Wire size for winch controller relocation (1 Viewer)

[89BIGBLUE]

Good afternoon!
I’m thinking of relocating the controller for a SB 9500# winch to the engine compartment of my FJ62.
Based on the research I’ve done, I can’t seem to find a clear answer as to what size or gauge wire/cable would be best to use to extend the electrical lines from the controller to the winch and battery.
The winch came with #3g wires, and I picked up some #2g welding wire/cable to make the approx. 6’ extensions I will need, but I’m not confident it’s the right stuff for the job.
I figured many of you here on MUD, especially in this section, might have some experience you might be willing to share.
Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.

 

[Fast Eddy]

2g should do it (up to 200a). 3g would be ok too (up to 180a).

 

[1911]

The controller itself uses very little current, it just sends signals to the solenoids (or contactor) that handle the heavy lifting of high amperage from the battery to the winch motor. Hence, you can use most any gauge for the controller. 14 AWG ought to be plenty.

It's from the battery to the solenoids and from the solenoids to the motor that you want the heavy 2 gauge stuff.

 

[89BIGBLUE]

The controller itself uses very little current, it just sends signals to the solenoids (or contactor) that handle the heavy lifting of high amperage from the battery to the winch motor. Hence, you can use most any gauge for the controller. 14 AWG ought to be plenty.

It's from the battery to the solenoids and from the solenoids to the motor that you want the heavy 2 gauge stuff.

Thank you!
Pardon my terminology, yes, the contactor is what I would like to move. #2 gauge wire will suffice?
(NOT 2/0 size).
I appreciate it.

 

[1911]

Thank you!
Pardon my terminology, yes, the contactor is what I would like to move. #2 gauge wire will suffice?
(NOT 2/0 size).
I appreciate it.

It depends on the amperage requirements of your winch, which I am not familiar with. 2 gauge would do for most winches I am thinking - but some winches can draw more than 200 amps at start-up.

 

[73fj40lc]

Like @1911 said I have always used 2ga for power cables or anything carrying the full amperage of the winch.

 

[89BIGBLUE]

Thank you everyone!
I was able to determine that the winch has a max amp draw of 435...according to the Smitty destructions. It also said in very fine print, on another sheet of paper, that if you relocate the contactor/controller they recommend 0 size wire/cable.
Sigh.
I picked up some 1/0 welding cable and things got tight fast!
I’m waiting for my isolator/switch to arrive, and then I’ll shiv her a gov and test it out!