Just had a question for the electrically savvy out there about a topic I just learned/read about. I've just had a winch installed (Runva 11XP Premium) onto my 'Lux and am looking at upgrading some of the electrical components - stronger isolator, in-cab controls, etc.
I'm looking to replace the isolator with an isolator/solenoid/relay that I can activate/kill from within the cab. My first question - can anyone recommend an engine-bay suitable/weatherproof relay/solenoid capable of taking the ~430A draw? I have seen the IB500 recommended (reasonable price) and the Blue Sea ML-RBS (much higher price). Not much else outside those two.
Secondly, in looking at Amazon reviews for the IB500, I noticed a suggestion for a flyback diode to prevent voltage spikes after disconnect. Does anyone have experience with this? I'm using a solenoid to power my accessories fuse block and that's been sans-diode without issue but don't mind adding these in for protection though I'm very hazy on how you'd go about putting one.
- Does the diode go on the load wires or activator wires?
- Is the diode's gray band toward the positive or negative?
- How do you size the right diode to the circuit? I've got one that's 80A and one that's 430A (if at max. load), or do you match the diode to the activator wires? Example: here's an eBay listing of a 150A solenoid including a 9A flyback diode.