Abstract: An electrical switch includes a magnetically actuated switch (16), such as a reed switch, and a permanent magnet (10). A path defining arrangement (14) is mechanically coupled (by track follower 210) to the permanent magnet, for allowing the magnet to move in a defined path. A particular part of the path lies adjacent to a portion of the reed switch. The particular part (218) of the path is close enough to the reed switch to actuate the switch. Consequently, or whereby, the magnet, at a particular position along the path will cause the reed switch to assume one of first (open) and second (closed) states. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the magnet, when at the particular position along the path, causes a normally-open switch to close. An energy storage arrangement is coupled to at least the magnet, for urging the magnet toward one end (220) of the path. In the particular embodiment, the energy storage arrangement is coupled to the magnet by way of a track follower (210).