Solenoid question (1 Viewer)

[CharlieS]

Can multiple items be attached to a solenoid?

If for example, I have two functions:

• External jumper cable (permanent Anderson connector in bumper)
• Winch

As delivered, both would be wired direct to the battery. I'd like to disconnect both the winch and the Anderson connector so they aren't at risk of vandalism, and any potential parasitic loads. I already have a Switchpros that I could use from the cab as my trigger to the solenoid.

The "out" side of the solenoid would have two power wires on it, one for the Anderson plug jumper and one for the winch. The normal state would be (open) to have them unpowered. Every time the trigger is energized, it would power both items.

I'm thinking of a 500amp solenoid (like a PAC-500).

The manufacturer published max load on the winch is 396 amps. A Redarc SBI handles 100 amp continuous/400 amp inrush - so I am guessing that covers the typical use case of connecting two batteries with a solenoid for jumping.

My working assumption is that these are mutually exclusive loads (not planning to both jump start someone and be winching at the same time, for example). Although I suppose it could happen, I think it is a very distant edge case.

This seems like it would work, with the risk being that if concurrent multiple loads (like winching and the inrush current during jump starting) could overload the solenoid. Not sure what the failure mode there looks like - melted wires and fire danger?

If so, maybe I just answered my own question? It is possible, but not smart...

I suspect the "right" answer is to have two different solenoids, but it would be a lot less clutter to just have one.

 

[CharlieS]

I decided to go another route and am going to use a manual winch cutoff switch instead of a solenoid.

Battery Isolation Switch - For DV Series, Seal Series | COMEUP USA

 

[TeCKis300]

Missed your original question but that proposed solution will definitely work.

For future reference, no problemo running multiple items off a solenoid. It wouldn't know the better and doesn't care, only that the combined load at any moment is within its rating. Also inrush currents wouldn't be much of an issue at the solenoid as you're using it as an enable so its contacts will already be closed when the actual loads are activated. The inrush switching loads will be at the winch control box or jumper cables.