Is a Breakaway Switch Normally Open or Closed

Question

Question:

Dot safety check today. Brake controller stopped trailer but unplug lights And pull out break away cable and the trailer rolls. Should I have 12 volts on both sides of the breakaway switch? Plugged in or pulled out?

asked by: Tom

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

If the pin on the breakaway switch is pulled or broken then yes you should have 12 volts entering and exiting the switch as this is what will engage the brakes on the trailer. The breakaway switch on your trailer is a normally open circuit which means power will not pass through the switch if the pin is installed and functioning properly. It is possible that the switch has failed so if you need to replace it you can do so with pretty much any brand like the Replacement Switch part # C52010.

I have attached a photo of the correct way to wire a breakaway system for you as well.

expert reply by: Conner L

1

click to enlarge

Answer 1

The Tru Ryde grease seals you mentioned, part #RG06-70 are indeed a replacement for the 10-036-00 Dexter seals. They would work great for your application.

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Answer 2

The Buyers Products Trailer Wiring Junction Box #3375601101 referenced in your question measures 6.5 inches long, 3.21 inches wide, and 2.5 inches tall when the cover is installed. The mounting holes at each end are spaced apart 7.38 inches on…

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Answer 3

The Electric Trailer Brake Kit part #AKEBRK-35-SA has a self adjusting mechanism which means that you do not need to adjust the brakes for even pad wear after the initial setup. The Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Trailer Brake Kit part #23-468-469…

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Answer 4

The size of the nuts that fit the posts of the Trailer Wiring Junction Box #3375601101 is M5-.8 pitch. This does not come with extra nuts.

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Answer 5

The ring terminal size you need for the posts of the junction box part #3375601101 that you referenced is 3/16 inch like the part #44-5310A which would work great. The terminal matches the correct ring size and also is designed for 10 to 12 gauge…

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Answer 6

What you can do is apply something like Liquid Electrical Tape, #SWC50122, which will insulate, seal, and waterproof electrical connections. I would still recommend wrapping any connections with actual electrical tape as well for extra protection.…

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Answer 7

You will naturally see some voltage drop from the brake controller all the way back to your trailer brakes, but what you're describing sounds like a bad ground somewhere. What you need to do is check the grounds related to the trailer brakes and…

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Answer 8

Even though I cannot comment specifically on the grease you used because I am not familiar with it, I can tell you the best grease for trailer bearings is a a grease with a rating of GC-LB, which just means it is made to withstand very high…

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Answer 9

Connection three 10-gauge wires together is going to be best accomplished by soldering the connections as this is the most secure method. We have a solder gun that comes with solder as well with part #PTW2012. I realize that not everyone knows how to…

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Answer 10

You have a good plan! You are correct that once you have a functional 7-way connector and the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 #90195 installed in your truck that you will not need any other wiring on the truck. Going with a junction box like the #38656 to…

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Answer 11

The Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly #AKHD-865-7-2-K is the same as the Assembly #AKHD-865-7-1-K you found but with 1/2" wheel studs versus the 9/16". We also have the Assembly #AKHD-865-7-2-EZ-K if you need the EZ Lube grease cap to access…

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Answer 12

Yes, you can use the Replacement Switch for Curt Soft Trac I and II Trailer Breakaway Kits #C52010 with your RVI kit.

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Is a Breakaway Switch Normally Open or Closed

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