An electric winch contactor must match the motor circuit and the way the winch operates. Forward/reverse control, a one-direction power feed and hydraulic pump switching can require different contact arrangements. Select an Albright assembly from the wiring diagram and full specification.
Winches, windlasses and capstans
Albright's marine guidance includes windlasses, anchor winches and electric capstans. These are application categories, not an approval of every Albright type for every machine. A windlass used to handle an anchor and a vehicle recovery winch can have different motor connections, load profiles and environmental requirements.
Reversing assemblies and main contactors
Albright explicitly describes DC182P as a motor-reversing contactor for applications including electric winch motors, with IP67 sealing. This is a useful starting point when investigating a protected reversing assembly. Albright also lists winches and hydraulic power packs among SU80 applications; SU80 is a normally open main contactor, so it does not perform the same circuit function as a reversing assembly.
Use the SW/SU selection guide to distinguish power switching from direction control. For existing DC88, DC182 or SW182 equipment, establish the original wiring and exact variant before considering an alternative.
Duty matters as much as direction
A brief pull followed by a cooling period is different from repeated operation under load. Check the contact rating for the relevant switching conditions, the coil's permitted energisation time, actual operating current and ambient conditions. A published intermittent current figure must not be treated as a continuous rating or an unrestricted motor-starting capacity.
Replacement information checklist
- Winch or windlass manufacturer, model and original component number.
- Motor type and wiring diagram, including direction-control arrangement.
- Coil voltage, suppression and control-output requirements.
- Main circuit voltage, operating current, starting conditions and duty.
- Terminal sizes and positions, brackets, enclosure and sealing requirements.
Browse contactors for your specification
See Albright contactors and DC contactors and solenoids. For boat manoeuvring equipment, read the separate bow and stern thruster guide.
Frequently asked questions
Can a winch contactor replace a thruster solenoid?
Application names do not establish equivalence. Use an equipment-approved replacement or verify the complete electrical and mechanical specification.
Does a sealed contactor remove the need for an enclosure?
No. Check the complete installation, including exposed connections, enclosure conditions and the equipment manufacturer's requirements.
Can I order by coil voltage alone?
No. Two 12 V coils can be attached to assemblies with different contact arrangements, duty ratings, terminals and suppression.
Manufacturer references
Technical sources checked 11 October 2026. Verify the current datasheet for the complete ordered part number.
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