What are jumper cables and why would you need them?

Jumper cables are special thick cables with clamps on each end that can help you start your car by connecting your dead battery to another car’s working battery. When buying a jumper cable, there are several things to consider to ensure that you are getting a high-quality cable that will work effectively and safely:

• Length: Choose a jumper cable that is long enough to easily reach the batteries of the two vehicles.
• Gauge: Look for a cable with a lower gauge number, such as 2 AWG, as these are thicker and can handle more current.
• Material: Copper is a popular choice for jumper cables as it is a good conductor of electricity. It can be both durable and flexible.
• Clamps: Make sure the battery cable has high-quality clamps that are easy to use and clamp securely onto the car battery terminals.
• Insulation: Thick insulation can help protect against electrical shock and prevent damage to the cable.
• Amperage Rating: Check the amperage rating of the cable to make sure it can handle the current required by your vehicle.
• Brand and Quality: Choose a high-quality jumper cable from a reputable brand to ensure reliability when you need it most.

The most important thing to know about using jumper cables is the amount of electrical current they can handle. This depends on the quality of the cable and how thick the insulation is. The ability of a cable to handle current increases with its thickness, while its capacity to withstand voltage is enhanced by a larger gauge. The most common size for jumper cables is 2 AWG, which can handle up to 165 amps at 35,000 volts.

Our recommendation is to choose high-quality jumper cables with thick insulation. Although jumper cables are meant for short-term use, it is a good idea to invest in heavy-duty cables that can handle the highest amount of current possible.

While you can usually find jumper cables at gas stations, the ones they sell there are often small and not heavy-duty enough for larger vehicles like trucks. So, it’s a good idea to have your own high-quality jumper cables on hand, just in case. And, in that way, you will be prepared.

If you are interested in buying a jumper cable, you can see different options at https://nassaunationalcable.com/collections/jumper-cable/products/jumper-cable-single-conductor