Jumper cable

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Jumper cables between YW25G 686882 and RW19K 553901 (20231103060507)

Jumper cables are a pair of insulated wires of sufficient capacity with alligator clips at both ends to interconnect the batteries of two vehicles. They are commonly used to provide a temporary connection between the battery of a disabled vehicle and the battery of another vehicle or a separate electrical power source to jump-start the engine of the disabled vehicle. The alligator clips are typically color-coded in red and black to indicate the positive and negative terminals, respectively, to ensure proper connection and prevent the risk of electrical short circuits.

Usage

The primary use of jumper cables is to start a vehicle with a depleted battery. This is achieved by connecting the cables in a specific order:

1. The red clip is attached to the positive terminal of the dead battery.
2. The other red clip is connected to the positive terminal of the good battery.
3. The black clip is connected to the negative terminal of the good battery.
4. The other black clip is attached to an unpainted metal surface on the engine block of the vehicle with the dead battery, away from the battery itself, to serve as a ground.

Once the cables are securely in place, the vehicle with the good battery is started, allowing the alternator to charge the dead battery. After a few minutes, the vehicle with the dead battery is typically able to be started on its own.

Safety Precautions

When using jumper cables, several safety precautions should be observed to prevent injury or damage to either vehicle:

• Ensure that the vehicles are not touching each other.
• Verify that the jumper cables are not frayed or damaged.
• Never connect the negative terminal of the good battery directly to the negative terminal of the dead battery to avoid the risk of sparking or explosion.
• Make sure that the connection points are clean and free of corrosion.
• Always connect and disconnect the cables in the correct order.

Selection and Maintenance

Choosing the right jumper cables involves considering the gauge (thickness) of the cables, with lower numbers indicating thicker cables that can carry more current for faster charging. Length is another factor, as longer cables provide more flexibility in positioning the vehicles but may result in lower power transmission efficiency.

Regular maintenance of jumper cables includes inspecting them for signs of wear or damage, keeping the clips clean and free of corrosion, and storing them in a dry, cool place to prevent deterioration of the insulation.

See Also

• Battery charger
• Automotive battery
• Electricity

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