Wire gauge Warn 8274

[Uglibus]

What gauge wire can be used for the positive lead on an 8274?

 

[Poser]

The same size as the ground lead.


I do not use anything under 00 welding cable when making and installing this winch.

 

[Uglibus]

Thanks. I bought the winch many years ago. The negative cable looks like a 4 gauge and the positive looks like a 2 gauge. The positive wire rubbed the insulation so I was looking to replace both wires and rerun the wires.

 

[Pin_Head]

The wires that Warn supplied will work, but size matters and bigger is better in this case.

 

[Poser]

Well that is interesting. If both cables are not the same size, resistance to current flow could damage the smaller cable, and cause damage to the winch motor as well.


I would make them both the same size, the larger gauge/diameter wire you can use, the better, as this will provide less resistance to current flow.

 

[tehcruiser]

That winch pulls about 310 amps. 1/0 is questionably rated at 350 amps for automotive use. Anything under 1/0 would be under rated, and even though it might work for a period of time, it would not be the safest route to go.

 

[Pin_Head]

Well that is interesting. If both cables are not the same size, resistance to current flow could damage the smaller cable, and cause damage to the winch motor as well.
.

I think that Warn was thinking that because the winch frame is grounded to the bumper and that is grounded to the frame, a #4 ground wire would be enough because it is redundant. It depends on if the ground is good and that is a big IF.
I think that the reason that Warn went with #2 is that they don't consider winching continuous duty. Bigger is better, but nobody got rich by second guessing Warn.

 

[brew8]

I ran 00 welding cable to the winch and another to the bumper it's mounted on for the ground, had the guy's at work crimp the ends on, Larry

 

[Kschep]

reviving this thread because im curious about wire sizes between the motor terminals and then the main power/ground cables....
what was on mine was 4gauge for sure .... i see diagrams online that say use 2AWG all around and then 18AWG for the albright solenoid control wires.

thoughts? becuase i have some 4 gauge ready to go and i think i should order some 2AWG, but after reading this thread i hear people using 1/0gauge which i use for my main battery lead but i didnt think the winch needed that...maybe im wrong. I just want to get it right since im doing the rebuild.

im thinking im going to order 2AWG as the diagrams online say.

 

[CruisinGA]

If you are going to really use the winch and If you are already going to order why not 00? Not that big of a cost difference.

 

[Pin_Head]

I would use what Warn uses. They know what they are doing. The wires inside the motor aren’t that big. Maybe 6 - 8 ga.

 

[CruisinGA]

Yes but wires in the motor are also a lot shorter.

Besides moar is always better