Wiring 3-Wire Breakaway Switch as Replacement for 2-Wire Switch

Updated 10/16/2018 | Published 10/15/2018

Question:

I have a 2 wire breakaway switch and got a 3 wire to replace it. I know the white is a ground but does it really matter which wire I connect where. will it still ooerate the same since this switch essentially works like a fuse?

asked by: Bill

Expert Reply:

You can absolutely wire up a 3-wire breakaway switch like the Hopkins LED Breakaway Switch with 7" Lead Wires # HM20059 to replace your 2-wire switch; the difference is that the 3-wire switch has a dedicated ground wire while the 2-wire switch grounds through its mounting hardware.

The Hopkins LED Breakaway Switch # HM20059 has the white ground wire, a blue wire which will splice into the brake wire coming out of your trailer connector and a black wire which will connect to the breakaway box.

expert reply by: Kyle S