Page 1 of 1
Electric brake current draw
Posted: Mon Feb 20, 2006 8:37 pm
by jeep97tj
I have just got my controller and I am installing it and want to fit a circuit breaker but there is no info on what sort of amps it will draw.
Just wondering is any one has any info on what sort of amps 4 electric trailer brakes will draw.
Posted: Mon Feb 20, 2006 8:40 pm
by stack
mine draws up to 30 amps, so 40 amps should do
Posted: Mon Feb 20, 2006 8:58 pm
by Shadow
they dont actually draw that much as they in-directly work on resistance to apply braking not straight electro-magnetism (Electromagnet grabs the face of the drum which applies resistance and forces the brakes on)
I would be very surprised if they drew more than 5amps. And judgiung by the size of the wire that most trailer brakes are wired up in, if they did draw 40amps the wire would melt very quickly.
Posted: Mon Feb 20, 2006 11:00 pm
by jeep97tj
but it has a 6mm power wire going in and a 6mm going out, The destructions say for 1-2 axles use 14GA wire and for 3-4 axles use 12GA.
Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2006 7:39 am
by Toy80Diesel
I've used a 20 amp circuit breaker without any problems, and thats towing both single and tandem caravans.
The brake controller is a Tekonsha, dunno if brands have different recommendations?
Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2006 7:55 am
by GRINCH
most good auto electritions use 6mm cable, they do draw a far bit of current.
amp
Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2006 9:15 pm
by DR Frankenstine
20 amp is whats required as per the instructions.
Posted: Sat Feb 25, 2006 1:01 am
by Cossie
The ones we fit state 4mm wire to be used and a 20 amp circuit breaker.