How Are Brake Magnets Affected if Breakaway Cable Has Been Pulled for an Extended Period of Time

Updated 03/06/2017 | Published 03/02/2017

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CTEK US 0.8 Universal Battery Charger with Pulse Maintenance - Small 12-Volt Batteries

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Digital Multimeter with 42" Long Test Leads - LED Display

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Question:

My grandson pulled the safety brake cable out about 2 weeks ago.I just saw it today. will it hurt the magnets. The magnets have been hot for 2 weeks

asked by: Ralph L

Expert Reply:

Breakaway Batteries are supposed to be able to send enough power to activate the trailer brakes for at least 15 minutes, but not for an extended period of time like 2 weeks. Your magnets are not hurt, but your battery is most likely dead. If you use a Battery Charger, like part # CTEK56865, then you might be able to coax your battery back to life. Even though just buying a new battery might be more cost-effective right now, in the long run it might be worthwhile to have a battery charger on hand in case something like this happens again.

You can also test your magnets, if you want to make sure, with just a 12 volt battery and a Multimeter, like part # PT89ZR, or some good brake controllers, like part # 90195, has test functions built in. I have included an article that explains of to test your magnets with the 12 volt battery and multimeter.

expert reply by: Jon G