MGM2

That's why they use that starter solenoid it's good for 600-700 amps a winch is a starter motor.

Bull

Awesome. Thanks for that.

sandboxphil

Check out BlueSea Systems. I am using one of their ACRs (Automatic Charging Relay) as my Dual Battery Controller. I was using a Cole Hersee 200 Amp Solenoid on my 2009 JK but it would get really hot and was starting to fail. The BlueSea Systems is rated for 500 Amps and is Marine Grade (not to worried about killing it...).

Here is one that is rated up to 250 Amps but has an interretupt rating at 5000 Amps. A bit over kill but would work.

187 Series Thermal Circuit Breaker Surface Mount - PN - Blue Sea Systems

The ACR is a bit tough to see as I had to stuff it in between the batteries and the TIPM. I will get a better photo for you guys.




I used to always run my winches direct but, I am trying to find a resettable breaker or a fuse kit big enough to handle the load.

-Phil

eumel789

What's wrong with the one I use for under 10 bucks? Remember, do not overload your winch by running it too long! You need to stop often to let it cool down for a minute or so, if you are pulling with full force!

Blade

Why isn't the solenoid that is built into the winch control box enough?

eumel789

Not at all, because the solenoid is only an ON/OFF switch. It "+" goes straight to the battery, "-" to ground. If you had a problem on that nice, big, fat red wire, you could have a fire or worse. So, you need a fuse close to the battery just like you must use in any electrical circuit. However, that fuse must handle at least 300 to 400 amps! You can buy a kit ready to use or make your own.
A lot of guys don't bother with all that and are doing fine, but every now-and-then you hear about a jeep burning down (even when parked) or a battery blowing up.

Bull

What brand is this? That would be about perfect!

eumel789

Can't tell on the installed product, but at that price??? LOL

Blade

Ok, I am still confused. After looking at the wiring diagram to my winch, I have found that it is a Solenoid, as in the same thing that these guys are using further up the wire to control power flow. The only thing this is doing is adding another solenoid into the line. Isn't that going to cause more electrical problems. I could see using this as a way to prevent someone from messing with the winch and maybe hotwiring it.

Sorry if I seem to be an idiot, but I just don't see the point. Maybe I am wrong. If you are trying to prevent someone from hotwiring it why can't you just put in a kill switch for the positive wire that feeds the winche remote. Effectively eliminating the ability to jumper over the plug and "hotwire" the winch. Then the only thing the will be able to do is use jumper cables to do so, and nobody is going to be able to prevent that.

A fuse would be more than enough to prevent fires wouldn't it. Why do you need another solenoid? Why wouldn't something like this work.

http://compare.ebay.com/like/1508821..._lwgsi=y&cbt=y

eumel789

You have it right :-)
A solenoid is nothing but an on/off switch like a relay, designed to handle high amp circuits. The winch manufacturer puts it close to the winch because that's where the physical controls are to engage the winch.
They do not include a fuse unless you buy a wiring kit from them for big bucks.
It is never a good idea to hook up anything to the car battery without a fuse, not even a little old CB!
Now you got this big ass power plant called winch with a big ass wire going from the winch solenoid straight to the battery. Not good! You need a fuse close to the battery (not another solenoid)! Fuse and circuit breaker meaning the same thing. If something goes wrong, the fuse will "blow" or the breaker will trip, stopping flow immediately. However, the winch will work without this safety feature.