Power cutoff for Winch

[GATORB8]

That's what I always say, if the switch or solenoid makes you feel better, go for it. No it's not necessary. I still don't buy the "properly sized fuse or circuit breaker" as a fuse/breaker large enough for a hard pull at 400A won't trip at full CCA for 10 seconds in most cases, which will either result in the same fire you were trying to avoid or discharge the battery to the point it isn't putting out enough power to actually trip the breaker.

You're probably right, all though I think CCA is based on 30 seconds. The 300 Amp MRBF I use would pop right around 10 seconds at 600 amps. With the 200 amps the DC-DC in the 4xe can pump in the 12V system I figured it wouldn't hurt.

I put the Blue Seas MRBF terminal mount on when I got rid of the Warn PIK after running out of Aux switching. Fuse and mount were probably $35-40 total, so figured why not.

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[Zandcwhite]

The quick disconnect is for winches. So they're recommending a cutoff for a winch. This is the same thing that their product and sales guys will tell you if you ask them "do you recommend a power cutoff for my winch?". Again - they don't say YOU NEED IT. They say they recommend it. Anybody with experience in the electrical field, like myself, will also recommend it. You can argue that it's overkill, but I don't agree.

You do realize that large scale battery UPS systems (480V+, 4000A) are also hardwired without fuses right? And only an idiot is adding that quick disconnect on their bumper mounted winch. Extra cost, added failure point, no gain. Again you're misinterpreting the existence of a product with the recommendation of its use. No, they don't recommend a disconnect for hard wired bumper mounted winches period. Not in the literature and not if you call them and ask. But what do I know, only 25+ years of commercial/industrial electrical experience...

 

[Zandcwhite]

You're probably right, all though I think CCA is based on 30 seconds. The 300 Amp MRBF I use would pop right around 10 seconds at 600 amps. With the 200 amps the DC-DC in the 4xe can pump in the 12V system I figured it wouldn't hurt.

I put the Blue Seas MRBF terminal mount on when I got rid of the Warn PIK after running out of Aux switching. Fuse and mount were probably $35-40 total, so figured why not.

My winch is rated at 420 amps so if I were to fuse it for a full pull it would be a 450A fuse, and I'm not sure it would ever pop even in a dead short. I ask everyone that's bothered with the fuse or breaker to run the simple test of bolting the hot lead to the ground and hitting the power and I've yet to get a taker yet? If you're sure it will do what you think it will then there's no risk right?

 

[nagoya10]

I recently installed a winch on our High Tide and I was considering a cutoff switch. Ultimately I didn’t do it but may do it later down the road. They all seemed huge to me, wanted something compact but maybe that’s not possible.

Just as important is cable routing and protection. I strongly recommend using the plastic conduit, like what the manufacturer uses on a lot of the harnesses. Can get it cheap at Harbor Freight or about any parts store. Definitely do the positive cable from end to end, I did both cables for a uniform look and to prevent any rub through. Keep the cables off the top of the battery if you have the length, looks better and less exposed.

Run the cables between the frame rails, closest to the passenger side rail, straight back from the winch, under the air filter housing, through the battery tray opening right up to the side of the battery next to the right side body. Then run the cables along the sides of the battery to the terminals and attach. On the positive it’s best to loop it around and come in from the motor side and connect to a stud on the terminal. Keeps the cables out of the way, protected and factory looking. Use cable ties as needed to hold everything tight so it doesn’t allow the cables to move and rub through. With ties and plastic conduit you should be well protected.

 

[GATORB8]

My winch is rated at 420 amps so if I were to fuse it for a full pull it would be a 450A fuse, and I'm not sure it would ever pop even in a dead short. I ask everyone that's bothered with the fuse or breaker to run the simple test of bolting the hot lead to the ground and hitting the power and I've yet to get a taker yet? If you're sure it will do what you think it will then there's no risk right?

Ask me again later tonight after a few beers, lol.

 

[TheRaven]

You do realize that large scale battery UPS systems (480V+, 4000A) are also hardwired without fuses right?

So is just about all power transmission and distribution infrastructure. But that has nothing to do with winch disconnects.

And only an idiot is adding that quick disconnect on their bumper mounted winch. Extra cost, added failure point, no gain.

Sounds like the words of a man desperately trying to rationalize his own choice.

It's extra protection, Zach...only an idiot would call people names over it. Chill. Whining about "added failure points" on an FCA product...LOL.

 

[GATORB8]

And only an idiot is adding that quick disconnect on their bumper mounted winch. Extra cost, added failure point, no gain.

I didn't do it, but I did think it would be a good way to have a quick connection for a portable air compressor.

 

[Zandcwhite]

So is just about all power transmission and distribution infrastructure. But that has nothing to do with winch disconnects.



Sounds like the words of a man desperately trying to rationalize his own choice.

It's extra protection, Zach...only an idiot would call people names over it. Chill. Whining about "added failure points" on an FCA product...LOL.

The quick disconnect is extra protection? I didn't call the power interupter idiotic, but if you're then also adding quick disconnect plugs to your hard mounted winch, that is idiotic period. AC distribution I agree has little to due with the topic. Battery UPS systems literally use the same 12v batteries in a combination of series and parallel to get the desired voltage and ampacity...seems directly related? And they are unfused.

 

[Nokones]

Need is debatable.
The two main arguments for are...in case of an accident where the main hot wire to the winch gets smashed against something metal, potential fire hazard...the other is some yahoo somehow messing with the winch and powering it up leading to potential issues.
Yes, an aux switch would work to trigger a solenoid. Just make sure if you use a solenoid that is rated for continuous run and for max amperage of your winch.

I've never run a cutoff and I've had a winch on at least one of my vehicles for nearly 35 years. With no issues of any kind. That being said, I have been debating on installing one on my newest Jeep.

How would they power it up if the controller is not connected to the winch? And, why would someone power it up?

 

[jadmt]

I didn't do it, but I did think it would be a good way to have a quick connection for a portable air compressor.

I went the cheap way on that... easier than open the hood and using alligator clips.

 

[TheRaven]

The quick disconnect is extra protection? I didn't call the power interupter idiotic, but if you're then also adding quick disconnect plugs to your hard mounted winch, that is idiotic period. AC distribution I agree has little to due with the topic. Battery UPS systems literally use the same 12v batteries in a combination of series and parallel to get the desired voltage and ampacity...seems directly related? And they are unfused.

Nope...still not related.

 

[jadmt]

after I made post 62 I emailed Warn and this is their reply..pretty fast reply at that...no where in the response do they say recommend....

I have a Warn VR10S winch I am installing on my jeep wrangler. I have a question does there need to be a power interrupter or cut off switch or is it better to go straight to the battery? I have installed at least 5 Warn winches in the past mostly VR series but one Zeon series and don’t ever recall a recommendation of a power cut off or solenoid but it recently someone told me that Warn recommended using one or the other. thanks jeff

hello,

a power interupt kit is not required when installing the winch but we do have one in case the customer would like to have the option.


thanks,

Jamie Carson | Technical Service Representative

Warn Industries, Inc. | 12900 SE Capps Road | Clackamas, OR 97015

Email | [email protected] | Phone 503-722-1200 EXT:3154

 

[GATORB8]

How would they power it up if the controller is not connected to the winch? And, why would someone power it up?

Your friends are a lot more trustworthy than mine

 

[jadmt]

It will probably go up in flames next time I start it.....

 

[Zandcwhite]

Nope...still not related.

12v batteries hardwired to supply power aren't related to 12v batteries hardwired to supply power? Got it. The rear mounted winch accessories aren't related to installing a hardbound winch up front but you're convinced they are...

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