airmax617
Active Member
- First Name
- Max
- Joined
- Nov 11, 2019
- Threads
- 9
- Messages
- 26
- Reaction score
- 7
- Location
- New Jersey
- Vehicle(s)
- Jeep Gladiator Rubicon
So basically there are 8 options:So if I want to connect aux switches, then you don't need to connect the interrupt kit? But then do I still need to turn it on and off? or the aux switch manage the power to it? and what about parasitic draw? if I have this thing connected to power, will the aux switch stop power to it, even if it's left on?
1. Wire the winch directly to the battery -- for bumper mounted winches used for recovery and small tasks, this is what Warn recommends
2. Wire the winch to the battery but use a manual on/off or quick disconnect switch, keeping it off when not in use-- this is what HF recommends
3. Wire the winch directly to the battery with a quick disconnect plug and keep it on -- pull the plug in case of a fire/issue
4. Wire the winch to to the battery and use a solenoid that connects to a switch (e.g., Warn power interrupt kit or any other solenoid relay on Amazon rated around 400-500A intermittent loads, not constant) -- in this case the switch can be either the Auxiliary switches on the Jeep or a switch you run to the inside of the cabin
5. Choice 1 + fuse --- would need to be a big fuse
6. Choice 2 + fuse
7. Choice 3 + fuse
8. Choice 4 + fuse
So to answer your question -- if you want to turn off the power to the winch you can't simply wire it to the auxiliary switches, they are not rated for the amps a winch would draw. You'd need Choice 4 or 8.
There are two big risks: A. fire and B. short that kills your battery.
A. It sounds like risk due to the winch cables shorting during a car accident is minimal. It's the same risk of the wires going to your starter shorting, melting the battery and setting it on fire. In an accident the winch doesn't turn on to draw the amps that would cause the fire everyone discusses can happen. The risk of a fire while using the winch and a short happening is the one real risk here, but since you're at the controls during this time, it seems very minimal to me.
B. Risk of a short that damages electrical system, mainly the battery. This is a risk since you have additional cables the can connect if an accident happens. However, this can happen with many other cables and parts of the car.
My overall conclusion is that choice 1 or 3 are the most convenient and logical. This my rational right now, so please challenge.
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