T&T: Need help wiring up windlass

[Mark Richter]

> It is easy enough to install this wiring harness, as it is a complete
> unit. On one end the leads, black and white go to the battery and on the
> other end red and green go to the electric motor. The toggle switch is
> already wired in and all the wires go through the two selenoids.
>
> My problem is that I'm not sure how to integrate a foot switch without
> having juice flow were I might not want it. I have an extra selenoid, if
> I need it.

Bob,
Your toggle switch has three contacts; one for positive battery power, one
for up and one for down.  Connect your foot switch in parallel with the "up"
side of this switch, one side to positive battery power and the other side
to the "up" side.  Easy.  Add an in-line fuse between the positive battery
power and the two switches to protect the switch wiring.  Probably a 5-10
amp fuse will power the solenoids adequately.

Caution: since the previous application may have been for a lower current
draw motor, make sure the solenoids and wiring are adequately sized for your
windlass motor's current appetite.  Fuse or use a circuit breaker of the
size recommended by the windlass maker.

Mark Richter, m/v Winnie the Pooh, Ortona, FL
Mark's Mobile Marine, electrical system consulting, installation and repair.
presently in St. Mary's, MD and southbound