Thanks. I was just thinking, if the MAIN fuse on the atv is rated for 30 amps does that not mean that the system is not pumping out more than this amount? If the alternator/starter/battery pulled more than this than the fuse would blow. So I am assuming that even under load (unless something is terribly wrong) that the atv is not capable of producing more than approx 30 amps. Correct? Thanks again.

 

No it works the other way. The fuse that's there is based on the size wire that is being run on that circuit. The load (winch, light, heater...whatever) will only draw the amps it needs to operate from the supply. The fuse is there to govern the maximum load that the circuit is allowed to draw from the source, a fuse has to blow before the load exceeds what the wire can safely handle without over heating.


The altenator/battery can suppply more than 30 amps for sure, but its more like a resevoir than anything. The main wire for the bikes electrical is rated for 30 amps which is the most that circuit will ever need. When you add a winch, you are connecting at the battery, basically taking a feed right from the source, say another 30 amps for example, so your starting a new circuit with a new fuse appropratly rated for the wire being used.

 

to reiterate, a winch DOES NOT connect to the Atv's power system. Directly to the battery for maximum draw. Hook it into the atv's system and you will blow a fuse...but first you'll probably melt the wiring harness together. 30 amps are high for the ATV's system. Lights charging system is about all there is. Even the starter runs off a low amp relay. The relay connects the stater motor directly to the battery for max draw. Just like you are doing with a winch.