Correct light wires

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:41

Every motorist has run out of battery at least once in his life. Without it, the car cannot be started, and there is no other way to go, how to start the engine from another vehicle. In this case, the presence of a wire for "lighting up" the car is a real salvation. This easy-to-use accessory is indispensable when the vehicle is on the side of the road.

This device must be in the car, not only to keep your own car on the move, but also to help other motorists who are in a difficult situation. This article provides an overview of the best models and gives advice on choosing the most suitable option that fully meets the needs of the user. Not only ordinary wires for “lighting up” a car are considered, but also professional brands, and their various types for different purposes.

Forney 52878

Good light wires don't come cheap and this model is a prime example of that. Herthe cost exceeds 12 thousand rubles. Forney 52878 is not only distinguished by its long length, exceeding 7 m, but also by the use of the best materials. The pair of wires is made from industrial grade copper welding wire, with heavy-duty 500A clamps on both ends.

Although the kit is quite expensive, it will last a long time, it will not break, overheat or melt during use. The manufacturer has a shorter and cheaper version, but if you need the best, then you should stop at the seven-meter one.

Users of the Forney 52878 are very satisfied, and almost all reviews state that they will never need other wires to “light up” a car again.

Bayco SL-3010

This is also a high quality product, but it costs less. The kit is 7.6m long (no smaller size available) and features extremely strong clamps rated at 800 amps. However, there is no information about the characteristics of the wires for "lighting up". The clamps are made of steel, not copper. Steel crocodiles do the same job as copper ones, but copper conducts current better and is therefore a more favorable material. Other specifications indicate that Bayco SL 3010 is a high quality product with good performance and an excellent reputation. Users report no particular problems with this kit.

Energizer 1-Gauge

Another interesting high performance product. It is a package with wiresover 9 m long and a Quick Connect connector for quick and easy connection to car sockets. Please note that this kit does not have clips on both sides, as usual, since Quick-Connect sockets are installed on one side. This limits the scope of this model to machines equipped with these outlets, so it's best to check compatibility before purchasing.

Energizer 1-Gauge is the best choice for professional towing users and people who have vehicles with Quick Connect outputs. Wires are available in different lengths and at different prices. The quality of the materials is good and there are no problems with the Energizer 1-Gauge.

Performance Tool W1667

This is a mid-range product with good performance and modest price. Copper-plated steel clips are not well insulated, which may not be acceptable for demanding users. The cable length is 6 m - not short, but shorter than some other models.

In general, if you need inexpensive but good wires for "lighting up" a car, then this kit is a suitable choice, although you should not expect the durability of more expensive brands from it. With 500A clamps, they should be able to handle the most common tasks.

Performance Tool W1667 is available in different sizes and at affordable prices, but the best deal is a portable set with other cables and connections for almost any purpose andneeds.

Energizer 2-Gauge

Affordable product of good quality is Energizer's offer with standard alligator wires for lighter wires on both sides, plated with copper for better conductivity. However, the conductors themselves are not copper. They are made from copper-plated aluminium. This is a cheaper solution because copper is better at transmitting electricity, but aluminum is lighter and cheaper. 6m length is sufficient for most users and the insulation material remains flexible and insulating even at -40°C.

Due to its really affordable price, this is a good deal for car enthusiasts who don't need a regular cigarette but need a set of reliable wires in case of emergency. The manufacturer produces sets of different lengths.

FJC 45245 2 Gauge

This inexpensive, unobtrusive product features professional-grade wires and conventional 600A steel clamps. The 7.6m length is an advantage, but the inexpensive insulation and alligator design may not appeal to many. However, if you do not need to bring power every day, these wires are suitable for car enthusiasts who do not want to be left on the sidelines.

Experts do not recommend this model unconditionally as there are much better options on the market for a little more money.

Coleman 08660

These are simple and affordable classic wires with standard copper-added clamps. Designed for warm and cold climates. In the dark theypolarity labels light up.

The wires are available in two sizes - 3.5m and a larger, more desirable length of 6m. This is a relatively simple product with no extra features, but one problem. Both cables are the same color, which can cause confusion. Although the clips are colored red and black to represent the positive and negative terminals of the battery, both wires are red. In emergency situations, when starting the engine in the dark, it is difficult to understand what kind of cable it is, and in a hurry you can make a mistake. That's why experts don't recommend this product, even though it's a solid cable set.

CBC25 Heavy Duty 2 Gauge

Over 9m long, with an affordable price and good performance, this wire set is one of the most recommended products by experts. It features a heavy-duty, ultra-flexible cable and 600 Amp clamps with copper inserts for the best possible connection.

The wires are colored red and black for quick polarity recognition, as it should be. Designed for warm and cold climates, it provides insulation flexibility down to -55°C and is suitable for 12V and 24V systems. This versatility means the wires are of good quality and can handle high voltage and heavy use. Although most vehicles use 12-volt systems, some models are powered by 24-volt power supplies. Such versatilityindicates the suitability of wires for professional use.

Cartman Heavy Duty

This is another affordable but really good product that comes in several sizes and sets. The difference between them is not only in length, but also in the design of the clips. Depending on the option chosen, well-insulated and copper-plated alligator clips are available and are easy to use with any type of car battery.

The wires are made of copper-plated aluminum, which is the standard for most models on the market, and the maximum current is 600 A. The cable insulation is made of TPR material, which has high resistance at low temperatures (down to -40 ° C), so it can be used in extremely cold environments.

So if the car needs to light up, Cartman wires are one of the best options, especially since they come with a cute pouch to store them.

OxGord 4 Gauge

For users who decide which wire to “light up” a car is better to buy, experts advise one of the cheapest models on the market - OxGord 4 Gauge. The manufacturer offers different sizes (from 3.7 to 7.6 m). Each variant is the same in terms of clip type (copper plated) and colors (red and black). The set includes a practical plastic bag for cable storage. The wires are copper-plated aluminum and the insulation is TPR. This material is designed for temperatures up to -40°C.

The manufacturer is a well-known brand, so the OxGord 4 Gauge is great for personal use and to have in the car in case of emergency. However, this is not a professional product with heavy duty features. Therefore, if you need something for commercial use, you should not consider purchasing it.

Experts advise buying the longest version (7.6m) which will be enough to run regular cars as well as large SUVs or trucks.

Purchasing Tips

First of all, you need to familiarize yourself with what kind of wires for "lighting up" are, their specifications and rules of use. This is a simple car accessory that is basically 2 thick industrial type cables with crocodile clips on each side.

In most cases, for convenience, one of them is painted red and the other black. Black indicates the negative pole of the power supply, and red indicates the positive. The cables themselves are exactly the same, interchangeable, but it is important not to confuse them.

Which wires are better for "lighting up"? When buying, you should listen to these important tips:

• Always buy the longest wires. This is very practical because they allow you to connect 2 cars that are difficult to position perfectly in an emergency - side by side or nose to nose. In such cases, longer cables -the only way to successfully complete the task and start the motor. Most of the wires available on the market are short (up to 3 m), but larger kits should be purchased. There is no real limit, so you need to purchase the longest cables you can find. This will avoid the situation where there are wires, but it is impossible to connect them because they are too short.
• Always buy thick and heavy wires. There are cheaper and thinner models on the market, but these should be avoided as they are only good for 1-2 uses and then overheat and fail. Purchased or hand-made wires for "lighting" must pass large currents and be strong, high quality and durable. Cheap and thin ones just don't meet these requirements, so it's better to use industrial grade materials. Pure copper cables are the preferred option, but copper-clad aluminum is also good. Most modern cars are equipped with powerful batteries, especially large trucks and SUVs, so to successfully start them, you will need a larger cross-section of the “lighting” wire. They must also have reliable clamps that can provide the best connection between the two batteries and carry high currents.
• Good cables are expensive. The main difference between good and bad wires is the quality of the materials. Cheap ones can cost as little as $600-1200, but they will last 1-2 uses and can be very dangerous if used incorrectly. Reliable wires can cost 10times more, but they will last a lifetime. Experts recommend buying the best cable you can afford as it is an important piece of equipment in your car.

If you wish, you can make wires for "lighting up" with your own hands. Components (cable and clamps) should be selected according to the starting current indicated on the battery. In most cases, 16mm stranded copper wire2 will suffice, but higher currents will require a larger cable diameter. It is important that the insulation be reliable and withstand low temperatures (for example, silicone or frost-resistant rubber).

How to use wires?

It's not difficult, but there are a few important things you need to know to do it successfully. If they are not observed, serious problems can arise, including a fire, so you need to remember them every time you “light up” the car:

1. Starting the engine of the donor car. Prior to connecting the wire, the vehicle that is being used to power the dead battery must be started and idle with the transmission in neutral, with the handbrake on, or in park for an automatic transmission. The vehicle must not move.
2. Battery connection. To do this, open the hoods of both vehicles. The colors of the battery terminals will tell you which wires to use to “light up” the car. The red cable must be connected to the positive pole (+ sign) of one battery withthe red terminal is the other. Then you need to connect the black battery terminals with a black wire (sign -). Cables must not be crossed or placed on the motor to avoid damage to the insulation if the motor is hot. You cannot connect terminals of opposite colors and signs. If this is done, a short circuit will occur and the battery current will melt the wires, or they will fail, and in the worst case, a fire or even an explosion of the battery will occur. This is very dangerous and you should always check if the connection is correct, as it is better to spend too much time on safety measures than to regret later.
3. Starting a car with a dead battery. This should be preceded by a slight increase in the engine speed of a car with a good battery. When the rotational speed reaches about 3000 rpm, the generator will turn on, which will replenish the charge and increase the power of the battery, ensuring that the start is successful and fast. On the other hand, the alternator will make up for the shortfall in the donor car's electrical system and prevent any related malfunctions, as newer models are susceptible to power outages. Then the ignition key should be turned and the starter should start the engine in a matter of seconds. If the motor does not start, you must try again, going through the start procedure until the desired result is obtained. After the engine of the car with the dead battery starts up, you can stop accelerating and move on to the next step.
4. Disconnecting the wires for "lighting". When both machines are running, it's time to disengagebatteries. Care must be taken when doing so, as there is still a risk of fire or electrical failure. First, you need to disconnect the red (+) battery connectors, and then do the same with the black ones. In no case should you touch the clamps to each other when the wires are connected. This will cause sparks, which are not harmful in themselves, but indicate a short circuit that can blow car fuses or cause problems with the on-board computer.

Be careful with hot wires. If the cables are of poor quality, they can become very hot during use. They may burn insulation, and uninsulated wires for "lighting" can touch the car. This may cause damage to the vehicle or cause it to catch fire. If the cables are overheated, but they are not visually damaged, they should still be treated as such and a different set should be purchased. For this reason, experts recommend buying reliable heavy-gauge wires that can last a long time and do not get hot during use.