Winch wiring
JK Junkie
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Catonsville, MD
JK Newbie
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 80
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From: Gretna, VA
A 10,000 lb winch will demand 300 AMPS of current. This is a LARGE fuse! On the other hand, 0 AWG wire makes a nice fire when short circuited to a 800 CCA battery. Yes, always use a fuse. Here is a good candidate:
This is a new one destined for my winch install which you can see at
https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/modified-jk-tech-2/bumper-winch-less-than-%24600-32647/
I obtained this one from Connect Energy in Grass Valley, CA. Look for marine electrics or photovoltaic accessories.
As far as the solinoid fusing it, yes it will if you undersize the solinoid so it burns up first. If you abraid the wires and short the hot wire to the chassis the solinoid will not even be in the circuit.
This is a new one destined for my winch install which you can see at
https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/modified-jk-tech-2/bumper-winch-less-than-%24600-32647/
I obtained this one from Connect Energy in Grass Valley, CA. Look for marine electrics or photovoltaic accessories.
As far as the solinoid fusing it, yes it will if you undersize the solinoid so it burns up first. If you abraid the wires and short the hot wire to the chassis the solinoid will not even be in the circuit.
Last edited by pitcoken; Mar 19, 2008 at 06:01 PM.
Thread Starter
JK Freak
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 679
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From: Cookeville, TN
A 10,000 lb winch will demand 300 AMPS of current. This is a LARGE fuse! On the other hand, 0 AWG wire makes a nice fire when short circuited to a 800 CCA battery. Yes, always use a fuse. Here is a good candidate:
Attachment 7204
This is a new one destined for my winch install which you can see at
https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=32647
I obtained this one from Connect Energy in Grass Valley, CA. Look for marine electrics or photovoltaic accessories.
As far as the solinoid fusing it, yes it will if you undersize the solinoid so it burns up first. If you abraid the wires and short the hot wire to the chassis the solinoid will not even be in the circuit.
Attachment 7204
This is a new one destined for my winch install which you can see at
https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=32647
I obtained this one from Connect Energy in Grass Valley, CA. Look for marine electrics or photovoltaic accessories.
As far as the solinoid fusing it, yes it will if you undersize the solinoid so it burns up first. If you abraid the wires and short the hot wire to the chassis the solinoid will not even be in the circuit.
kind of confusing?
JK Freak
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 764
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From: Parker, CO
4 vehicles with 4 different winches, never had a problem with any of them. Installed per instructions. No extra fuses. I have never heard or seen of such a thing in almost 20 years of wheelin....
JK Freak
Joined: Feb 2008
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From: Madera , Ca
JK Freak
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Portland, OR - Eastside
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 348
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From: Michigan
First, to correct dangerous misinformation. A solenoid is never a fuse. Don't assume it will serve as circuit protection, ever.
You are right to be worried about your winch wiring. If the positive wire rubs through to metal it can burn your rig to the ground. A fuse will likely not work as intended and only blow when there is a problem. My Ramsey winch can pull over 425 amps under the right conditions. It would blow that 300 amp fuse on the first hard pull wasting an $85 fuse in the process.
Many people install a disconnect near the battery. When they are wheeling or need the winch they hook it up. A 500 amp (@12v) switch is size able, but doable as well.
The problem with a fuse is that some winches may use all of the current that the battery can provide under certain circumstances. So how will the fuse know if it is a short to ground, or just the winch being maxed out? It won't. It will just blow when you are very stuck and really loading your winch.
You are right to be worried about your winch wiring. If the positive wire rubs through to metal it can burn your rig to the ground. A fuse will likely not work as intended and only blow when there is a problem. My Ramsey winch can pull over 425 amps under the right conditions. It would blow that 300 amp fuse on the first hard pull wasting an $85 fuse in the process.
Many people install a disconnect near the battery. When they are wheeling or need the winch they hook it up. A 500 amp (@12v) switch is size able, but doable as well.
The problem with a fuse is that some winches may use all of the current that the battery can provide under certain circumstances. So how will the fuse know if it is a short to ground, or just the winch being maxed out? It won't. It will just blow when you are very stuck and really loading your winch.
Thread Starter
JK Freak
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 679
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From: Cookeville, TN
Well there has been mixed replies, all good though
I guess out of the fear of burning something down I will just disconnect the wires from the battery, and when i wheel just hook them up then when i do my sway bar disconnect.
Always better to be safe than sorry i suppose
I guess out of the fear of burning something down I will just disconnect the wires from the battery, and when i wheel just hook them up then when i do my sway bar disconnect.
Always better to be safe than sorry i suppose