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Old 08-31-2019, 05:15 PM   #1
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Damage from disengaged breakaway switch?

The pin was removed from my breakaway switch for 45-90 minutes before I replaced it. Will this cause any damage or problems?
Thanks for any feedback.
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Old 08-31-2019, 05:25 PM   #2
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Probably the only issue would be if you had any signs of heat build up.
The only other thing would be battery drain.
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Old 08-31-2019, 05:25 PM   #3
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Short answer "Yes"
Long answer "Yes" unless your battery was dead or your battery disconnect switch was in "Store" mode
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Old 08-31-2019, 05:39 PM   #4
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Probably the only issue would be if you had any signs of heat build up.
The only other thing would be battery drain.


I felt both the controller (a tiny bit warm) and as close to the brakes as o could get my finger in (cool). If there was damage, what would it be?
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Old 08-31-2019, 05:42 PM   #5
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The breakaway switch itself..... lots of amps passing through that switches small contacts. If it’s fine you are good to go.
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Old 08-31-2019, 06:04 PM   #6
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The breakaway switch itself..... lots of amps passing through that switches small contacts. If it’s fine you are good to go.


I made the mistake of mentioning this on Facebook and someone said I may have warped my brakes. I wasn’t sure how that would happen, but it got me really concerned.
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Old 08-31-2019, 06:07 PM   #7
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I made the mistake of mentioning this on Facebook and someone said I may have warped my brakes. I wasn’t sure how that would happen, but it got me really concerned.
Warped breaks? Not possible.

Fakebook is a strange place.
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Old 08-31-2019, 06:11 PM   #8
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Most likely it did no harm at all. It could melt the insulation on the wires in the magnets. The wiring is the only area that could be adversely affected. The brakes are built to withstand quite a bit of heat from actual braking.
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Old 08-31-2019, 06:14 PM   #9
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To be safe, I think I’ll drive one tire onto a couple of leveling pads and have my wife spin the free tire while I pull out the plug. Does that sound like a reasonable way to test if the switch is working properly?
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Old 08-31-2019, 06:49 PM   #10
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Damage from disengaged breakaway switch?

If you have a compass (even a cheapo) you can hold that by the wheels, one at a time, while you remove and replace the plug on the breakaway switch. If the coil on the brake assembly is energizing, you will get a significant compass needle swing. Saves jacking up a wheel...
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Old 08-31-2019, 06:51 PM   #11
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Not necessary,
Check the break-away switch itself for signs of heat damage.
Check your brakes as you normally would (parking lot, 20 mph, apply manual switch on brake controller.)
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Old 09-01-2019, 11:21 AM   #12
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Unhappy Short Story

I inadvertently pulled out the pin on our breakway while washing the mud off after a trip. Sat over night - suck the batteries down to 12.2 (there was nut time trying to figure out why the AS brake were activated).

Bottomline ... brakes recovered OK - will have them checked in the spring when I repack the wheel bearings. Trojan T-105 were brand new when it happened and recovered ( holds charge @ 12.8).

What I learned was check and double check the rig after washing and hitching and anything else ... Never assume

Needless to say this could have cause expensive problems -
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Old 09-01-2019, 12:26 PM   #13
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At risk of sounding completely clueless, why would this be a concern? I assume only a concern if it was moving? Our 9yo son inadvertently pulled it out once while we were hitching up and I just popped it back in, not thinking it was an issue, but clearly I might be missing something here.
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Old 09-01-2019, 12:34 PM   #14
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At risk of sounding completely clueless, why would this be a concern? I assume only a concern if it was moving? Our 9yo son inadvertently pulled it out once while we were hitching up and I just popped it back in, not thinking it was an issue, but clearly I might be missing something here.
The only issue with leaving the disconnect switch active for an extended period of time is
1. Battery drain
2. Burning up the switch ( Lots of amps running through small contacts for an extended period of time = heat)
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Old 09-01-2019, 09:28 PM   #15
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Correct for drum brakes, Incorrect for disk brakes. The electric/hydraulic actuator for a disc brake system uses up to 40 amps in cold weather to run the pump. The breakaway switch will only last a few minutes before it melts the contacts and stays continuously on. The wiring for the routine brake application is adequate for this job. Dexter recommends a 40 amp circuit breaker in this system. On disc brakes do not pull test the breakaway switch for more than a few seconds to check the system. Do not use the breakaway switch as a parking brake.
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