EBAY "Sale Genuine 4 Gauge Copper Jumper Cables"

I have a long set of 1 AWG cu-al jumper cables that work great and I know they are more like #3 or whatever cu. They are very flexible even when frozen.

I also got a set of the same type of 2 AWG cu-al jumpers and cut off one end to use with my 100a converter to make it into a portable charger. I had to trim the ends of the wires so they would fit into the converter's terminals.

The wires are a million silky fine threads each with cu over al, so that is why it is so flexible. Quite different from the usual stranded cu wire I have worked with.

The price is right for the cu-al versions, and so long as you know what you have there and what you want it for, there is no reason not to buy it- at least in my experience. YMMV.

Funny, whenever im at a swapmeet or garage sale i cant help myself from picking up a set of cables. The heavy ones I ask how much :)

Yeah, good caveat Mex. I fell for a pair from Northern Tools, last year. They had a set on sale, advertized as #4 AWG. It is only when you look on the back of the box that it is printed "CCA". I didn't look and now have a set that I'll give to someone.

Actually, it worked in my favor as that is the last time I'll set foot in a Northern Tools store. It is hard to not visit because they're just a few miles away and prices are low. Unfortunately, their products, just like this set of jumper cables, are a facsimile of good gear. The jumper cables had the Northern label so it is not like they imported cheap Asian facsimiles. They had to have had them made to their specification.

Aluminum has a lower ampacity than copper- that #4 would be the same as #6 copper.

smkettner wrote:
#1 AWG pure copper right here

Those are really, really nice- worth every penny.

Correct, aluminum sometimes used for main house feeds, never interior wiring.

AND, the aluminum must be installed in a specific way, with lubricant at the joints, among other engineering modification on the connectors.

But, I'd wonder about the jumpers - anytime you 'cover' something up and represent it as something it isn't - even on a round about way, as this is, I'd stay away from it personally.

Copper more expensive, probably. Better quality, probably ...

Once again, some seem willing to spend $30-$50k our trucks, another $30-$50k on our RV's (or more) and then scrimp on the support components. Not taking aim at anyone, just noticing it happens.

I'd stay away from this jumper - stay from the 'less quality' -- has any one ever seen an exploding battery? Not a pretty sight, and acid all over. My neighbor cross-connected jumpers on his vehicle once - but he was lucky and didn't get hurt, but that battery sure took a beating - Some places you should not 'save a buck' and electrical systems is one. And the most dangerous -- electricity can kill you, for example, while plumbing can only get you wet (well, unless someone holds your head under)

Mine are solid copper stranded. Made them out of arc welding leads that had been retired from work. Made them 12'long and got the clamp ends from NAPA. Work great. Tim

Thanks for the info. The OP kind of got me wondering about it not being a good idea. Seemed like there wouldn't be an issue, but I've been wrong before. :)

fj12ryder wrote:
I think I can see the issue with wires that are being used constantly, but what would be damage done by jumper cables that are only used once in a blue moon?

No damage, most likely the utility wires feeding your home are aluminum. Copper inside the home but utility wires are frequently aluminum.

The only problem I see with aluminum jumper cables is aluminum is not as flexible as copper. Think the wires may tend to crack from repeated use.

Copper clad for personal use as jumpers is fine. If you are using commercially I'd use stranded all copper.

Doug

I think I can see the issue with wires that are being used constantly, but what would be damage done by jumper cables that are only used once in a blue moon?