Hi all, first post here and new to ATVing. I have added an auxiliary power outlet to my 00 Magnum 500. I wired it to the "Key switched" side of the Solenoid that leads to my winch. Is this safe, and if so, the best solution for adding aux power.
Thanks in advance.

 

Welcome! If you wired your aux. pwr. to the accessory side of the ignition I would say that you got it right not really an electrition or any thing but that is how I would do it. Nice to see you bought yourself a Polaris for your first ride. Don't let them honda guys give you a hard time about reliablility cause with the line-up they have on the market today Polaris will walk all over most brands in any situation. OK that should get some people screeming in here now. LOL j/k Have fun!!!!

 

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Thanks for the reply. After some further reasearch, I've decided to also install a inline fuse for the outlet to stay on the safe side.

 

Good idea I thought of that later but didn't reply again.

 

hey there, i have a 2001 magnum. have you had any problems with yours?

 

Hey Justin. No it has been working great. I bought it from a friend this January, a deal I could not refuse. Changed a A-arm bushing set and thats all. I've been plowing all winter and lots of hard trail riding. Very Happy! About 450 miles since purchaced.
It's heavy though....thank-you WARN..lol.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

Fuse is a good idea. Just remember to be sure the wire is a higher rating than the fuse.
I know a 12 ga wire will carry 20 amps, a14 ga wire will carry 15 amps, and a 16 ga wire 8.
Can remember bigger, but not smaller.

Farmr

 

Here is a fuse guide. 16 gauge wire=7.5 amp fuse , 14 gauge wire=15 amp fuse, 12 gauge wire=20 amp fuse, 10 gauge=30 amp fuse. I wouldn't use anything less than a 14 gauge myself. The above are max. fuses, If you go anything lower than that I twill be fine, but do not go higher. Also make sure you select a wire large enough to power whatever it is you will be using on that plug. Sounds like you wired it right, but it is very, very important to use a fuse in line with the wire. Just wondering how exactly you wired at at the solenoid half there, did you splice it off another wire,etc.? Please explain so we can be sure you will be ok here.

 

If you are planning to use the outlet for a cell phone, GPS, radio, or other similar item the electical demand is so low that you should not have any problems. However, check the rated wattage or amperage of the device you are using. A hand-held spotlight draws enough current for a serious meltdown if your wiring/fuse is improper.

 

Exactly 1Bullmoose, I should have included that, but you done it for me, Thanks.