Replacement Breakaway Switch Cable and Plunger Pin Requirements

Question:

Is there a size requirment for the cable inself....thanks

asked by: Jim

Expert Reply:

There is not a size requirement for the cable itself on a breakaway system. You can see the cable diameter doesn't need to be very thick on this like # HM20051 because it is only required to pull the plunger from the system to activate the braking. So it needs to have a break strength strong enough to pull the pin (thus stronger than the plastic pin itself), but your safety cables or chains are what keep the trailer from being left behind and they are required to be equal or greater than the weight of your trailer. The length of this cable should be longer than your safety cables or chains so that if your trailer completely disconnected, coupler, wiring harness, safety chains and all, the brakes activate.

I've attached an article to assist.

expert reply by: Jason S