Thread: Winch trouble

Originally Posted by Jojo

Thanks again for all input!!! It helps me heaps as I wouldn't have come across the Albright or Tigerz solenoids at all! The fact that one of these little relays will replace the whole array of solenoids is truly tempting. Albrights will be easy enough to source over here, not so sure about the Tigerz, I'll check.
With respect to the Albright contactors (as they are known), they are talking about intermittently and continuously rated contactors. Which are the ones to get???
John, thanks a lot for the detailed info, including the diagrams! very helpful! I'm going to find the fauly solenoid now. But if I am understanding correctly you are telling me not to bother replacing the malfunctioning solenoid only but the whole set, right?

Thanks again all!

Albright make hundreds of different relays for industrial use.

AFAIK, they were approached to make a unit to replace the solenoid pack for electric winches used on 4x4's, and came up with 2 units. One for 12 volt and another for 24 volt.

Those are the only 2 options (12V or 24V), unless their range has changed (which I doubt). I suspect if you are looking where there are different ratings, you may be looking at the wrong relays.

I don't think either are listed on the Albright web site (I couldn't find them there when I last looked). Normally they are bought from retailers of 4x4 equipment. I bought mine from Gigglepin in UK.

I never suggested replacing the whole set if one solenoid is faulty. I would only replace the faulty solenoid if you can get a replacement.

Edit: Contactors are parts that carry the current. They consist of 2 (or more) parts that make contact to complete a circuit (to allow current flow), or open to break the circuit (stop current flow). Contactors are made from copper and the better ones are plated with expensive metal (e.g. silver) to prevent corrosion from the arc that jumps across when they are in close proximity during switching. The rating is in relation to the current capacity - they need to be larger for continuous current flow, and can be smaller if they are only closed for a short period (when less heat needs to be dissipated).

To minimise arcing (which is bad for the contactors) they must open and close quickly (there is more involved for industrial and high voltage switching). This is the job of the solenoid.

Of course, the easiest (and somehow preferred) way would be to replace the faulty solenoid only. But, given the fact that the price tag of an original WARN solenoid here where I live exceeds the price of a contactor from the UK including shipping, I'd rather change the whole lot whilst I am at it anyway. And in doing so excluding the odds of having another solenoid fail in due course.
Admittedly, the product range of Albright is enormous! For our purpose I found these items available:
Albright solenoids
From the Albright site:
Datasheet

Right then, I'll try to get the continuous one!!!
Thanks a lot!