Winch Isolator Switch on Negative

[SeaComms]

Originally Posted by LeighP

My auto sparky used a slightly lighter solenoid (than the above 500A one) and when I queried it, he said that if you only operate the solenoid while the winch is idle, there is no current causing arcing and burning of the contacts....the contacts, when engaged will carry the load fine. Very experienced sparky, so I guess I have to take his word. Seems the rating is for operating the solenoid while under that load......seems logical.
I have mine set up similar to above....solenoid (under the hood) controlled by a switch in the cabin so there is no positive power outside the vehicle when it's switched off.

Interesting comment from the sparky. So what happens after you have wound out the line and hooked it up then start dragging your vehicle up the steep slippery slope and stop/start while halfway up. After all you should be doing 30 seconds on 30 sec off etc. So now your vehicle is halfway up the hill and the winch is under significant load and you stop it, then have to start it again.

I think he needs to rethink how a winch is used.

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[rang0]

I reckon you should put the isolation on the earth of the control box because you wont over heat the isolation switch on your battery and the motor will only operate with the solenoids. If you want to put it on the positive you will need two so one on tye earth as it only opens and closes the solenoid.

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[LeighP]

Originally Posted by SeaComms

Interesting comment from the sparky. So what happens after you have wound out the line and hooked it up then start dragging your vehicle up the steep slippery slope and stop/start while halfway up. After all you should be doing 30 seconds on 30 sec off etc. So now your vehicle is halfway up the hill and the winch is under significant load and you stop it, then have to start it again.

I think he needs to rethink how a winch is used.

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the isolator solenoid is "on" the whole time....ie, the contacts are always closed, whether you are passing current through the contacts or not....it does not cycle with the winch power. In effect, as long as the switch is "on" in the cabin, the winch power is effectively delivered through a solid cable whenever you trigger the winch operating solenoids with the hand controller.

[Hayesio]

DC is very harsh on contacts, particularly high current DC. Your sparky's train of thought is correct, a contactor designed to carry 500ADC would cope with a much higher current if the voltage was relieved prior to opening the contacts.

[SeaComms]

Ahh sorry my bad, I thought you were using it as a replacement controller. Yes, as an always on it should be no probs.

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