a wide range of strong, industrial magnets, including ceramic, neodymium, magnetic assemblies and more that can serve many different purposes. Shop industrial magnets online now or contact us for help finding the right magnet for your project.