How Thick Should Jumper Cables Be for Cars? Can Ordinary Wires Be Used?
2 Answers
Automobile jumper cables have specific thickness requirements, measured in square millimeters. For general household cars, it is recommended to use copper cables with an outer diameter of 10mm or more. When jump-starting a car, it is essential to use dedicated jumper cables. If ordinary wires must be used as a substitute, ensure they are large-gauge pure copper national standard wires to avoid affecting the jump-starting effectiveness and prevent damage to both vehicles. The specific criteria for selecting jumper cables are as follows: Choose based on the car's displacement: Do not randomly select jumper cables, as improper use can easily damage the battery. The car's displacement determines the appropriate jumper cables, and one should not opt for low-quality cables just because they are cheaper. Choose based on the car battery's current: The higher the current, the thicker the jumper cables needed. Using thinner cables can easily lead to leakage, which not only damages the battery but also increases safety risks.
I remember a few years ago when I was driving out for fun, my car suddenly ran out of battery. In a hurry to start it, I grabbed some ordinary household wires to try jump-starting. Well, those wires were too thin—they heated up and burned within less than a minute, almost causing a fire. Later, I learned that starting a car requires a high current, and regular household wires, usually around AWG 18, are too thin to handle hundreds of amps. They can easily overheat, melt, or even short-circuit, damaging the battery or vehicle electronics. Proper jumper cables should be at least AWG 4 to 6, thicker and capable of safely conducting the current. After that lesson, I specifically bought a set of automotive-grade cables and keep them in the trunk for emergencies. My advice: don’t skimp on this—if you run into trouble in the middle of nowhere, especially in winter or humid conditions where risks are higher, it’s a big hassle. Always prioritize proper equipment.
