brake-magnet damage

[Tin Hut]

Why would having the emerg. brake cord pulled on the hitch for over five minutes cause damage to trailer brakes? What is the difference between having your foot on the brake of your car for over five minutes? Thanks.

[Chas]

Because,

When you pull the pin you are sending a full 12 volts to your magnets which will fry them in a few minutes.

Sitting at a traffic light for a few minutes only sends a few volts back to them, not enough to cook them.

Chas