Jumper cables...

[Suz]

Decided I need a dedicated set of jumper cables for each vehicle. So I'm picking up the new set for my Scrambler. I see 4 choices available ranging from 4-10 gauge. Is bigger better here or do I just stick with the minimum necessary?

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[Torxhead]

The advantage of a larger cable and copper if you can get it, is it will transfer close to the full amount of current that you started with. Over a distance, voltage will drop off and with a larger cable the loss will be less. Like on my CJ I use a #2 wire for the battery cables and the winch. You can delete your posts if you hit the enter button too many times also.

 

[Suz]

Well, if I get the big ones, it won't blow up anything will it? Electricity is one of the only two things that scare me...

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[Hedgehog]

nope, automotive electricity doesn't care how big a wire it flows in. Your more likely to get in trouble with a wire that is to small. I have used those emergency cables that don't take up much room, but larger ones would be better.

 

[jdcaples]

Generally I go with a big copper wire gauge, and not longer than 8 or 10 feet because long cables are a pain to store.

I used to just toss cables into the trunk or whatever. The clutter got better after I built a wooden box for the tool; it was awesome until I managed to lose both the box and the cables.

-Jon

PS: you can build your own by getting some replacement battery booster cable clamps and some big red wire and some big black wire.

 

[Torxhead]

How To Jump Start A Car Battery - Advance Auto Parts - YouTube

 

[duffer]

Yep, bigger is better. If you try to jump high draw applications like diesels, a small set of jumpers becomes painfully inadequate and will in fact, not conduct sufficient current to start one with a dead battery. On the flip side, they do make good hand warmers on those occasions-at least until the insulation melts.

 

[Suz]

I used to just toss cables into the trunk or whatever.

-Jon

PS: you can build your own by getting some replacement battery booster cable clamps and some big red wire and some big black wire.

Well, I do have a big diamond plate toolbox in the bed, so storage is no problem. Can I make cables cheaper than the $30. ready-made ones? Where can I get the clamps? Will run by the parts store and see what's available...

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[jdcaples]

Well, I do have a big diamond plate toolbox in the bed, so storage is no problem. Can I make cables cheaper than the $30. ready-made ones? Where can I get the clamps? Will run by the parts store and see what's available...

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You can't make cables cheaper than you can buy 'em. Just buy the thickest ready-made cables you can find.

To make your own, the extra cost is, um, tuition... learning experience.... maybe a talking point like "Hey, where'd you get those cables? I made 'em."

I used google to search for replacement battery booster cable clamps can found this place

Battery Clamps | Jumper Cable Clamps | Waytek, Inc.

I don't know why they use more than two digits to the right of the decimal in their prices.... I'd get something like this maybe

BATTERY CLAMP RED HEAVY DUTY 450 AMPS WITH SCREW - 45R

I'd get the biggest wire I could fit in the clamp from a marine supply shop, cut 'em to about 5 or 6 feet and feel self-satisfied (instead of feeling foolish about the money; and building your own jumper cables is, w/o a doubt dollar foolish).

-Jon

 

[Suz]

Without a significant savings, I'm sure I'll feel safer with ready-made. Not quite phobic about electricity, but close. Have had my jaw locked a few times...

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[jdcaples]

Without a significant savings, I'm sure I'll feel safer with ready-made. Not quite phobic about electricity, but close. Have had my jaw locked a few times...

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On direct current (as in automobile vs alternating current like sticking your finger in a house light socket)?

I've never been shocked on automotive power. I have been careless, causing sparks to fly, but I didn't ignite fuel or anything.


-Jon

 

[Suz]

On direct current (as in automobile vs alternating current like sticking your finger in a house light socket)?

I've never been shocked on automotive power. I have been careless, causing sparks to fly, but I didn't ignite fuel or anything.


-Jon

Well, I just figure electricity is electricity- have been bitten by power outlets, meter box, electric fence, extention cords, lightening, Jeep radio, misc. shorted out appliances- right off the top of my head...

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[Suz]

And everyone always says, "That won't shock you. Go ahead, touch it" Right

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[IOPort51]

For what it is worth, the amperage available in the battery could quite easily blow a hole in the side of your engine block if not handled properly.

I have a set of heavy 15 foot cables that will hold a welding electrode if need, the battery has more that enough amperage to burn a 3/16 arc rod for crude but effective trail repairs. Or even just fixing something around the place.

 

[Suz]

Yep. Wicked stuff. Was just pondering about where, exactly, it comes from- on a molecular level. Need to do some reading... Recommendations?

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[HackFabrication]

On direct current (as in automobile vs alternating current like sticking your finger in a house light socket)?

I've never been shocked on automotive power. I have been careless, causing sparks to fly, but I didn't ignite fuel or anything.

You've never been zapped by a spark plug wire? Shocking...

For the old people: We all know what it feels like when your brother or buddy zaps you with a crank telephone....

 

[Suz]

I've never been shocked on automotive power.


-Jon

Well, that radio zapped me pretty good while I was unplugging it. Won't do that again without unhooking in the battery...



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[Suz]

... "knowledge is power, knowledge is safety, knowledge is happiness"... (Thomas Jefferson, 1817)

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[jdulmer]

There's an old saying, "It isn't the voltage that gets you , it's the amperage."

This is why stun guns and Tasers are non-lethal I(high voltage, low amperage), or so I've been told.



"Libertatem Aut Mortem"

 

[Peanut Butter]

Be sure to get a set of Anderson Power Poles. This will allow you to plug them in on your vehicle, thus not having to raise your hood all the time. Also good for winch connections. Go with the 175's. Here is a good source: SB175 SB Series 175 Amp Anderson Powerpole Kit Rod