Is 12 Gauge Wire Required For A Breakaway Switch Going To 12 Trailer Brakes That Use 12 Gauge Wire?
Updated 07/30/2025 | Published 10/24/2022
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
I am trying to decide which replacement breakaway switch to get. In all of my research, the gauge of the wires coming out of the switch seem to be the most difficult piece of information to find. Im also learning that for my trailer 26-foot, 2-axel, 12inch magnetic bake pads 12 AWG is recommended for the brake circuit. However, I can only seem to find breakaway switches with 16 AWG wires. Seems to me like if the emergency system will power the brakes, the breakaway switch wire should also be at least 12 AWG. But, all I can find is 16 AWG, which leads me to believe that industry standard says that 16 AWG is enough. So, 1 what is the wire gauge of the Tekonsha Breakaway Switch replacement and 2 if not, 12 AWG, is 14 or 16 AWG enough? Thanks!
asked by: Scott R
Expert Reply:
The wire gauge on the Replacement Breakaway Switch for Tekonsha Trailer Breakaway Kits # 420000 are also 16 AWG, however since your brakes are using 12 AWG wire I recommend splicing in 12 AWG wire # 12-1-1, with some butt connectors # DW05745-10 since it's running more than 5', which is the maximum distance allowed before you should beef up the wire size.
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: WFCO Auto Detect RV Converter and AC/DC Distribution Panel - 12V - 35 Amp
- Search Results: wfco power converter
- Video: Review of WFCO RV Power Converter - Converter and AC/DC Panel - WF96FR
- Video: Review of WFCO Power Converter - RV Power Center GE Modified Board - WF88FR
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Shop: WFCO RV Power Center - 35 Amp - Auto-Detect - GE Modified Board
- Shop: Redarc Industrial Pure Sine Wave Inverter - GFCI - 400 Watt - 12V
- Shop: PowerMax 30A RV Power Center and Distribution Panel - 55A DC Converter
- Shop: Victron Orion-Tr RV Converter - Isolated - DC to DC - 12V/12V - 9 Amp
- Shop: Replacement Breakaway Plug with 12" Lead for RVi Series Breakaway System
- Video: Review of CURT Replacement Breakaway Plug 12 Inch Lead RVi Breakaway System - C59NQ
- Search Results: blue ox tow bar
- Search Results: blue ox baseplates
- Search Results: blue ox trailer hitch
- Search Results: kit only trailer breakaway kit
- Search Results: breakaway switch
- Search Results: trailer lock
- Shop: Replacement Breakaway System for Curt RVibrake Flat Tow Braking Systems
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Q&A: Does etrailer Carry Furrion Chill Cube w/ Heat Pump to Replace Dometic Duo-Therm
- Video: A Look at the Power Mountain Tallboy 6 Ton Off-Road Bottle Jack with a Military Cargo Trailer
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Q&A: Expanding Solar on 2024 Jayco Greyhawk 31F
- Video: Feature Review - Big Truck Big RV Trailer Jack Foot Scale with Tongue Weight Gauge
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Video: How to Choose a Trailer Brake Controller
on Accessories and Parts
Ronald P.
7/30/2025
Your answer to the question above is not quite clear to me! Are you suggesting that the short section of 16 ga wire on the breakaway switch is OK in the 12 gauge circuit to trailer brakes because it’s less than 5 feet of wire on the breakaway switch?