By nadim on Monday, June 18, 2001 - 04:09 pm: Edit

Can I use the Hella cut off switch (with red key) as a winch emmergency cut off switch?
Thanks in advance,
Nadim

By Axel Haakonsen (Axel) on Monday, June 18, 2001 - 04:22 pm: Edit

How many amps can that switch handle?
You need to look at the specs for your winch to figure out what the max draw is, then get a switch that can handle that amperage, otherwise you will just burn out the switch. If the switch you use has too much resistance, your winch will overheat prematurely, too.
Alternatively, you can keep a fire extinguisher handy near by ;-)

By Mike R. on Monday, June 18, 2001 - 05:51 pm: Edit

Most winches draw ~300 amps. That's way too much for any automotive switch. Electric winches use solenoids to switch the winch on & off. One thing I wouldn't mess around with is a winch's switch.
Why would you want an emergency cutoff switch? If the remote switch got stuck, just pull it out & the circuit is broken.

By ROn on Monday, June 18, 2001 - 05:54 pm: Edit

They sell battery cutoff switches which I think are a real good idea for winches.

Check them out:

www.recoverygear.com

By Ali on Monday, June 18, 2001 - 07:32 pm: Edit

I use the Hella switch to cut off my winch power. So far it has handles a loaded Warn 10,000 winch but who knows! It's only rated for 300 amps so it's probably dying a slow death.

Why do I need one? I like the idea of not having a 12vdc power source out on the bumper all the time. Especially during an accident. Although, if the solenoid box gets smashed that's tucked inside the ARB then I got bigger problems! Secondly, just in case if anyone wants to jumper the terminals with a paper clip, etc. for fun and mess up my winch. Thirdly, if corrosion welds my relay contacts together, pulling out the cable plug won't do anything.

Just my .02 cents worth.

By Axel Haakonsen (Axel) on Monday, June 18, 2001 - 07:55 pm: Edit

There is a valid need for a cutoff switch, for the reasons stated above. My only point is that the switch needs to be sized to handle the amp draw of the winch.

By Ali on Monday, June 18, 2001 - 08:58 pm: Edit

You're totally right Axel. Really, the proper way to do is to use an oil filled solenoid (activated with a switch inside the cab), similar to the ones used in a winch solenoid pack. Most others solenoids (for starters, etc) aren't continuous duty with a high amp rating. Even the battery cutoff switches (including marine duty) are rated for 300 amps. I'm surprised I haven't toasted my cutoff switch but it was cheap, around $12.

Nadim, you can also use large SN25 connectors found in Tow trucks (used for quick disconnecting jumper cables). I bought a set from a tow truck parts supplier from the web. I can't remember the name right now....AW something. These connectors are 600 amp capable and easy to use. Just plug the male and female ends together before using the winch. I think Warn uses something similar (more money) for their portable receiver mounted winch setup. I'll switch to these connectors after I fry my disconnect switch!

By Mike R. on Monday, June 18, 2001 - 10:08 pm: Edit

Just get a hydraulic winch. It just draws 2 amps using 14 gauge wire and will run all day long.

My 2 cents.

By Ali on Tuesday, June 19, 2001 - 12:17 pm: Edit

Congrats Mike on your winch. Yes, you'll need ALL day to make a short pull (just kidding)!! Those winches are workhorses. A buddy of mine upgraded his PS reservoir to a BMW unit. Same exact thing but deeper reservoir for more fluid and cooling.

By Mike R. on Tuesday, June 19, 2001 - 11:48 am: Edit

I didn't realize when I bought the hydraulic winch that the LR power steering pump has a lower psi and volume rating compared to the domestic pumps. So, yes, it's slow. I've considered getting the PTO system for more power / speed, but it costs mucho $.