What is the Appropriate Gauge for Jumper Cables?

[SawyerMarie]

For small vehicles, a 16-gauge jumper cable is suitable, while for large engineering vehicles, a 25-gauge is recommended. Below is an introduction to jumper cables: Selection of cables: For small vehicles, the national standard pure copper cable should be at least 16-gauge. However, for large engineering vehicles, the national standard pure copper cable should be 25-gauge. If the gauge is lower than the recommended value, it will be difficult to jump-start the engine. With constant power and voltage, the thicker the cable, the lower the resistance, resulting in a higher current transmitted to the motor. It is advisable to use thicker cables or bundle two thinner cables together. Unless specified otherwise, the standard is a 16-gauge copper cable. If specified, a 25-gauge copper cable is required. Precautions for using car batteries: Ensure the auxiliary battery is 12V and the negative terminal is grounded. Also, turn off all unnecessary lights and accessories to prevent electrical accidents. Never reverse the positive and negative terminals of the cables, as this may cause sparks when connecting. Additionally, ensure the cables are tightly connected to the battery terminals (full contact) to avoid sparking during the jump-start process. Start the engine of the vehicle with the auxiliary battery and let it run at medium speed. Then start the engine of the vehicle with the depleted battery.