Winch isolation switch

[M1S3RY]

Now that i've finally got my winch wired up, i'd like to have a switch in the car that can isolate the power to the winch. Can this be done by;

A - Big arse solenoid between the battery and the winch (Also meaning no power to the control box when dunked in water)

B - Have a switch on the earth lead from the control box (The little black wire, but power will still get the the box and fry it if dunked?)

The reason behind this is i don't won't some little so-and-so messing around with the winch when i'm not there and causing a lot of damage and also not having to reconnnect it every time i go out wheeling (As i do now).

Any help much appreciated.

-Steele

[MissDrew]

Take the power lead that feeds the pins for the plug and put a switch in it.

[75 cruiser]

i put a big solinoid in the main power lead to the winch!i have a switch in the dash that activates the solinoid so its only got power and i want it too!yes i have the same thought about some low life running the winch cable over the roof conecting it to the tow bar and shorting out the winch!

[Bush65]

The solenoids isolate the power, when de-energised. Adding another isolator will cause further voltage drop at the winch motor.

Do what Guts suggested and isolate the control wiring.

[pongo]

I relocated my control box to inside the engine bay. No more chassis vibrations to kill the solanoids and is now tamper proof.



Just a thought

[M1S3RY]

The solenoids isolate the power, when de-energised. Adding another isolator will cause further voltage drop at the winch motor.

Do what Guts suggested and isolate the control wiring.

But can't the solenoids still short out when under water because they still have power to them and the water acts as a switch?

[David_S]

I have often wondered about that but have never had a problem and I have been through an awful lot of water! I think water (not salt water) is a poor conductor or else you would have frequent problems with alternators and starter motors. Lights work under water too, I have found out, though you normally crack the lens first so it is not recommended!

That said, I have just relocated my solenoid pack to the engine bay after 20 years mounted on the motor. I know, I take a while to get round to fixing things. Actually I don't think the winch works as well now - probably the starter cables I used are a bit small.