Power cutoff for Winch

[Wabujitsu]

As I don’t know crap about electrical theory/science, I decided to use the cut-off switch that came with my Apex winch, as instructed in the manual. Before doing so though, I read argumentative threads here first. Obviously I could not make a decision based on that

I just used common sense. The switch won’t cause a failure and is added protection to the winch and vehicle. It’s a very small risk with possibly huge consequences, but when doing a risk assessment, one should mitigate all risks if possible - at least the ones that could have huge consequences, no matter how small the risk is. So, that’s what I did. Besides, when recovering others, I ALWAYS raise my hood to protect the windshield - another risk mitigation. It takes me half a second to turn the switch on when I do so.

If we consider this argument under common risk assessment and mitigation procedures, it makes sense to use a cut-off switch. It’s obviously not necessary - one may decide the risk is not worth the $15 switch - but nobody can argue against using one, based on risk mitigation as described above.

Let’s all argue about something else. Peace.

Sponsored

 

[Wabujitsu]

That's the starter relay that's fused, if you look at your Jeep, you'll see the power wire from the starter runs straight to the battery.

Thanks, Zach.

 

[TheRaven]

It would be N7 & N8 on the diagram which are Alternator/BSG.

The BSG is the starter on an ETorque wrangler.

 

[Zandcwhite]

The BSG is the starter on an ETorque wrangler.

And the alternator... and non-etorque engines get a fused alternator and an unfused starter... like I said.

 

[TheRaven]

And the alternator... and non-etorque engines get a fused alternator and an unfused starter... like I said.

Nobody's debating that you can have a circuit without a fuse. What we're saying is that you CAN fuse a winch, or a starter, and it WILL properly protect the circuit. It's cheap insurance - that doesn't mean it's perfect. Just means it's better.

 

[AnnDee4444]

The BSG is the starter on an ETorque wrangler.

The eTorque wranglers still have a traditional starter also. I have no idea if it's fused.

Edit: the BSG is only used for starting during ESS events.

 

[Zandcwhite]

The eTorque wranglers still have a traditional starter also. I have no idea if it's fused.

Edit: the BSG is only used for starting during ESS events.

The wife's Jeep isn't here or I'd go look, but I'm assuming the starter wire runs straight to the battery like it does on my JT.

 

[GATORB8]

The wife's Jeep isn't here or I'd go look, but I'm assuming the starter wire runs straight to the battery like it does on my JT.

Here's the diagram for the ESS models verifying Zach's statement.

 

[GATORB8]

My Wrangler manual doesn't have the BSG version, but here's BSG from the Ram e-torques in 2019. As mentioned direct wired standard starter, fused BSG:

EDIT: And for shits and giggles, the 500 amp (which appears to really be 400 amp) on the Silverado L8T with no environmental nannies:

 

[Jad4275]

As I don’t know crap about electrical theory/science, I decided to use the cut-off switch that came with my Apex winch, as instructed in the manual. Before doing so though, I read argumentative threads here first. Obviously I could not make a decision based on that

I just used common sense. The switch won’t cause a failure and is added protection to the winch and vehicle. It’s a very small risk with possibly huge consequences, but when doing a risk assessment, one should mitigate all risks if possible - at least the ones that could have huge consequences, no matter how small the risk is. So, that’s what I did. Besides, when recovering others, I ALWAYS raise my hood to protect the windshield - another risk mitigation. It takes me half a second to turn the switch on when I do so.

If we consider this argument under common risk assessment and mitigation procedures, it makes sense to use a cut-off switch. It’s obviously not necessary - one may decide the risk is not worth the $15 switch - but nobody can argue against using one, based on risk mitigation as described above.

Let’s all argue about something else. Peace.

Any extra/added connection(s) is a potential failure point and since I off-road in the mountains of AZ the last thing I want to have to do is open a hood to try to re-wire a failed switch while my jeep is on the side of a mountain or in several feet of water. But agree for most mall crawlers or those that off-road on flat surfaces or small hills that is minimal risk so add a switch if you wish. Minimal cost typically equals cheap, likely to fail components. However if you like to push the limits of your vehicle, I’d think twice about adding non necessary components if you’ve ever been in a sticky situation with your vehicle.

 

[AnnDee4444]

Any extra/added connection(s) is a potential failure point

Letting the magic smoke out is a potential life failure point.

 

[Jad4275]

Letting the magic smoke out is a potential life failure point.

I don’t believe in magic nor do I smoke. Mine is installed exactly like the manufacturers installation manual shows, straight to the battery.

P.S. for everyone so confident in their switches or fuses, go short yours out and see if it actually works. If you are afraid to do it, that says all that needs to be said. So far, nobody has had the courage to do it.

 

[Wabujitsu]

Any extra/added connection(s) is a potential failure point and since I off-road in the mountains of AZ the last thing I want to have to do is open a hood to try to re-wire a failed switch while my jeep is on the side of a mountain or in several feet of water. But agree for most mall crawlers or those that off-road on flat surfaces or small hills that is minimal risk so add a switch if you wish. Minimal cost typically equals cheap, likely to fail components. However if you like to push the limits of your vehicle, I’d think twice about adding non necessary components if you’ve ever been in a sticky situation with your vehicle.

Understood, Jeremy. I won’t criticize that decision at all. I just prefer adding the switch to my Jeep, for my aforementioned reasons. I have a lot of confidence in the supplied switch that came with my winch, but due to your post, I am going to buy another to carry as a spare.

I went wheeling in AZ last fall and had a blast! A very good friend of mine, and my brother and his family, live in Phoenix. I split my time there between the two of them.

Next time I come out, either this fall or next spring, do you want to link up for a coffee or beer, and maybe go wheeling together?

 

[Jad4275]

Understood, Jeremy. I won’t criticize that decision at all. I just prefer adding the switch to my Jeep, for my aforementioned reasons. I have a lot of confidence in the supplied switch that came with my winch, but due to your post, I am going to buy another to carry as a spare.

I went wheeling in AZ last fall and had a blast! A very good friend of mine, and my brother and his family, live in Phoenix. I split my time there between the two of them.

Next time I come out, either this fall or next spring, do you want to link up for a coffee or beer, and maybe go wheeling together?

Good day sir! Just wanted to make sure everyone was thinking of all scenarios and how they plan on using their vehicle when they decide how to hook things up. I don’t like messing around with electrical components while standing in water nor do I want to open my hood when that might cause my vehicle to slide or fall.

I am always down for meeting anyone so sounds like a plan. Glad you had fun here! Lots of great places to go wheeling even if it is 120 out.

 

[Wabujitsu]

I don’t believe in magic nor do I smoke. Mine is installed exactly like the manufacturers installation manual shows, straight to the battery.

P.S. for everyone so confident in their switches or fuses, go short yours out and see if it actually works. If you are afraid to do it, that says all that needs to be said. So far, nobody has had the courage to do it.

I’m not sure what I would gain by doing that with my robust, reliable manual switch. In spite of its very simple, proven design, I did test the current downstream of the switch, both on and off. The rotating switch works as designed.

Wiring a winch directly to the battery is not “wrong,” and neither is adding a mechanical rotating switch. I’m baffled as to why there is an argument about this.

Sponsored