Replacing ActiBrake Actuator With Dexter Electric Over Hydraulic Disc Brake Actuator Wiring

Updated 06/19/2021 | Published 06/18/2021

Question:

I purchased the Dexter disc brake actuator to replace a failed Actibrake actuator. The Dexter has four wires, but the Actibrake has five. I’d like to connect to existing wires but not sure what to do with the extra wire after disconnecting the Actibrake. Can you assist? Thank you.

asked by: James S

Helpful Expert Reply:

The Dexter DX Series Electric Over Hydraulic Brake Actuator for Disc Brakes # K71-651 has 4 wires.

Blue - Brake Controller Output
Black - 12 Volt Positive
White - 12 Volt Ground
Yellow - Breakaway Switch

The ActiBrake system you are replacing uses 5 wires.

Blue - Brake Controller Output
Black - 12 Volt Positive
White - 12 Volt Ground
Orange - Breakaway Switch
Brown - Breakaway Battery 12 Volt Positive

To wire in the new Dexter unit most the wires are the same, blue to blue, black to black, white to white. The yellow will replace the orange wire on the old actuator. If your 12 Volt Positive wire is already tied into the breakaway battery you can eliminate the Brown wire from the new system. If not you can join the brown wire with the black wire to ensure it will have a 12 volt positive connection if the 7-way were to become disconnected.