This. Most of these switches are not rated for high enough current (amps) that winches can sustain. My Warn winch can pull 410amps at max force which is unlikely to see, but still possible and most likely be continuous draw, not a surge. If you talk to Warn tech support they will advise you to go straight to the battery unless you have a removable winch (like a hitch mount one).
What about a quick disconnect? I have it routed straight to the battery now, but I don’t like the continuous current.
That would be fine. The positive cable is the only one that needs disconnected.
The Blue Sea Systems HD3000 series switches (black) are rated for up to 600A continuous, which is going to be overkill (I like overkill) because the factory conductors on my Zeon 12S are only #2 copper, although the motor can draw up to 469A (I think you need two parallel 4/0 conductors for continuous 600A load). Obviously these are not intended for continuous duty cycle.
I’ve found a few 500+ Amp shut offs but can’t figure out a good way to mount it. Any thoughts? I don’t want to run it inside at all cause I don’t wanna rip the dash apart.
I'm still waiting on my 2022 Jeep. The switch is just under 4 in square and has 1/2 in terminal posts so it's not small, by any means. I figure I'll find a place for it under the hood and figure out a braket as close as I can get to the battery. I also ordered terminal insulators for it.
Yeah it’s a bit bulky to squeeze in anywhere for sure!
You can, but in the case of Warn winches they are not pulling current without a controller connected. If you ask their techs they will tell you "we just connect straight to the battery". I do not know about other brands. The only argument I see for something like this is for front end collisions and the potential of having a perfect storm of wire issues. But honestly this is not something to really worry about when you think of all the other wires and cables connected to power. From what I've seen of winches I've installed, all say to connect straight to the battery. The manufacturers should know a thing or two about their winch. What does your manual say?
Mine is Smittybilt and also says to wire it’ll directly to the battery. I went ahead and wired it that way but then I was reading all kinds of potential issues. I was surprised that the manufacturer would have those instructions if it causes such severe issues but I think you’re right. It would take nearly perfect conditions for something to go really wrong so I think I’m just going to leave it as is for now.
You are correct. The thought never crossed my mind when ordering.
