Electrical question, winch cut off..

[Azonic84]

So I bought a winch cut off switch from Harbor Freight. I currently have it wired in to the positive winch cable and in the off position (did this to cure a battery drain I think is coming from the winch). Problem is its obviously not rated for the continuous amperage the winch pulls under load.

Can I still use this switch if I wire it into the negative winch cable or will I still run into the not heavy enough duty switch problem under load?

Thanks.

 

[jonheld]

Same issue regardless of polarity. Get a better switch or high power solenoid.

FWIW a winch should draw zero, zip , nada when not energized.

 

[Pin_Head]

The winch is not continuous duty, so it should work fine. For example, the typical rating of the solenoids is only 100A continuous duty, but they are fine for a few minutes at 400A. High current switches and solenoids have duty cycles which is the amount of time they can operate at a particular current, up to continuous duty.

 

[Azonic84]

Same issue regardless of polarity. Get a better switch or high power solenoid.

FWIW a winch should draw zero, zip , nada when not energized.

I know that they shouldn't. I have heard of it though. I am looking at the Blue Sea switches. My winch draws 360 amps at full load. I need a switch can run that at continuous load right? Or is a 300 amp continuous load and 500 amp intermittent (5 mins) ok?

 

[98 SNAKE EATER]

Ditch the switch and get yourself a Heavy Duty solenoid

It's relatively inexpensive and there's no need to pop the hood, just flick a remote switch from inside


I use one as a battery isolator and another as a main power shut-off for both my front and rear winches as well as an Anderson connector for jumper cables

 

[Azonic84]

I have to lift the hood anyways to plug my controller in. I don't mind it under the hood.

 

[coax]

Here's where I mounted my blue sea switch. Otherwise you may be able to get specs for power draw for both your winch and the switch you currently have. Based on winch loads, expected duration of use, and what the switch is rated at (continuous, 10 minute, etc) you should be able to figure out of what you have will work.

I personally went with a blue sea that has a continuous rating at the winch's max amp draw. Probably won't ever see that but didn't want a switch melting down when I most needed the winch. Plus I like that I can switch off the winch from outside in an emergency without popping the hood.

 

[John E Davies]

I installed a Blue Seas rotary switch. You need to have a healthy safety margin.

Here is the one you need - it will carry 350A continuously, 600A for five minutes and 2000A for 10 seconds. Amazon has it for $36.00:

http://www.bluesea.com/products/9003e/e-Series_On_Off_Battery_Switch

Blue Seas makes darned good stuff. Very reliable. Plus they are eye candy.

I mounted mine under the hood - I won't winch with the hood down, so access is quick and easy. I leave the switch in the OFF position normally. I made a flat aluminum plate and bolted it through the cruise control actuator cover.

John Davies
Spokane WA USA