Warner Electric Utility Safety Breakaway Switch User Manual
Utility safety breakaway switch, Installation instructions

Utility Safety Breakaway Switch
Installation Instructions
P-1383
819-0115
Kit No. 1300-74 Rated For Use With 2 to 8 Brakes
Snap Hook
532-0002
Chain
260-0003
(36” Long)
Chain Ring
748-0322
Switch
Snap Hook
532-0003
Trailer
Ground
Circuit
Trailer
Brake
Circuit
Front of Trailer
Safety Breakaway Switch
Chain
Towing Vehicle
Pin to Point Toward
Towing Vehicle
Battery
Structural
Member
Lockwasher
Nut
Nut
Eye Bolt
171-0001
Max. 030
For chain replacement specify no.
1300-261-001 chain accessory
complete with 36” chain.
Failure to follow these
instructions may result in product damage,
equipment damage, and serious or fatal injury
to personnel.
The safety breakaway switch is used in
conjunction with a battery on the trailer to operate
the electric trailer brakes in case of accidental
separation between the towing vehicle and trailer.
1. Position the switch on the front of the trailer near
the hitch or the frame tongue with the pin pointing
toward the towing vehicle. Mark the location for (1)
mounting hole and drill a 1/4” diameter hole.
Remove one nut and lock washer from the eye
bolt and use to mount the eye bolt and switch
assembly. Tighten both nuts securely with switch
pointing towards the towing vehicle.
2. Drill 1/4” diameter hole for the eye bolt in a
convenient structural member on the towing
vehicle chassis near the hitch (not the hitch
assembly). Mount the eye bolt with the eyelet
pointing toward the towing vehicle, by using
the nuts and washer provided in bag marked
1300-261-001, and tighten securely.
3. Assemble the chain fastener accessory No.
1300-261-001 according to the sketch. Leave
sufficient slack in the chain to avoid actuating
the switch when turning a corner, yet short
enough to engage the switch before the safety
chains on the hitch become taut in a trailer
disconnect condition. After the proper length of
the chain has been established, tightly close
both ends of the S-hook and the eyelet of the
eyebolt mounted to the towing vehicle. The
position of the switch must be such that it can
swing freely in the direction of the chain.
4. Mount a battery on the trailer frame. If the trailer
has an automotive type wet cell alread
mounted, it may be used as the power source.
The battery should be capable of holding the
trailer’s electric brakes for at least 15 minutes
and it must be the same voltage as the trailer
brakes. Note: An automotive storage battery is
recommended as the power source.
5. Connect the safety breakaway switch into the
wires of trailer brake circuit (as shown). Make
sure all terminals and connections are secure
and insulated. Use wire of the same size and
type as that used in the main wiring of the trailer
brakes as recommended in the trailer brake
manufacturer’s brake installation instructions.
Periodically test the system by
pulling the pin on the switch and trying to move
the trailer with the towing vehicle. After testing,
return the pin to the “full-in” position. Avoid
prolonged or frequent activation of the safety
switch, since the battery is discharged each
time the switch is actuated. CHECK THE
BATTERY PERIODICALLY TO ASSURE FULL
CHARGE.
Safety Switch
1300-831-001
.030
(Typ.) Max.
Warner Electric
800-825-9050