Switches and Wiring

You’re lucky to get one, if any aux switches in a stock UTV, and the electrical capacity you’re starting with isn’t much better in most cases. But fear not, because it’s now easier than ever to hook yourself up with all the aftermarket UTV switches and wiring you need to not only run everything you want, but to have lightning-fast access to it all. To get you there, our team at Side by Side Source proudly offers a range of premium switches, switch panels, wiring harnesses, and other electrical components from highly rated brands prized for their consistent quality. Whether you’re just looking for a pre-made wiring harness or if it’s time for a more complete reworking of your entire electrical system, we’ve got all the off-road-worthy UTV switches and wiring accessories you need.

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Buyer's Guide for UTV Switches and Wiring: Helping You Shop!

Understanding Relay-Controlled vs. Direct Switching in UTVs

How you wire and control accessories fundamentally affects reliability and safety. Direct switching (running full accessory current through switches) works for very low-power accessories (maybe 1-2 amps maximum), but most UTV accessories draw way more than this. LED light bars might draw 10-15 amps, winches 200+ amps during heavy pulls, and audio amplifiers 20+ amps. Running these currents directly through switches causes several problems, including switch failure, fried contact points and more.

Relay-controlled switching solves these issues by using switches to control low-current relay coils (typically 0.1-0.3 amps), while relays handle actual high-current switching. The switch just signals the relay to open or close; the relay switches the heavy current directly from battery to accessory. This protects switches, provides full voltage to accessories (brighter lights, better winch performance), and is dramatically safer.

Fuse or circuit breaker protection for every circuit is most definitely a non-negotiable item. Without it, short circuits or component failures can cause electrical fires. Each circuit should have appropriately-sized fusing (matching wire gauge and accessory draw) protecting wiring from overload. Quality power distribution systems include integrated fusing or circuit breakers for every output.

Side-by-Side Switch Panel Systems vs. Individual Switches

Organizing and installing your switches and other electrical components varies by the approach you take. Switch panel systems (integrated panels with 4-8 switches, often including source selectors, circuit breakers, and backlighting) mount in one dash location and provide organized control for multiple accessories. Quality systems like Switch-Pro or similar include relay control, circuit protection, and sometimes programmable features (flash patterns, automatic shutoff, etc.).

Individual switches (purchasing separate switches for each accessory and mounting them independently) cost less initially but require more installation work. We’re talking mounting holes for each switch, wiring each circuit independently, sourcing relays and fusing separately. The result can be cluttered and less professional-looking unless carefully planned. This approach works for adding one or two accessories, but becomes impractical for comprehensive electrical systems with 4+ accessories.

Let’s Talk UTV Waterproofing and Environmental Protection

It’s probably no surprise to you that UTV electrical systems face water, mud, dust, and vibration that destroy all but the most protected components. Weatherproof connectors (Deutsch, Weatherpack, or similar sealed connectors) prevent moisture infiltration at connection points—critical for any connections exposed to elements. Cheap blade connectors or butt splices without sealing corrode rapidly from moisture exposure. Marine-grade heat shrink with adhesive lining provides waterproof wire protection and strain relief at terminations.

Wire routing is directly linked to longevity. Route wiring through protected areas, avoiding hot exhausts, sharp edges, and moving suspension components. Use proper wire looms or split tubing to protect wiring from abrasion. You can use zip ties or clips to keep your wiring in place and prevent any unwanted movement. Also, keeping your connections greased is great for corrosion resistance, and as always, remember to inspect regularly!

3 Top Selling UTV Switch and Wiring Brands

XTC Power Products manufactures comprehensive switch panels and power distribution systems designed specifically for UTV applications.
Geiser Performance produces model-specific switch mounting solutions integrating cleanly with popular UTV platforms.
MB Quart offers quality wiring harnesses designed for their audio systems with proper gauge wire and protection.

5 Top Selling UTV Switch and Wiring Products

Simplified tail light installation for Yamaha YXZ comes with this Rear Tail Light Plug and Play Three-Wire Wiring Harness by UTV Inc, eliminating custom wiring.
Proper audio amplifier power comes with this RZR Black Tuned Dual Amplifier Wire Harness by MB Quart, featuring appropriate gauge wire and connections.
Professional switch appearance arrives with this Diff Lock Factory Rocker/Actuator Contura V Switch Cover by XTC Power Products, providing OEM-quality finish.
Organized switch mounting for Yamaha Viking/Wolverine/YXZ comes with this Switch Pro Pod by Geiser Performance, integrating with dash design.
Easy switch installation arrives with this Snap-In Switch Adapter by Moose, simplifying mounting without custom holes.

UTV Switches and Wiring FAQs

How can I know which wire gauge I need to use?

The gauge depends on your draw and wire length. If you have a shorter run, for example, an 18-gauge will handle around seven or eight amps.

Can I just run new add-ons from my existing circuits?

That’s a hard no! Doing this might cause an overload; always run dedicated circuits when hooking up accessories.

The switch was fine, and then it failed. What happened?

It could be one of several things, from moisture getting in where it shouldn’t to overloading and sun damage.