The best wires for lighting a car - the main selection criteria

What it is

The devices are also called starting or starting-charging devices. Special equipment designed to start a battery whose charge has reached zero. For these purposes, you will need a working battery device on another car and a set of starting components. The simplest devices consist of several elements with terminals. They are used when the battery is dead and it is not possible to start it without additional help.

The situation can occur when the side lights and various electronics are left on for a long time, when the battery breaks down, or when the car is left in the cold for a long time.

The best and most functional device is jumper wires. They are in the arsenal of any driver, and can help out in a difficult situation not only him, but also another motorist faced with such a problem. This will help you quickly get out of a negative situation and start your car without making significant efforts and without spending a lot of free time and money.

Our comment: what was checked and how they were distributed to places.

In addition to the external examination, laboratory bench tests were carried out:

• measuring the voltage drop on the starting wire at the 10th second at a single current of 200 A;

• checking the integrity of wire insulation at ambient temperatures of 30, 40, 50 ºС below zero;

• performance check at the declared current for 10 seconds.

The places were distributed like this. The first was not awarded at all, since not a single wire met the requirements of OST 37.001.052–2000 in terms of voltage drop. Second and third places were shared by products that were able to withstand the declared current. The fourth and fifth places went to those who, in our opinion, made a mistake with the declared current value and could have looked decent if this parameter had been more modest. The sixth to eighth places were given to wires for which one or another parameter deserves good words. Those who took places from 9th to 12th had nothing to praise for. The last place goes to a product that I didn’t like absolutely everything about. All other things being equal, preference was given to the cheaper set.

Selecting starting wires: apply power

What types of wires are there and their characteristics?

Cigarette lighters from both domestic and foreign manufacturers differ in the cross-section of the product and its length, design features of the terminals, options, operational and electrical characteristics.

Based on functionality, devices are:

The length of the structures varies. Popular models are produced: 7, 5, 4.5, 3, 2.5, 2.2 and 2 meters. The cross-section of one element can range from 4 to 23 sq.m. All products end with cigarette lighter clips. They differ in appearance, and therefore the following types are distinguished:

1. Ticks. The jaws are semicircular, grooved or smooth.
2. Crocodiles. They have pointed, serrated lips (hence the name).

Main characteristics of starter structures:

1. The voltage drop limits on the wire are from 1 to 6 V.
2. The period of operation at rated starting current is at least 10 seconds.
3. The rated starting current is from 100 to 1000 A.

All of the above qualities depend on the cross-section of the structure. The thicker the product, the more current it is able to pass through itself, without a significant voltage drop. The norm is considered to be voltage drops in the range from 1 to 2 V. If the drop occurs within 5 - 6 V, then the car will not be able to start.

What should you pay special attention to when choosing a product? According to buyers, the main performance characteristics of the accessory are:

• the degree of heating of products and terminals during their use;
• operating temperature range (especially the lower value).

The criteria for choosing a product are different for everyone, but it is worth attaching special importance to structures that are able to function in severe frosts down to -50 degrees.

During the process of starting the motor, the current flowing through the structures heats them and the terminals. Moreover, the higher the voltage, the more significant the heating. Products with large cross-sections will barely heat up if the voltage drops to 2 V, while a voltage drop of 4 to 6 V will cause a lot of heat. If the device is used incorrectly, you can get severe burns.

Requirements for wire clamps

Clips or so-called “crocodiles” have a very big influence on the quality of “cigarette lighters”. The main requirement for them is strength and high rigidity. The combination of these qualities allows you to avoid the risk of harming the product.

The crocodiles themselves can be made from a variety of materials - steel, brass or even plastic - but all will need to have thick copper linings in the parts to carry the current.

The next thing you need to pay attention to is where the clamps and wires connect. A good indicator would be the presence of a braided train. When choosing soldering or crimping, preference should be given to the first option, since crimping does not provide full contact, and this increases resistance and voltage loss.

It is also recommended to pay attention to the insulation of the terminals. An advantage when choosing will be the insulated housing, which reduces the risk of short circuit.

Design features of ignition wires

Regardless of whether the product is from a Russian or foreign manufacturer, it consists of three structural elements:

• multi-core conductive core;
• polymer insulation;
• terminals

In most cases, the core is made of copper. To make the device flexible and have improved electrical characteristics, it is made multi-core. The number of cores varies from 60 to 320 pieces, with a diameter of 0.3 mm.

The insulating layer can be silicone, rubber, PVC and other polymer materials. To enable them to withstand severe frosts, modified polymers are used. In most cases, one element is covered with a black insulating layer (“-”), the other with a red (“+”) layer. On sale you can find new products with a transparent insulating layer. Devices with a high frost resistance index have soft black insulation.

Copper and brass are most often used in the manufacture of terminals. However, there are copper-coated steel models on sale, the strength of which is excellent. Thanks to the special coating, their electrical resistance is minimal. They are connected using screw or spade clamps. The handles have black or red plastic insulation.

Lighting wires are always sold in pairs. In this case, the kit may additionally include gloves, a convenient fabric bag and other accessories.

How to choose the right model

Before making a final decision, it is necessary to prioritize the engine size of your vehicle and the climatic conditions in the region where you live. You should definitely take care of such a device in the following cases:

1. Starting the engine “cold” is very difficult.
2. The battery has almost exhausted its working life and has lost its original characteristics.
3. The machine is constantly operated in extreme conditions (excessive frost).

Drivers can refuse to “light up” only if they do not have the appropriate elements. To avoid getting into trouble, you need to purchase your own emergency kit and place it in the trunk. What is the best product to buy? To avoid mistakes when choosing, you need to pay attention to such nuances.

Purpose

The main function of such accessories for vehicles is the ability to start the engine when the charge of its own battery has reached zero. There are craftsmen who can start a car without such structures. First, they remove the battery in their car and replace it with another that works. Start the engine and warm it up a little. After this procedure, without turning off the engine, remove the terminals and replace your own poorly functioning battery. The recommendations of experts boil down to the following: you can’t do this! This is very dangerous based on the following:

1. When switching batteries, “free” terminals can cause a short circuit.
2. If the generator contributed to the increased voltage, as soon as the terminals are removed with the engine not turned off, all the electrical equipment there will receive abnormal voltage, which will lead to failure of the electronic control units, lighting and other electrical equipment.
3. When the battery is turned off/on, there is a high probability of its polarity reversal. Moreover, this applies to both your own car and the donor vehicle. And this is a very dangerous situation.
4. The process of removing the terminals from the battery is fraught with problems with the immobilizer, problems with setting up the radio and alarm. This applies to both cars, both foreign and Russian-made, whether they are budget or expensive.

Specialized retail outlets will offer a huge range of products to choose from, for every taste and budget, for trucks and cars, as well as universal options, with or without additional functions. Devices are purchased for many years, so the choice must be taken seriously. Experts advise paying close attention to such device parameters.

Length

The idea that long wires are the best is erroneous. The longer the conductor, the more voltage it loses. If in one-meter structures the drop is 0.5 Volts, then in three-meter ones the figure will reach 1.5 Volts. If we take into account that there are two elements, then the voltage will generally drop by 3 Volts.

The length of the product is greatly influenced by the installation location of the standard battery. If the battery is located in the trunk or passenger compartment, then a powerful terminal must be installed inside the hood to allow the vehicle to be started in the event of an emergency. As a rule, the manufacturer installs it under red insulating protection. The location is indicated by a “+” sign.

The most optimal length is considered to be 2 – 3.5 meters. To ensure that this length is enough to light a car parked in the garage, experienced motorists turn it with the hood towards the gate. If the battery is located under the hood on the passenger side, it is worth considering purchasing longer devices, since the donor car will not be able to drive very close to the stalled vehicle. This is especially true for an incident that occurred on the highway.

Section indicator

The most acceptable indicator for these purposes is 16 sq. mm (or 5 mm in diameter). If this value is less, the element will heat up and the voltage will drop significantly. It is worth keeping in mind that Chinese manufacturers save a lot on cross-sections in order to minimize the cost of the goods produced and make more profit in the process of selling them. For this purpose, they make the thickness of the cores miniscule, while making the insulation layer substantial. Therefore, give preference to products from a domestic manufacturer.

Material for manufacturing structural elements

As a rule, stranded copper conductor is used in the production of current-carrying conductors. It is worth noting that the copper itself comes across both good and poor quality. At the same time, its production technology also varies. Thus, seven different technologies are used in the manufacture of acoustic products. For lighting wires, inexpensive copper is sufficient, since the technological features in their manufacture are almost identical.

As for aluminum, its resistivity is lower than that of copper. Based on these characteristics, it is more suitable for the manufacture of conductors. However, it is worth keeping in mind that aluminum is too brittle and melts easily, so manufacturers do not use it.

Almost all models have insulation made of polyvinyl chloride. It's very soft. Appearance says nothing about its quality. The packaging must contain information about the operating temperature range. In severe frosts (below -30 degrees), poor insulation can crack and render the structure unusable.

Copper, bronze, steel and brass are used in the manufacture of alligator clips. According to buyers, brass and copper options are considered the best. Steel has a high contact resistance, which leads to an increase in electrolysis processes. The elements become green or white, covered with a coating. If the thickness of bronze is insignificant, then it can quickly break. On the market you can find good combination clamps made of steel, equipped with copper teeth.

Where to buy devices

Purchasing this category of product is quite simple. Specialized stores supply a huge range of these products from different manufacturers. It is advisable to visit them to purchase the desired device. If you have difficulty making a choice, a professional sales manager will help you decide on this issue, introduce you to the new products being produced, tell you what, how much it costs and how long this or that equipment will last.

You can order goods online in the online store. However, before placing an order, it is advisable to conduct a review of the devices offered, carefully look at the product photos, and read user reviews. It would not be a bad idea to check the supplier for integrity. Otherwise, instead of an expensive foreign device, you can get a low-quality Chinese disposable fake.

There is a third option - to make the product yourself. It's not as difficult as it seems at first glance. This option is especially suitable for motorists who prefer to do everything themselves. If difficulties arise during the manufacturing process, detailed instructions posted on the Internet will come to the rescue. Before you begin, you need to purchase the following components:

1. Multi-core structures with a length of at least 2 meters and a cross-section of at least 25 sq. mm in the amount of two pieces. The insulation should be of different shades. The best option is red and black.
2. Steel knife or side cutters. Necessary for removing the insulating layer.
3. Powerful soldering iron (at least 60 W), PIC solder - 60.
4. Active plus for soldering and tinning.
5. Alligator clips made of brass or copper (4 pieces).
6. Insulating heat shrink or cambric. Needed to isolate the connection area with the clamp.
7. Pliers.

The manufacturing process is as follows:

1. At both ends of the structure, the insulating layer is removed (1.5 cm on each side),
2. Soldering points of clamps or copper products are tinned.
3. The products are attached to the clamps using pliers and a hammer.
4. The last step is to solder the electrical contact areas with the clamps. If the contact points are properly crimped, then there will be no need for soldering. If you use high-quality products, the electrical connections can be secured using the spot welding method.

Rating of inexpensive high-quality devices

KRAFT KT/880002, 400 A, 2.5 m

The starting wires are made of high quality copper. Thermoplastic rubber acts as an insulating layer. They belong to the frost-resistant category. Withstands temperatures from -40 to +80 degrees. Length – 2.5 meters. How many amps do the wires have? The maximum current indicator is 400 A. There is no question of how to connect them. At the ends there are special clips - crocodiles.

The average price is 849 rubles.

wires KRAFT KT/880002, 400 A, 2.5 m

Advantages:

• practical;
• convenient to use;
• withstand severe frosts;
• high quality copper;
• optimal length;
• The set includes a convenient bag - a cover.

Flaws:

• not installed.

Nova Bright

The products of the American brand are produced in the Middle Kingdom. Belongs to the category of budget models. The length varies from one and a half to two and a half meters. The structures are made separately. The insulating layer is transparent plastic. The double crimp method is used to connect the clamps and cable. The crocodiles are steel, coated with copper plating. The total cross-section is 4.2 sq. mm.

You can purchase the product at a price of 275 rubles.

Nova Bright wires

Advantages:

• good characteristics;
• ease of operation;
• reliability;
• functionality.

Flaws:

• the cross section is too small.

Battery 400 A ARNEZI A0102004

The diameter of the wires is 9 mm, the length is 2.5 meters. They operate with a voltage of 12/24 V. They consist of 170 cores. The operating temperature indicator is from +80 to – 40 degrees. Insulation – polyvinyl chloride. Designed to start the engine using a working battery. Belong to the universal type. Reviews about the product are only positive.

The average cost is 680 rubles.

battery wires 400 A ARNEZI A010200

Advantages:

• long service life;
• practicality;
• ease of use;
• reliability;
• safety;
• The set includes a bag for transportation;
• value for money.

Flaws:

• not installed.

Battery ARNEZI A/0102006

The product is 2.5 meters long. The total number of cores is 64 pieces. Wire diameter – 7 mm. Supply voltage – 12 V. Current indicator – 150 A. Insulating material – silicone. It functions efficiently at 80 degrees of heat and 40 degrees of frost. If there is not enough charge on your own car, it will help to start it with the help of another donor car. For ease of transportation, a high-quality bag is provided.

The purchase price is 374 rubles.

battery wires ARNEZI A/0102006

Advantages:

• ease of use;
• functionality;
• withstands extreme heat and severe frosts;
• does not crack or melt;
• reliable;
• durable.

Flaws:

• none.

STANDARD AIRLINE SA/150/07S

The product is manufactured for lighting batteries. Length – 2 meters. Current strength – 150 A. Very convenient for use by car owners. It will help you quickly get out of a situation when the battery is dead. Can be used both in hot and cold weather. Completely safe. You can purchase it at specialized retail outlets or order it online in an online store.

Purchase price – 243 rubles.

wires STANDARD AIRLINE SA/150/07S

Advantages:

• ease of use;
• reliable;
• acceptable length;
• inexpensive;
• long service life.

Flaws:

• not installed.

Stels 55917

The main task of the starting wires is to provide additional recharge to the starter in a car with a discharged battery or oil that has thickened in severe frost. Length – 2.3 meters, current – ​​200 A. Belongs to the category of universal goods. Purchased by owners of both trucks and passenger vehicles. They will help start the car during long-term storage in the cold season, when the battery has completely self-discharged.

The average price is 820 rubles.

wires Stels 55917

Advantages:

• versatility;
• practicality;
• reliability;
• durability;
• acceptable cost.

Flaws:

• none.

The ringleader

Product from a domestic company with production facilities in St. Petersburg. You can purchase it at any specialized retail outlet at an affordable price. The declared current indicator is only 220 A, but even this is not achieved in reality. Length 2 meters. Not afraid of the cold.

The average price is 300 rubles.

wire ringleader

Advantages:

• practicality;
• functionality;
• inexpensive.

Flaws:

• bad contacts.

Budget options

AUTOVIRAZH AV-911200

They are distinguished by their low price, but quite decent quality. With their help, you can almost instantly start a car engine from the battery of another car, simply from a charged battery, or start it through a jump-start charger. The maximum starting current is 200 A. The length of the wires is significant - as much as 32 m. On the one hand, this is very convenient, because cars can be at a decent distance from each other, but the voltage losses are quite large.

More: TOP 10 best cars for novice drivers

The cables are supplied with a storage bag made of synthetic materials. This solution is very convenient - the wires will not be scattered throughout the trunk. The operating temperature of these wires ranges from -25 (at lower values ​​the likelihood of damage to the wire insulation increases) to +60 degrees.

Advantages:

• The cable is flexible;
• The products are of decent length;
• The set includes a synthetic cover;
• Acceptable price.

Flaws:

• The wire is not very thick, so it cannot withstand too high a current.

Starting leads AUTOVIRAZH AV-911200

Airline SA-150-07S

The ends have very reliable and tight alligator clips. They come into the most intimate contact with the battery terminals and start the engine literally within one to two seconds. The length of the wires is only 2 meters, so the cars should be parked as close to each other as possible, the highest throughput current does not exceed 150 A, the cables are designed for a voltage of 12 V. The products are optimally suited for use in extremely cold winter conditions. The conductors are placed in frost-resistant insulation, which can withstand temperatures up to 40 degrees below zero.

The wires are made on the basis of copper stranded cores - there are as many as 80 of them in the structure. Their total cross-sectional area is 6.6 square meters. mm, which is a very serious parameter.

Advantages:

• Very high-quality cable insulation, which can easily withstand even quite severe frosts;
• The clamps are reliable, contact the terminals very tightly;
• Provides quick lighting.

Flaws:

• They are able to withstand low current, so such wires are suitable only for relatively weak engines.

Starting wires Airline SA-150-07S

AUTOSTART AS-P200-22

Although this product belongs to the budget price category, many users praise it in their reviews, since its quality and capabilities clearly exceed its cost. First of all, the wires are insulated from polyvinyl chloride materials with the addition of silicone. These substances can easily withstand very low temperatures (down to 50 degrees below zero) without deformation; cracks do not appear on the insulation even after several years. The conductive element consists of 80 copper strands that are intertwined.

Crocodiles are quite tight - in order to unclip them you will have to apply a decent amount of force. They fit securely to the battery terminals. The maximum starting current reaches 200 A, the cable is designed for 12 V, but the length is insignificant - only 2 m.

Advantages:

• Wire insulation can withstand severe frosts;
• Capable of passing optimal current through itself;
• The clamps are of high quality and connect tightly to the terminals.

Flaws:

• The length of the wires is short - you have to park the cars literally close to each other.

Jump leads AUTOSTART AS-P200-22

Airline SA-200-02

These wires are able to instantly start the engine regardless of weather conditions - they are designed for use at temperatures from -40 to +80 degrees. The starting current is 200 A. The terminals are compact in size, just like the conductive elements, they are made of high-quality copper - a material with minimal resistance to electricity. The small dimensions of the terminals help to get close to the battery, which is located in a hard-to-reach place under the hood of the car.

The operating voltage is quite standard - 12 V, the length of the wires is short (2 m). The set of wires comes in a reusable silicone case - it is convenient to store this product. The instructions are detailed and tell you in clear language how to use these cables correctly. The cross-section of the current-carrying conductors is 8.5 square meters. mm.

More: Top 10 best anti-freeze liquids for cars, how to choose anti-freeze liquid for a car?

Advantages:

• An excellent option for car engines whose volume does not exceed 2 liters;
• Crocodiles are made from high quality copper;
• The insulation is very soft and can easily withstand very low temperatures.

Flaws:

• The zipper on the case fails quite quickly;
• At maximum current, the wires heat up excessively, which ultimately leads to a voltage drop.

Starting wires Airline SA-200-02

Mid-price segment products

Autoprofi APBC5000XL

The length of the wires for lighting is 3.5 meters. It is very convenient to use for charging batteries in both trucks and cars. Operates in severe frosts and hot weather. Does not break or crack. Lasts quite a long time. The clamps are durable and high quality.

The average price is 1550 rubles.

wires Autoprofi APBC5000XL

Advantages:

• ease of use;
• optimal length;
• positive reviews;
• value for money;
• safety.

Flaws:

• none.

Battery Vympel 146227

The product is produced by a Russian enterprise. The current indicator is 500 A, length 3 meters with a diameter of 10 mm. Consists of 94 cores. Designed for operation at temperatures from 50 degrees below zero to 80 degrees above zero. It is safe and has a long service life. Made from quality materials.

The purchase price is 1,794 rubles.

battery wires Vympel 146227

Advantages:

• ease of use;
• durability;
• functionality;
• versatility.

Flaws:

• not installed.

Stels 55919

The product is manufactured to perform this task - to additionally recharge the starter in a vehicle if its own battery is completely dead or the oil has frozen in severe frost. The length of the product is 2.5 meters, it operates with a current of 400 A. It will become an indispensable assistant for starting cars and trucks.

Purchase price – 1330 rubles.

wires Stels 55919

Advantages:

• versatility;
• practicality;
• functionality;
• durability.

Flaws:

• none.

Astro Smart PLU

The model is in great demand due to its complete safety and reliability in operation. Even if a polarity reversal or contact shorting occurs, the driver will never be shocked due to the presence of safe clamps. If an emergency occurs, there will be no negative impact on the electrical systems. The manufacturer has equipped its brainchild with special LED indicators that will let you know whether you have connected the wires to the terminals correctly. The ends are connected separately, so even if the cables touch each other, a short circuit will not occur. Capable of passing a current of 400 A. The thickness of the cores is 6 mm. The wire is 5.3 meters long. The manufacturer guarantees a service life of 10 years.

Purchase price – 1300 rubles.

Astro Smart PLU wires

Advantages:

• safety;
• reliability;
• versatility;
• functionality;
• positive user reviews;
• value for money.

Flaws:

• not installed.

ASTRO SMART PLU

A distinctive feature of the model is the safety clamps, thanks to which you will definitely not receive an electric shock in the event of polarity reversal or contact shorting. This not only makes the operation of the devices as safe as possible, but also prevents overloading the vehicle's electrical system.

Special LED indicators indicate whether you have connected the wires to the terminals correctly. The ends are connected separately, so that even if the cables touch, a short circuit will not occur.

The devices are capable of transmitting 400 A. The thickness reaches 6 millimeters, the length of the wire is 5.3 m. The service life reaches 10 years. This is not as much as in the case of conventional wires, but still quite good.

Expensive devices

Deka

The product is considered very reliable. The cable is of significant thickness. Designed for lighting large vehicles - trucks and tractors. The length of the device is 8 meters. There are no difficulties when connecting from another machine. The wires are copper, high quality. Capacity – 600 A. The insulating layer is very reliable. In its manufacture, a thermoplastic elastomer is used, which is characterized by increased stability. Not afraid of mechanical influences, aggressive environments and significant temperature changes. Belongs to industrial grade.

The average cost is 9,000 rubles.

Deka wires

Advantages:

• significant thickness;
• safety;
• functionality;
• reliability;
• long service life;
• positive reviews.

Flaws:

• overcharge.

Heyner

The kit is produced by a German company. A distinctive feature of the device is wear resistance, practicality and the ability to operate at very low temperatures. Available in lengths from 3.5 to 4.5 meters. For easy storage, the set includes a durable fabric case with a handle. Alligator clips are attached to the cable via threads. The clamps are made from brass with a plastic coating. Each wire consists of 320 copper cores with a total cross-section of 22.5 sq. mm.

Purchase price – 4000 rubles.

Heyner wires

Advantages:

• practicality;
• functionality;
• wear resistance;
• withstands any temperature;
• does not break or burst;
• long service life.

Flaws:

• not identified.

Coleman

The model is designed for lighting cars and small trucks. Available in lengths from 4 to 8 meters. The cable diameter also varies. The operating temperature range is significant. Flexibility remains at forty-degree frosts. The clamps are ergonomic. The cable is not afraid of significant loads. There are polarity indicators to ensure the terminal connection is correct.

Purchase price – 2600 rubles.

Coleman wires

Advantages:

• positive user reviews;
• long service life;
• reliability;
• ease of use;
• quality of materials used.

Flaws:

• Aluminum is used in the manufacture of the core.

Smart Power Berkut RYH SP – 400

The product is made in China, but there are no complaints about its quality. The operating temperature range is impressive. The device will quickly complete its task, even if the outside temperature drops to 50 degrees below zero. The declared current is 400 A, drops by only 1.4 V. The cable is made three meters long, of a dual type. It's easy to work with.

The average price is 2700 rubles.

wires Smart Power Berkut RYH SP – 400

Advantages:

• wide temperature range;
• practicality;
• long service life;
• reliability.

Flaws:

• weak contacts.

Airline Expert SA/1000/06E

The product is manufactured in the Middle Kingdom, but the developers are engineers from St. Petersburg. The starting device is very popular due to the ratio of price and functionality. It is frost resistant. Withstands 40 degree frosts. Produced in lengths from 2 to 5 meters. The capacity ranges from 200 to 400 A. The clamps are made of plastic, the contacts are steel. In the manufacture of crocodiles, dual contact technology is used. The total cross-section is 8.5 sq. mm.

Purchase price – 3549 rubles.

wires Airline Expert SA/1000/06E

Advantages:

• affordable price;
• practicality;
• ease of use;
• functionality;
• wear resistance.

Flaws:

• not identified.