I have a basic electric winch on my car trailer that I would like to re-wire, but I can't get my head around how to do it.

Its a simple 12v electric motor that drives the winch, with two wires to it. Currently no switch, just croc clip onto a battery and off it goes. To reverse the direction there is a mechanical throw switch, or you can just swap the croc clips over.

But I have now acquired a nice 2 button switch with a coily cable (its a truck tail-lift wanderlead) that I would like to use to be able to press one to power in, and the other to power out with no need to mess with the battery.

So, can someone please explain how I can do this? Wiring diagram or sketch would help my tiny brain understand

Thanks in advance,
Steve

EDIT: just to add the twin button switch has 'I think' 4 wires, but the switch can come apart if I need to bugger about inside that.

[Edited on 6/3/08 by balidey]

without knowing how many terminals and hoe the switches are wired it is hard to comment how to wire these up.

Here is a simple diagram of a change over switch that will do what you want. Try to find how the switches you have work and use this diagram.
Rescued attachment img037.jpg

I would consider using the button box to operate two relays wired up to work as a DPDT switch. Or use a relay that is a DPDT and is heavy enough to run the amps the winch will pull (!!).

quote:

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Originally posted by owelly
I would consider using the button box to operate two relays wired up to work as a DPDT switch.

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