Warner Electric 1100-42 User Manual

Safety Breakaway Switch

No. 1100-42

P-1377
819-0090

Installation Instructions

Parts Included in Kit

BREAKAWY SWITCH ASSEMBLY

15 Amp Current Rating

with 2 or 4 Brakes

BATTE RY

BREAKAWAY

SWITCH

BRAKE

WIRES

LANYARD

BRAKE
WIRES
FROM
TOWING
VEHICLE

TO TRAILER

BRAKES

BREAKAWAY

SWITCH

STORAGE

BATT ERY

Activated only in the event of a trailer breakaway
emergency, the breakaway switch remotely
activates the independent safety circuit of the
trailer brake systems. Sonic welded case
protects electrical component against water
and sun.

Recommended for recreational and light
commercial trailers. 12V. Up to four brake
capacity. Not polarity sensitive, + or – ground.

Consists of:
1 – Breakaway Switch
1 – Mounting Accessory
1 – Installation Instruction

Cable & Pin Assembly
1100-253-002

Failure to follow these
instructions may result in product
damage, equipment damage, and
serious or fatal injury to personnel.

Typical Installation

Warner Electric • 800-825-9050 P-1377 • 819-0090

2

Installation Instructions for Warner Safety
Breakaway Switch

15 Amp Current Rating with 2 or 4 Brakes
Part Number 1100-42

3. Mount a battery on the trailer frame. The
battery must be the same voltage as the
trailer brakes and have adequate capacity to
meet legal requirements of the states in
which the trailer will be towed.

The purpose of the Safety Breakaway Switch is
to minimize the possibility of an accident due to
a “runaway” trailer. If a trailer becomes detached
from the towing vehicle during transit, the switch
pin is pulled out by the lanyard. This closes the
circuit connecting the battery to the trailer
brakes, providing electricity to stop the trailer.

1. Position the breakaway switch on the trailer
frame with the pin pointing toward the
towing vehicle. Allow sufficient lanyard
length to attach the lanyard to the towing
vehicle. The lanyard should be long enough
to allow for turning corners, yet short
enough to disengage the pin from the switch
before the safety chains on the hitch
become taut in a trailer disconnect situation.

2. Position the Warner Safety Breakaway
Switch on any horizontal surface of the
tongue so the lanyard cable and breakaway
switch have no forward obstructions and
can swivel freely. Drill a 9/32" hole for the
attachment of the switch. Insert the metal
sleeve furnished into the mounting hole in
the switch and mount the switch on the
tongue using the bolt, nut, and lockwasher
provided. The sleeve will allow the switch to
pivot freely, assuring alignment of the
lanyard with the towing vehicle.

Note: An automotive-type storage battery
is preferred as the power source.

4. Connect one lead from the switch to one
of the battery terminals. Connect the other
battery terminal to one of the trailer brake
supply wires, matching the tow vehicle
pularity. Connect the other lead from the
switch to the remaining brake wire, leaving
enough slack for the switch to swivel (see
illustration). Make sure all terminals and
connections are secure and well insulated.

5. Fasten the lanyard to a convenient structural
member of the towing vehicle. Do not fasten
it to the hitch assembly. A snap hook and
eyebolt can be added to facilitate hookup
and removal of the lanyard.

The system should be tested
periodically by pulling the pin and trying to
pull the trailer with the towing vehicle. The
trailer brakes should be engaged. After
testing, return the pin to the “full-in” position.
Avoid prolonged or frequent activation of the
safety switch, since the battery is discharged
whenever the switch is actuated. Check the
battery periodically with a hydrometer or
other suitable battery tester to assure that full
charge is maintained in accordance with the
battery manufacturer’s recommendations.

Warner Electric • 800-825-9050 P-1377 • 819-0090

3

Warranty

Warner Electric LLC warrants that it will repair or replace (whichever it deems advisable) any
product manufactured and sold by it which proves to be defective in material or workmanship
within a period of one (1) year from the date of original purchase for consumer, commercial or
industrial use.

This warranty extends only to the original purchaser and is not transferable or assignable without
Warner Electric LLC’s prior consent.

Warranty service can be obtained in the U.S.A. by returning any defective product, transportation
charges prepaid, to the appropriate Warner Electric LLC factory. Additional warranty information
may be obtained by writing the Customer Satisfaction Department, Warner Electric LLC, 449
Gardner Street, South Beloit, Illinois 61080, or by calling 815-389-3771.

A purchase receipt or other proof of original purchase will be required before warranty service is
rendered. If found defective under the terms of this warranty, repair or replacement will be made,
without charge, together with a refund for transportation costs. If found not to be defective, you will
be notified and, with your consent, the item will be repaired or replaced and returned to you at
your expense.

This warranty covers normal use and does not cover damage or defect which results from
alteration, accident, neglect, or improper installation, operation, or maintenance.

Some states do not allow limitation on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitation
may not apply to you.

Warner Electric LLC’s obligation under this warranty is limited to the repair or replacement of the
defective product and in no event shall Warner Electric LLC be liable for consequential, indirect,
or incidental damages of any kind incurred by reason of the manufacture, sale or use of any
defective product. Warner Electric LLC neither assumes nor authorizes any other person to give
any other warranty or to assume any other obligation or liability on its behalf.

WITH RESPECT TO CONSUMER USE OF THE PRODUCT, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES WHICH
THE CONSUMER MAY HAVE ARE LIMITED IN DURATION TO ONE YEAR FROM THE DATE OF
ORIGINAL CONSUMER PURCHASE. WITH RESPECT TO COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL
USES OF THE PRODUCT, THE FOREGOING WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF AND EXCLUDES ALL
OTHER WARRANTIES, WHETHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED BY OPERATION OF LAW OR
OTHERWISE, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS.

Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the
above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights and
you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.

Changes in Dimensions and Specifications

All dimensions and specifications shown in Warner Electric catalogs are subject to change without
notice. Weights do not include weight of boxing for shipment. Certified prints will be furnished
without charge on request to Warner Electric.

Warner Electric LLC

31 Industrial Park Road • New Hartford, CT 06057
815-389-3771 • Fax: [phone]
www.warnerelectric.com

P-1377 • 819-0090 6/12 Printed in USA