Trying to hook up a winch for my atv.

Bought a handle mounted rocker switch...the instructions do not mention a solenoid. However, my winch instructions do include installing a solenoid. What does the solenoid do and is it really necessary. BTW, the winch works WITHOUT the solenoid connected.

Thanks for your input,

Chiefkp

 

The solenoid is used as a safety to disconnect power to the winch with the ignition switch off. If the contacts stick on the winch without a solenoid, the only way to kill the winch is by cutting the supply wire.

Of course there is also the possibility of the solenoid contacts sticking also.