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The Ultimate Guide to Buying Heavy Duty Jumper Cables

When it comes to jumper cables, there are several factors to consider. These include gauge and length, clamps, and insulation material.

First and foremost, it’s important to choose a set that’s compatible with your vehicle’s battery. This means that the cables are designed to deliver enough current to start your car.

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Gauge and Length

When it comes to jumper cables, gauge is one of the most important factors to consider. It determines how powerful the jumper cable can be.

Ideally, you want to choose a cable with a gauge rating that’s within the vehicle’s power requirements. This way, you won’t have to spend too much money on a jumper cable that doesn’t work.

Choosing the right length for your jumper cables is another important consideration. A 12-foot cable may be ideal for two cars facing each other, but it’s probably not practical for other situations, such as when you need to jump start a van or SUV.

Clamps

The best heavy duty jumper cables feature clamps that are able to grip either the top or side terminals of your battery. These clamps are the business end of your jumper cables and should have heavy springs to keep them closed, as well as copper jaws for optimal electrical conductivity.

Clamps are the crucial part of a jumper cable and can make or break it. They must be made from solid copper or CCA (copper-clad steel), and they need to be insulated to prevent accidental sparking.

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Our pick for best heavy duty jumper cables is the Energizer set, which features an excellent range of gauges and lengths. It’s tangle-free, and even better it comes in a handy travel case so you can take it anywhere

Insulation Material

The insulation material is one of the most important things to look for when buying heavy duty jumper cables. It protects the cables from overheating and keeps them flexible. It also helps prevent arcs from happening that could cause severe damage to your vehicle.

In addition, the insulation on these cables should be thick enough to keep you safe from electrical shocks and burns. It must be able to withstand a range of weather conditions, including freezing cold.

Cables made of copper-clad aluminum wire are the most common types on the market. These cables have the conductivity of copper, but are less expensive and lighter.

Quality

When it comes to jumper cables, quality is key. It’s worth paying extra for quality because they will last longer and won’t fail you during an emergency, which can save you money in the long run.

When choosing a heavy duty jumper cables set, look for wire gauge (smaller numbers mean thicker wire), thickness, length, and clamps that stay on the battery terminals. High-quality insulation will also help prevent damage.

Another important feature to look for is a carrying case or storage spool. These are great for safely storing your jumper cables and making them easy to grab in an emergency.

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Price and Value

There are many different types of heavy duty jumper cables on the market, from flimsy eight-gauge wires to pure copper 30-foot sets that cost well over $200. The key is to find a quality pair that will do the job well and last long enough to avoid needing to buy a new set of cables in the future.

A good set of jumper cables should come with a solid warranty. If you can find a brand that guarantees their products for five years, that’s a great deal.

The cables themselves should be durable and resistant to the elements, as well. They should also be tangle-free, which means that they can easily be stored in a small space like a storage bag.

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