I would like to get some thoughts or a verification of how I am planning on wiring my winch. I've searched and read several threads on this issue. I understand that most wire the winch directly to the battery but I am planning on a disconnect switch (with a removeable key) and an ANL fuse and holder. The winch I have says 340A so at 80% load this would be about 425A. I am planning on using a fuse from VTE Warehouse (or simlary) which the next highest rating is 500A. Is this too high for protection? Or shoudl I try to find a fuse that is closer to the 425, say 450?

 

I thought I had a disconnect switch selected but when looking at it further I see a continuous amp rating. One had 50 amps continuous rating with a 500 amp for 10 seconds rating. I believe I need something that has 350amp rating since I am not using this for any type of circuit protection, only disconnect. Is this thinking correct?

 

May I ask why you want to fuse and or disconnect your winch feed? Interested because I've never seen anyone do that.

 

I used this disconnect, rated at 500 amps: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...00_i00_details

Why use one?....simple..SAFETY!

 

What event are you protecting your self from?

 

I hadn't thought of just a connector and disconnecting it. Would be the same as a master switch. I'll take a look at it. Good idea.

I probably don't need a disconnect or fuse from a functional standpoint, but the winch will be an occasional use for me. So in case a cable chafes or shorts out there won't be an issue. And if something happens I can quickly disconnect the winch. Anytime I add something that requires power to a vehicle I have always put in some type of curcuit protection.

 

I read some other threads on this subject... Got it. I've always just run the wires in heavy duty loom to protect them.
Thanks for the info.

 

Fuse kit is the one thing that every winch owner should have. Use close to amp of the winch as you can. If yours is 425 at full load a 450 will be fine. As if it shorts the amps will go through the roof. If you can find a 425 use that as fuse can actually hold more than what they are rated for (because of spikes).

 

The winch is 340amps. I was assuming at 80% I would need one that was about 425 amps. Do I not use the 80% rule? Then I would do a fuse rated at 350 or 400.