Powerwinch Re-Wiring

[rapa123]

Hi, I have a Powerwinch RC30 which came with a 60amp breaker (placed at the battery) and 25' of 10 awg positive/negative wire. I'm seriously thinking about running 8 awg wire for better load in keeping it cooler. 10 awg seems to be a little on the small side. I'm sure Powerwinch keeps their wire specs to a bare minimum due to costs, but I don't want to get to far away from their suggested wire sizing simply due to losing a good current flow. What's you thoughts/experience? Thanks Ray

 

[dingbat]

Even #8 is on the small side. I have #4 on mine and it's none too big

 

[kjsAZ]

+1. Use one of the many 12V calculators or tables for wire size and dimension it for a loss of not more than 3%. Be aware that the length is the combined length of BOTH wires, positive and negative. That keeps the wires cool and the winch at full power.

http://www.bulkwire.com/wireresistance.asp

 

[rapa123]

I totally understand what you are saying and I agree...... As I stated; "60amp breaker (placed at the battery) and 25' of 10 awg positive/negative wire." is the kit that comes with the Powerwinch RC 30. I used it for seven years without issue. More than likely that it's not an issue is because it's not used longer than a minute or so at a time. Since I need to run a new wire on my new truck, I thought I would step it up a little. Thanks, Ray

 

[kjsAZ]

But it's still a power issue. As thinner the wire as higher the resistance/ft and as less voltage reaches the winch. Lower voltage at the winch = lower pull strength. 10AWG for 25ft is a pretty high loss, >2V....

 

[bfjou812]

How many amps is the winch pulling when fully under load? Another thing to look into is the type of wire ,different type are rated for different amperages even though it's the same gauge.

 

[hungupthespikes]

Going back to the manufacturer for the cable/kit would be a good option.
If the old wiring has served you well for seven years, then a new kit for the new truck sounds fine.

Good factory connectors, fresh wire, new wire holders.........
It would be a plug and play deal. :joyous:

The 60A fuse should be 1 1/2 the max amperage of the motor. So 40A at startup, under full load should be max. The 10g wire is all you need, bigger is better, but if your setup has been working without heating up, then it's just not needed for you.

Here is a different little calculator that you can play with. It will help give you some options should you decide to go big.
http://www.wirebarn.com/Wire-Calculator_ep_41.html

huts

 

[rapa123]

Thanks...... I ordered 8 gauge wire since I'm doing a fresh install. I'm going to run it in some split lume for good protection while running/wiring tying it along my trucks
frame. Thanks for the help. Ray