Warner Electric Utility Safety Breakaway Switch User Manual

Utility Safety Breakaway Switch

P-1383
819-0115

Snap Hook

532-0002

Chain

260-0003
(36” Long)

Chain Ring

748-0322

Switch
Snap Hook

532-0003

Safety Switch

1300-831-001

Trailer
Brake
Circuit

Front of Trailer

Pin to Point Toward

Towing Vehicle

Trailer
Ground
Circuit

Towing Vehicle

Battery

Max. 030

Safety Breakaway Switch

Chain

Nut

Nut

For chain replacement specify no.
1300-261-001 chain accessory
complete with 36” chain.

Eye Bolt

171-0001

Kit No. 1300-74 Rated For Use With 2 to 8 Brakes

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.

.030

(Typ.) Max.

Structural

Member

Lockwasher

Installation Instructions

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.

Warner Electric 800-825-9050

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-1383 • 819-0115 6/12 Printed in USA