Should a Rusted Trailer Breakaway Switch be Replaced

Updated 08/05/2013 | Published 08/02/2013

Question:

The Breakaway Switch seems very rusted, will this cause the brakes not to work? Do you need the Breakaway Switch to have brakes on trailer? Unable to find the make of the Switch, will any kind be okay?

asked by: Stan

Expert Reply:

The pin that keeps the contacts inside a break away switch is plastic or otherwise a material that does not conduct electricity. As long as the contacts on the inside are not rusted the switch will continue to work. There is a way you can test it and I have linked an FAQ that shows how.

Given that rust spreads it sounds like it would be a good idea to replace the switch. You can use any switch, like # 420000, that you have referenced. If the wiring to and from the switch is removed then the brakes could still work but many states have laws requiring a working break away system so it would be a better idea to replace the switch.

expert reply by: Michael H