LBS48-16

ESCO BREAK AWAY SWITCH

THIS SWITCH IS FOR EMERGENCY USE ONLY.  

 The switch is designed to operate only when the towed trailer separates from the towing vehicle. When this happens the lanyard cable pin is pulled out of the breakaway switch and the switch will close the circuit from the trailer battery to the brakes and put the brakes on.

For the breakaway switch to operate properly it is important that the trailer battery is sized to the brakes of the trailer, the terminals connections clean, the battery fully charged, and the switch is installed according to the following installation instructions.

  1. Mount breakaway switch on horizontal plane as close to the hitch as possible. There should be no obstacles or strain on the lanyard cable to the tow vehicle. Also, make sure tow vehicle can make sharp right and left turns without strain on the lanyard cable.
  2. The breakaway should be bolted to the frame with minimum ¼” bolt that will accept a 75 lb. pull on the switch and allow the switch to swivel.
  3. Wire the breakaway switch as in wiring diagram on the reverse side.
  4. After switch has been installed and wired, slowly pull out pin and make sure brakes engage. (The pin comes out in two stages. The first stage is for testing). Push the pin back into switch until the flange on the pin is against the switch and the red neoprene washer disappears.
  5. Do not let lanyard cable drag on the ground. Fasten cable to tow vehicle frame – Not on safety chains or the tow ball.
  6. Test the breakaway switch on a regular basis and make sure the lanyard cable is not damaged and the battery is fully charged and maintained.
  7. When testing the switch, disconnect trailer cord from tow vehicle. Pull lanyard pin out to the first stage. This will take approximately 20 lbs. of pull. You should hear brakes engage. To double check, move tow vehicle forward to be sure brakes are locked and operating properly.
  8. When test is complete be sure back of lanyard pin is flush with the switch. The red washer should disappear. Reconnect trailer cord to tow vehicle.

 

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