Winch battery cables

Ok Guys & Girls, what thickness cable do I need to run from the battery to winch???
Cheers.

Depends on the amperage draw of the motor and the cable length.

Roger

35m2 minimum. The bigger the better so 50mm2 or even 70mm2? I would recommend a fuse directly at the battery.

Cheers everyone

If you have difficulty finding bulk cable of suitable size, sometimes a "cheap" set of Jumper Leads will do the job, just swap the alligator clips for the appropriate sized terminals.

Cheers George, I was looking at some heavy duty jump leads and wondered if they would be ok.

Phattaff wrote: Cheers George, I was looking at some heavy duty jump leads and wondered if they would be ok.

Do you have the current rating of the winch?
I suggest two times the current draw of the winch for the rating for a jumper lead.
Winches are run for longer than starter motors.
When choosing a jumper lead, slide the rubber cover/handle back and check the cable size.

Your best bet is to google your area for electrical wholesalers and buy copper multi strand cable. The thinner the strands the more flexible it will be. Welding cable has strands 0.26mm thick but will only be available in black. Battery cable is available in black and red but is less flexible with strands 0.4mm thick or if you are lucky 0.3mm thick. Buy soldered connections to suit the cable and amperage. I personally don't like crimping as corrosion can get into the connection and ruin it. Remember winches are in the thick of it with regards road spray and general dirt and wading is a killer.If you want to know how to solder the joint without damaging the insulation, just ask.

Roger