Quality Jumper Cables : Don't buy inferior quality !
Your car owner's manual tells you how to connect jumper cables safely to prevent sparks and a possible explosion. In addition, it warns you about the dangers of using substandard quality booster cables. A poor quality product can put you in a situation similar to connecting a thin, poorly insulated extension cord to an electric heater. There are risks of wire overheating, insulation melt-down and eventually short circuit. In your household you are protected by a fuse or circuit breaker, preventing any risk of fire. However, when using jumper cables you do not enjoy similar protection as there is inadequate strands of wiring and no circuit breaker protection and this could be a real safety concern.
Low quality jumper cables can cause the following problems:
- High resistance in inferior jumper cables can cause damage to the starter motor when subjected to extended periods of cranking.
- Low quality cable insulation become excessively stiff when exposed to cold temperatures.
- Poorly insulated clamps and weak springs will result in poor electrical connections.
Here are important advice and tips on features to look for in quality jumper cables:
- Clamps that fit both side or top terminal batteries are recommended. Ideally, you need built in warning lights to signal incorrect connection.
- The clamps should be covered with bonded vinyl insulation.
- The insulated clamp jaws should not have exposed metal parts which could arc when in contact with other electricity conductor parts.
- Clamp handles should be equipped with flexible cable guards to prevent wear and tear at stress points.
- Cables should be made with pure copper wires for higher quality conductivity.
- The cables should have a minimum lenght of 12 to 16 feet and a do not settle for less than 4 gauge.
- The jumper cables should designed with a heavy duty insulated jacket.
Got quality jumper cables ? Good! Now, let's look at the way to use them. First, review the jump starting procedures in your owner's manual. If you have no manual or no procedure is specified, follow the following instructions. Bear in mind that these step-by-step instructions relate to a negative grounded system.
- Check the batteries and systems in both vehicles. They must be the same voltage i.e. 6 volt or 12 volt. Otherwise, do not attempt to jump start.
- Do not use cables on a damaged battery. Ensure vent caps are tight and level. Place damp cloth over vent caps on both batteries. Be sure vehicles are in contact and ignitions are off.
- Connect the positive cable to the positive post of the discharged battery.
- Connect the other end of the same cable to the positive post of the starting vehicle's battery.
- Connect the negative cable to the other post of the booster battery.
- Make the final connection on the engine block of the stalled vehicle. When doing so, stand away from the battery.
- Stand back. Start the vehicle. If it does not start after cranking for 30 seconds, stop the process. Unless some mechanical adjustments are made an engine will rarely start after cranking for half a minute.
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