In this article we will show you some key factors to consider before buying a set of jumper cables.
Jumper cable gauge wire size.
The n gauge wire diameter d n in millimeters mm is equal to 0 127mm times 92 raised to the power of 36 minus gauge.
In other words a typical car starter requires a lot.
A low number means thicker wire.
This allows you to connect the two batteries together without stretching.
The smaller the wire diameter the less power it can handle.
A higher number gauge is not better.
As far as i know these values are valid as of today.
Cable size ampacity chart.
Most jumper cables on the market measure 10 feet.
Actually for my current installation i ve sized all of my dc cables to meet the 175 amp worst case scenario.
An average set of jumper cables should have wire that is 6 or 8 gauge.
According to popular mechanics you should look for a set of jumper cables that are between gauge sizes four and six you also want to look for jumper cables that are about 20 feet long just in case you can t park your car close enough to another vehicle.
Not all jumper cables are created equal.
They are suitable for use in very cold conditions and have ergonomic twice grip clamps for excellent conductivity and tension.
The following maximum amps versus cable size awg come from the nec version 2011.
This is ideal for saloon cars but if you have a larger car look at the 20 to 25 foot jumper cables.
An all round reliable and robust car jumper cables suitable for 12 24 volt batteries.
When starting a car engine it is amazing how much power gets sucked from the battery.
Seeing a nice thick pair or jumper cables at the store marked heavy duty can be deceiving what you really need to look at is the gauge of the cables themselves.
Cheaper jumper cables usually have 10.
So a typical range of jumper cables will run from a 1 gauge to a 12 gauge wire.
Best jumper cable size gauge the thing with wire size is this.
Larger vehicles need cables designated as 2 or 4 gauge.
The gauge refers to the thickness of the wiring in the jumper cables.
Wire gauge calculations wire diameter calculations.
Thicker wire carries more power allowing you to jump start larger batteries.
The larger the wire diameter the more power it can handle.
Abn jumper cables 25ft long 2 gauge 600 amp commercial automotive vehicle booster cables motorcycle car atv 4 7 out of 5 stars 633 29 49 29.
American wire gauge size calculator and chart.
So what do you need to consider when choosing a set of jumper cables.
So all interconnecting cables are 2 0 based on the chart below.
The 4 gauge cables are well insulated and don t tangle.
D n in 0 005 in 92 36 n 39.
Cartman booster cable 4 gauge x 20ft in carry bag 4awg x 20ft ul listed.