How to Determine What Color Wire is Used to Activate Trailer Brakes for Breakaway Switch
Question:
I have 1996 horse trailer trying to hook breakaway box they say hook up white wire help I have no white wire what should I do
asked by: Jim
Expert Reply:
A breakaway switch, like the # 3802348, will have 2 wires that will need to be hardwired for installation. One of the wires will connect to a power source and the other will connect to the wiring for the brakes (which is probably the blue wire that you are talking about).
Since wiring does not necessarily have a universally accepted color code you will simply need to find what color wire is run to your brakes. You can trace the wiring from the brakes on your horse trailer to the trailer connector to find out which color wire your breakaway switch will need to be connected to.
If you are using the # 3802348 breakaway switch, you'll have two wires to connect, a blue and a black. Basically, the blue wire will connect to the blue wire that's on your battery box and the black wire will connect to the trailer brake wire from your trailer connector to the brakes.
Another possible option is to use a Circuit Tester # PTW2993 to test which pin on your vehicle connector sends the power from your brake controller (put the brake controller on the highest setting and use the manual override). The corresponding pin on your trailer connector will have the correct wire color connected to it. I have attached a few photos that demonstrate where the typical wiring is for 6-Way and 7-Way connectors that you can use as a reference. Please note that on some 6-Ways the 12V Power and Brake Controller Output locations are switched.
Products Referenced in This Question
Replacement Breakaway Switch for Bright Way Trailer Breakaway Kits
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Breakaway Kit
- Switches
- Bright Way
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Replacement Breakaway Switch for Bright Way Trailer Breakaway Kits
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Breakaway Kit
- Switches
- Bright Way
more information >
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Search Results: optronics trailer lights
- Video: Let’s Check Out the Optronics Mini Red LED Clearance or Side Marker Light
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Search Results: marker lights led
- Q&A: Where Does Blue Wire of 7-Way Run to Power Trailer Brakes
- Shop: LED Trailer Clearance or Side Marker Light - Submersible - 2 Diodes - Red LEDs - Clear Lens
- Shop: Optronics Incandescent Trailer Fender Light - Submersible - 2 Bulbs - Red/Amber Lens
- Shop: Miro-Flex Thinline LED Trailer Clearance or Side Marker Light - Submersible - 4 Diodes - Amber LEDs
- Shop: LED Trailer Fender Light - 2 Diodes - Amber and Red Lens
- Search Results: side marker trailer lights
- Shop: Optronics Mini Red LED Clearance or Side Marker Light - Submersible - 2 Diodes - Clear Lens
- Shop: Optronics Mini Amber LED Clearance or Side Marker Light - Submersible - 2 Diodes - Clear Lens
- Shop: LED Trailer Mini Clearance or Side Marker Light - Submersible - 2 Diodes - Amber LEDs - Clear Lens
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: How Does Breakaway Switch With Two Black Wires Get Wired To Trailer?
- Q&A: Replacing Breakaway Switch On a Trailer with ESCO Breakaway System
- Article: Breakaway Kit Installation for Single and Dual Brake Axle Trailers
- Search Results: trailer lights
- Video: Finding the Right Trailer Wiring Harness
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: Instructions to Wire a Trailer for Electric Brakes
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Article: Trailer Lighting Requirements
- Video: Optronics LED Trailer Lights | Straight from the Manufacturer
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Search Results: trailer jack
- Video: Review of etrailer Trailer Wiring - 7 Way Upgrade Kit - e99011
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Search Results: trailer breakaway kit
on Accessories and Parts
