Jump Leads

About Jump Leads

Jump leads, also known as booster cables, are essential emergency equipment for starting vehicles with flat or depleted batteries. These heavy-duty cables transfer electrical current from a charged battery to a dead one, enabling you to start cars, vans, motorcycles, and commercial vehicles without waiting for recovery services. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks jump leads from trusted manufacturers including Draper, Sealey, and Faithfull, with cable thicknesses ranging from 10mm for motorcycles through to 29mm for professional heavy-duty applications.

Modern jump leads feature various safety specifications including surge protection to safeguard sensitive vehicle electronics, heavy-duty clamps for secure battery connections, and pure copper or copper-clad aluminium construction. Whether you need compact retractable leads for occasional roadside emergencies or professional-grade cables rated at 1000A for daily workshop use, MyToolShed.co.uk provides options suitable for DIY enthusiasts and professional tradespeople alike.

Applications

• Mobile mechanics attending roadside breakdowns and emergency callouts
• Fleet managers maintaining commercial vehicle fleets and dealing with battery failures
• Workshop technicians in garages and service centres requiring reliable daily-use equipment
• Recovery services performing multiple jump-starts for stranded motorists
• HGV drivers needing heavy-duty 24V-rated leads for lorries and commercial vehicles
• Agricultural workers starting tractors and farm machinery in remote locations
• Plant operators maintaining construction and industrial equipment
• Car enthusiasts and DIY mechanics working on personal vehicles
• Caravan and motorhome owners for emergency starting and leisure battery maintenance
• Emergency services requiring dependable starting equipment in critical situations

Choosing The Right Jump Leads

Cable thickness and amp rating: Small petrol cars and motorcycles require 10-15mm cables rated at 200-400A, whilst most family cars need 16-20mm cables rated at 400-600A. Diesel vehicles, vans, and 4x4s demand heavy-duty 20-25mm cables rated at 600A minimum due to higher starting current requirements. Commercial vehicles and agricultural machinery need professional-grade 25-29mm cables rated at 800-1000A.

Cable material: Pure copper cables offer superior conductivity and durability, making them ideal for frequent professional use. Copper-clad aluminium cables provide a cost-effective alternative for occasional home use, though they're less efficient and durable over time.

Safety features: Modern vehicles with sophisticated electronics benefit from leads with built-in surge protection and electronics protection. Sealey's protected models safeguard sensitive ECUs and infotainment systems from voltage spikes during connection.

Cable length and clamps: Standard 3-metre cables suit most situations, whilst 5-metre leads offer positioning flexibility. Look for heavy-duty copper or brass clamps with strong springs and serrated teeth to ensure solid contact even with corroded terminals.

Safety Information

Correct connection procedure: Always connect positive (red) to positive terminal first, then negative (black) to a good earth point on the disabled vehicle – never directly to the negative terminal. Ensure both vehicles are switched off before connecting, and remove leads in reverse order once started.

Personal protection: Wear safety glasses to protect against battery acid splashes and sparks. Keep cables away from moving engine parts, belts, and fans. Never lean over batteries during jump-starting as they can explode if mishandled.

Inspect before use: Check leads for damaged insulation, frayed cables, or corroded clamps before each use. Damaged leads can cause short circuits and potential fire hazards. Store in a dry location and replace if insulation becomes cracked or brittle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What cable thickness do I need for my diesel van?

Diesel vehicles require significantly more starting current than petrol engines due to higher compression ratios. For diesel vans and 4x4s, choose heavy-duty leads rated at least 600A with 20-25mm cables. Commercial diesel vehicles need professional-grade 25-29mm cables rated at 800-1000A to ensure reliable starting, especially in cold weather.

Can I use jump leads on vehicles with start-stop systems?

Yes, but select leads with built-in surge protection and electronics protection features. Modern vehicles contain sensitive engine management systems that can be damaged by voltage spikes. Always consult your vehicle's handbook, as some manufacturers recommend using specific jump-starting points rather than battery terminals directly.

What's better – copper or copper-clad aluminium jump leads?

Pure copper cables offer superior conductivity, durability, and flexibility, making them the professional choice for frequent use and demanding applications. Copper-clad aluminium cables provide adequate performance for occasional home use at a lower price point, but they're less efficient and durable over time. For tradespeople and daily use, invest in quality copper leads from Draper or Sealey.