Is 2.5 Square Millimeter Copper Wire Suitable for Jump-Starting a Car?

[JulianaRose]

Using 2.5 square millimeter copper wire for jump-starting a car is not suitable. Introduction to Car Jump Cables: Generally, 10 square millimeter cables are acceptable for jump-starting, but dedicated automotive jumper cables should be used to ensure successful jump-starting without damaging the battery. A 2.5 square millimeter battery jumper cable is not thick enough; 2.5 square millimeter wires are typically used for home wiring. For regular passenger vehicles, cables of 10 square millimeters or larger are required, while larger trucks need cables around 25 square millimeters. Sequence for Connecting Jump Cables: The order for connecting jumper cables is as follows: first, attach the red cable's clamp to the positive terminal of the dead battery, and the other red clamp to the positive terminal of the live battery. Then, connect one clamp of the black cable to the negative terminal of the dead battery, and the other end to the negative terminal of the live battery.

[VanIsabelle]

As someone with ten years of auto repair experience, I think using 2.5 square millimeter copper wire for jump-starting is too risky. Cars require hundreds of amps of current during startup, and the small cross-sectional area of 2.5 square millimeters can easily overheat, potentially burning the wires or causing a fire. I've seen similar accidents where owners temporarily used household wires and ended up with smoke. Professional jumper cables are typically 4 square millimeters or above to withstand the pressure. Remember the correct steps: first connect the positive terminal (red to red), then attach the black clamp to a metal ground on the engine hood. Jump-starting is a life-saving matter, don't try to save small money—buy good cables for safety.

[VonBlakely]

Last time my car battery died, a friend tried to help using 2.5mm² copper wire from home. The wire instantly got hot and couldn't start the car, wasting half a day. Through this ordeal, I learned thin wires aren't suitable for high currents - the starting surge demands more, and thin wires with high resistance will overheat or even melt. Professional jumper cables with thicker 4mm² wires are more reliable. I recommend keeping a proper jump-start kit in the trunk with well-insulated clamps. The key is monitoring battery condition while driving to avoid discharge, preventing embarrassing situations.

[McViolet]

I asked the same question when I first learned to drive. Experts explained that 2.5 square millimeter copper wire is not safe enough, as the high starting current can easily overload the wire, posing a danger; the ideal choice is 4 square millimeter or above. When jump-starting, operate steadily: connect the red clamp to the positive battery terminal and the black clamp to a metal part of the chassis to avoid sparks. Protect yourself from electric shock.

[DeVivian]

DIY test conducted: Using 2.5 square millimeter copper wire for jump-starting showed significant voltage drop and low efficiency; Comparatively, 4 square millimeter wire performed noticeably more stable, preventing overheating damage. The wire's cross-sectional area determines its current-carrying capacity. It's recommended to purchase dedicated cables with protection features rather than taking risks.