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Forum Index : Other Stuff : Automotive jumper cables

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Doug

Regular Member

Joined: 11/05/2010
Location: New Zealand
Posts: 41
Posted: 07:25am 03 Apr 2011
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Hi all

I have a set of heavy duty automotive jumper cables (10mm dia core) from back in the old days before cars had electronic brains that could get fried with a power surge. All the new jumper cables have a surge protector mounted in the middle and linked to the positive and negative clamps at one end. The question I have is, does anyone know exactly what that surge protector consists of and is it possible to replicate one to fit on my old leads.

Thanks Doug
May The Power Be With You
 
davef
Guru

Joined: 14/05/2006
Location: New Zealand
Posts: 499
Posted: 07:51am 03 Apr 2011
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Possibly a really big:

hereEdited by davef 2011-04-04
 
GreenD88

Senior Member

Joined: 19/05/2009
Location: United States
Posts: 104
Posted: 05:09pm 03 Apr 2011
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I wouldn't really worry about it, I have only seen one jumper cable with the smart device in the middle, I've always used a regular set of jumpers if I ever need to jump something, plus I got one of those Portable Jump Starters which work wonders for such a small battery. Can Jump a completely Dead Battery no Problem.
Licensed Master Plumber / EPA 608 Universal License / 410a Safety Certified / Medical Gas Brazer/Installer
 
Doug

Regular Member

Joined: 11/05/2010
Location: New Zealand
Posts: 41
Posted: 06:07am 05 Apr 2011
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Thanks to davef and GreenD88 for your replies. Much appreciated.

Doug
May The Power Be With You
 
yahoo2

Guru

Joined: 05/04/2011
Location: Australia
Posts: 1166
Posted: 12:57pm 05 Apr 2011
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Hi Doug, you can buy surge protectors that fit to old jumper leads. The one I use for all my big leads is made by matson, its called "heavy duty jumper lead upgrade". I think it is marketed as antizap.

The only downside is that it joins your cables with a couple of metal spikes that go through the insulation. It needs to be far enough back from the clamps so you can still reach the positive jump point and the earth (more than a metre for some modern tractors and trucks).

Hot tip... tape the cables together each side of the gadget then stick a pair of big cable ties over each taped section, it takes the pressure off the plastic case and it will last for years.
I'm confused, no wait... maybe I'm not...
 
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