Electric brake controllers are used to assist the tow vehicle in slowing a trailer or caravan. Government regulations specify that any trailer exceeding GTM of 750kg must have brakes.
“Trailers of GTM over 750kg must have brakes. Trailers of GTM over 750kg and not exceeding 2000kg must have braking on the wheels of at least one axle. Trailers of GTM over 2000kg must have braking on all wheels.”
This is because any trailer weighing more than this can exceed the safe braking capability of the tow vehicle and dangerously extend stopping distance and control. There are various types of braking systems, including hydraulic, cable, electric and electric over hydraulic, with electric being the most common.
All these systems have either drum or disc brakes at the wheels but are just variations of the way the braking is controlled. While hydraulic trailer brakes rely on the initial slowing of the tow vehicle to cause a mechanical movement of a piston which in turn operates the brakes, electric brakes work differently. They begin to operate the moment you touch the brake pedal, and gradually increase braking strength as the vehicle decelerates and can be adjusted to match or exceed the braking input of the driver. What’s more, the brake force is completely adjustable from inside the cabin, which is useful depending on the weight of the load being carried.
What does the system involve?
The heart of the system is the electric brake controller, which is mounted in the cabin of the vehicle, usually under the dash out of sight, with only the adjustment knob visible. This unit has a permanent battery supply and is automatically switched on when it senses a trailer with electric brakes has been connected.
It then uses a combination of the brake switch input and various internal sensors to calculate the amount of braking required and modulates the trailer brakes accordingly.
The modern electric brake controllers that are available are extremely reliable with no moving parts to wear and no maintenance is required. The only parts of the braking system that need to be inspected and serviced are the brakes themselves.
Electric Brakes Installation
At Edge Auto Electrics, we can supply and install electric brake controllers in Perth and all associated wiring. With the added convenience of being a mobile service, we can carry out your electric brake installation at a location that suits you best – whether at home, at work or somewhere else. We can also diagnose and repair any faults that you may have with your existing electric braking system.
Have some questions regarding your electric brakes installation? No worries, give us a call on 0477 414 048 or click here to contact us.
