120V Winch Remote Extension

[NWOhioChevyGuy]

So I have a cheapy 120V winch mounted in my garage near the ceiling on the side wall w/ Unistrut.

The challenge is the remote cable is only 3ish feet long and I need to get on a ladder to use it. Which takes me away from the item I am lifting. (Truck cap, tires/wheels, deer, etc.)

I have some Carol 4-14AWG SJ-FT2 to make that cord longer. (left over from another project)


Options:
1) hardwire it into winch and controller (which is what I have done on others) Would have to work up a way to store cord.
or
2) Install a L14-20 connection. This would allow me to unplug and store the remote extension.

Pardon Our Interruption...

Will these connectors work with the 14AWG cable? I see they are rated for 8-10AWG, but is that just for the amp rating?

 

[FredWanaker]

the question in my mind is what does the remote do? Does it pass 120V thru the remote switch or does it trigger a relay / circuit that controls the winch. If the remote passes 120V then you need to know the amperage to know the wire gauge to be 100% sure. Keep in mind that it may get run over, scuffed etc., so the coating has to be capable of handling that. But if the remote only triggers a relay or circuit, then you just need to be sure that the resistance in the wire and connectors don't lower the trigger voltage to where it is unreliable. Is there a schematic for the winch on how it is wired internally?

 

[NWOhioChevyGuy]

No wiring schematic that I have, nor would I be able to find one.

Cable is service cable, will only be down out of storage when in use. So very unlikely to get run over.
The remote has a capacitor inside the handle so it is full voltage for the motor.
Separate Neutrals and Positives for the up and down circuits to change rotation of motor.

 

[infinkc]

I would do a disconnect, can possibly make the cord even longer since it can be removed. Yes you can use a plug rated higher than your wire size.

 

[nadogail]

Because 14 Gauge wire is considerably smaller than 10 Gauge, I would be very concerned that the connectors for 8 and 10 would not grip the much smaller 14 Gauge.

 

[NWOhioChevyGuy]

I thought of an alternate option; an outlet box with the female Connection there and the Male L14-20 on the cord.

Pardon Our Interruption...

The wires in the short 3" section of cable from the factory are smaller than 14gauge, cant make out any markings.

 

[PoorUB]

Only thought I have would bet to avoid any common electrical plug and receptical and find a rated "odd" plug and receptical just to avoid that slim chancethat someone will feel the need to plug the remote into a wall outlet!

I realize this one is probably too small amperage, but just to get an idea.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DL2SZSF/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Sumboodie]

I wouldn't use a winch as a hoist for starters.

 

[The Cobbler]

I'm in the camp "winches aren't meant for hoisting" too, and I would hard wire the switch rather than a non conforming plug
many years ago I would have done both without hesitation , not realizing the possible implications

 

[NWOhioChevyGuy]

You all are worryworts.

A) the plug end will have no other outlet on the entire property that it would match or be able to plug into.
B) the outlet will be on the wall 10 feet off the floor next to the winch, above a set of shelves.
C) the winch is used for temporary lifting into place on items that that are then racked or safety chained
D) any and all lifting is done well below the 50% rating of the winch, I’m getting older while I can lift the things I prefer not to

 

[Sumboodie]

You all are worryworts.

A) the plug end will have no other outlet on the entire property that it would match or be able to plug into.
B) the outlet will be on the wall 10 feet off the floor next to the winch, above a set of shelves.
C) the winch is used for temporary lifting into place on items that that are then racked or safety chained
D) any and all lifting is done well below the 50% rating of the winch, I’m getting older while I can lift the things I prefer not to

Winches don't have brakes designed to hold a load.

Why not use a hoist and be safe?

 

[theoldwizard1]

Separate Neutrals and Positives for the up and down circuits to change rotation of motor.

Finding 12/4 "cordage" (SJOOW) will be your biggest problem. Do you really need 20A ?

 

[Steve from Socal]

Finding 12/4 "cordage" (SJOOW) will be your biggest problem. Do you really need 20A ?

Why? The Home Depot in most locations has it.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Why? The Home Depot in most locations has it.

Not 12/4 !

 

[Steve from Socal]

You are correct,

That is odd they have 10/ and 14/4

 

[billconner]

The CM hoists I've used are 16/3 with a steel wire rope ground. Had one with 75' control (on a stage) and it's running and the entire control cable is smoking. When someone at the manufacturer made this custom cable they left a few strands of the wire rope long and one got powered. At 75', it was a heater, and didn't blow the fuse.