Thermal protector

Dunc90 · Aug 12, 2013

Is it possible to fit a thermal overload protection switch to a winch?
I have a 12000lb unknown make winch that I would like to fit some sort of protection switch or relay to if it can be done.
Done a bit of searching about but all my results return are new winches, nothing on how to DIY so If it can be done what parts do I need and where from?

Dunc

200tdi ayre · Aug 12, 2013

Possible yes

You'd have to fit a thermo switch set to the temperature you want into the gearbox/motor housing and seal properly and then link that to a cut off to the power or the activation wire with a auto reset when the temperature drops to a safe value

Dunc90 · Aug 12, 2013

Ok
So does the thermo switch have to be fitted inside the motor and how do you work out what temperature switch is needed

Mr Noisy · Aug 13, 2013

First question is why?

If you are not using the winch outside of its duty cycle and/or not overloading the winch then it will not overheat and not be necessary to thermally protect it.

If you are worried about thermal overload the keyword here is overload so you need to rectify the cause.

I dont imagine that any vehicle winch is designed for 100% duty cycle but with a 13000lb winch it is unlikely that you will be pulling full load at all times anyway so even then i dont expect you will overheat.

Dunc90 · Aug 13, 2013

The reason I was asking is a guy I work with said that the new ones that have it built in are really good value for money, I can't stretch the £250+, I managed to pick up I second hand winch and the same guy I work with said you can buy the thermal switch and its easy enough to fit.
Think it might be a bit of a waste o time and money then as I am only doing a bit of off roading for fun every other month when I am home.

fanatic · Aug 13, 2013

Dunc90 said:
The reason I was asking is a guy I work with said that the new ones that have it built in are really good value for money, I can't stretch the £250+, I managed to pick up I second hand winch and the same guy I work with said you can buy the thermal switch and its easy enough to fit.
Think it might be a bit of a waste o time and money then as I am only doing a bit of off roading for fun every other month when I am home.

thermal overload on control side so disconnects wandering lead input if thermal overload operated

discomark10 · Aug 14, 2013

Coukd be donenquite easy, get a thermo switch set at the desired temp to controll a small relay that cuts of the feed for your switch thats controlls it, could do it for 15 quid.

Mr Noisy · Aug 14, 2013

Sounds unreliable to me. I have learnt the hard way when the words 'unreliable' and 'winch' are used in the same sentence

Paul D · Aug 15, 2013

I have a re-furbed Warn M8000 on mine and a week ago it went through it's first 'real' use .. basically it was dragging my Disco uphill, in-gear with handbrake on, while simultaneously pulling a 1' diameter concreted in post out .. the winch didn't even get warm.

I wouldn't worry .. they put thermal overloads in cheap winches 'cos they're cheap and crap and possibly need them!

As Mr Noisy says, keep within the duty cycle and all will be well .. if you're hoping to pull a vehicle for 100 yards uphill then you need a different winch. Frankly, just keep an eye (hand?) on it and when it starts getting hot, then stop for a while! Warm is OK, you should feel some heat after a while but by the time it gets hot enough to bother with a thermal switch it's possibly breaking down anyway .. especially as you have to ask about wiring one in, I'd give it a miss.

Dunc90 · Aug 26, 2013

Ok thanks for all the info, much appreciated.

Thermal protector

Dunc90

New Member

200tdi ayre

Well-Known Member

Dunc90

New Member

Mr Noisy

Coming in your ears.

Dunc90

New Member

fanatic

RESPECT IS EARNED, BEATINGS ARE FREE ;-)

discomark10

Well-Known Member

Mr Noisy

Coming in your ears.

Paul D

Old, nackered 'n broke, but the Landy is fine . :)

Dunc90

New Member

Similar threads