Jump Leads

About Jump Leads

Jump leads, also known as booster cables, are an essential piece of emergency equipment for any vehicle owner, mechanic, or roadside assistance professional. These heavy-duty cables are designed to transfer electrical current from a charged battery to a flat or depleted battery, allowing you to start a vehicle that won't fire up due to battery failure. Our comprehensive range includes options suitable for everything from motorcycles and small cars through to heavy goods vehicles and agricultural machinery.

At TooledUp.com, we stock jump leads from trusted manufacturers including Draper, Sealey, and Faithfull, with cable thicknesses ranging from 10mm for light-duty applications right up to 29mm for professional heavy-duty use. Modern jump leads come with various safety features including surge protection, electronics protection to safeguard sensitive vehicle computers, and heavy-duty clamps that ensure a secure connection. Whether you need compact retractable leads for occasional use or professional-grade copper cables for daily workshop operations, our selection caters to both DIY enthusiasts and professional tradespeople.

The quality of jump leads can make the difference between a quick roadside fix and potential damage to vehicle electronics. Cable thickness, material composition, and clamp quality all affect performance, with thicker cables providing better current flow and reduced voltage drop over distance. Many modern vehicles with complex electronic systems require jump leads with built-in surge protection to prevent damage during the jump-start process.

Jargon Buster

• Cable Gauge/Thickness: Measured in millimetres, this refers to the diameter of the conductor within the cable. Thicker cables (25mm+) carry more current and are better suited for larger engines and diesel vehicles, whilst thinner cables (10-15mm) are adequate for small petrol engines and motorcycles.
• Copper vs Copper-Clad Aluminium (CCA): Pure copper cables offer superior conductivity and durability but cost more. Copper-clad aluminium cables feature an aluminium core with a copper coating, providing a more economical option with reasonable performance for light to medium-duty use.
• Surge Protection: A built-in safety feature that prevents voltage spikes from damaging sensitive electronic components in modern vehicles, including engine management systems, infotainment units, and sensors.
• Amp Rating: The maximum current the jump leads can safely carry, typically ranging from 200A for light-duty leads up to 1000A or more for heavy-duty professional applications. Higher ratings are necessary for larger engines and diesel vehicles.
• Clamp Quality: Professional jump leads feature heavy-duty copper or brass clamps with strong spring tension and serrated teeth to ensure good electrical contact with battery terminals, even when corroded.
• Cable Length: Typically between 2 and 5 metres, this determines how far apart the two vehicles can be positioned during jump-starting. Longer cables offer more flexibility but may result in greater voltage drop.

Who Uses Jump Leads?

• Mobile Mechanics: Need professional-grade leads for attending roadside breakdowns and carrying out on-site repairs
• Fleet Managers: Essential for maintaining commercial vehicle fleets and dealing with battery issues on-site
• Agricultural Workers: For starting tractors, combine harvesters, and other farm machinery in remote locations
• HGV Drivers: Require heavy-duty 24V-rated leads for lorries and commercial vehicles
• Recovery Services: Professional roadside assistance operators carrying out multiple jump-starts daily
• Workshop Technicians: Garage and service centre staff needing reliable equipment for daily use
• Plant Operators: For construction and industrial equipment maintenance
• Car Enthusiasts: Classic car owners and DIY mechanics maintaining their own vehicles
• Caravan and Motorhome Owners: For emergency starting and leisure battery maintenance
• Emergency Services: Police, fire, and ambulance services requiring dependable starting equipment

How to Choose the Right Jump Leads

Consider Your Vehicle Type: Small petrol cars and motorcycles can use lighter 10-15mm cables, whilst larger petrol engines require 16-20mm cables. Diesel vehicles, vans, and 4x4s need heavy-duty 20mm+ cables due to their higher starting current requirements. For commercial vehicles and agricultural machinery, opt for 25-29mm professional-grade cables with ratings of 600A or higher.

Cable Material Matters: Pure copper cables from brands like Draper and Sealey offer the best conductivity and longevity, making them ideal for frequent use and professional applications. Copper-clad aluminium cables provide a cost-effective alternative for occasional home use, though they're less durable and efficient over time.

Check the Amp Rating: Match the amp rating to your needs – 200-400A suits small vehicles, 400-600A works for most family cars and light commercials, whilst 600-1000A+ is necessary for diesel engines, HGV work, and professional use. Under-rated cables won't deliver sufficient current and may overheat.

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

Cable Length and Storage: Standard 3-metre cables suit most situations, but 5-metre leads offer more positioning flexibility on site or in tight spaces. Retractable models from Draper provide convenient storage and prevent cable tangling in your boot or toolbox.

Clamp Quality: Look for heavy-duty copper or brass clamps with strong springs and deep serrated teeth. These ensure solid contact even with corroded terminals and won't slip during the starting process. Professional-grade clamps feature insulated handles and clear polarity markings.

Popular Accessories

• Battery Chargers: For maintaining and conditioning batteries when time permits proper charging
• Jump Starter Power Packs: Portable lithium battery packs providing independent starting power without a donor vehicle
• Battery Testers: Digital and analogue testers to diagnose battery health and charging system issues
• Battery Terminal Cleaners: Wire brushes and chemical cleaners for removing corrosion and ensuring good connections
• Battery Terminal Protectors: Anti-corrosion sprays and grease to maintain terminal condition
• Carry Cases: Protective storage bags to keep leads organised and prevent damage in transit
• Warning Triangles and Hi-Vis Vests: Essential safety equipment when dealing with roadside breakdowns
• Battery Disconnects: For safely isolating batteries during vehicle storage or maintenance
• Multimeters: For testing battery voltage and diagnosing electrical faults

Safety Information

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. This reduces the risk of sparks igniting hydrogen gas emitted by batteries. Ensure both vehicles are switched off before making connections, and remove the leads in reverse order once the engine starts.

Personal Protection: Wear safety glasses to protect eyes from potential battery acid splashes and sparks. Keep jump leads away from moving engine parts, belts, and fans once the engine starts. Never lean over batteries during the jump-start process, as batteries can explode if mishandled or defective.

Vehicle Compatibility: Check that voltage ratings match – never jump-start a 12V vehicle from a 24V source without proper equipment. Modern vehicles with complex electronics may require specific jump-starting procedures; consult the owner's manual. Some vehicles with start-stop systems require specialist jump-starting techniques.

Cable Condition: Inspect jump leads before each use for damaged insulation, frayed cables, broken clamps, or corrosion. Damaged leads can cause short circuits, sparks, and potential fire. Store leads in a dry location and replace them if insulation becomes cracked or brittle.

HSE Guidance: Professional users should ensure jump leads meet appropriate standards and are regularly inspected as part of tool maintenance schedules. Keep a record of inspections for insurance and compliance purposes, particularly in fleet and workshop environments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What cable thickness do I need for my vehicle?
For most petrol cars up to 2.0 litres, 16-20mm cables rated at 400-500A are sufficient. Diesel vehicles, larger engines, and commercial vehicles require 20-25mm cables rated at 600A minimum. Small motorcycles and mopeds can use 10mm leads, whilst heavy goods vehicles and agricultural machinery need professional 25-29mm cables rated at 800-1000A. When in doubt, choose heavier-duty leads as they'll work with smaller vehicles but not vice versa.

Can I use jump leads on modern vehicles with lots of electronics?
Yes, but select leads with built-in surge protection and electronics protection features, such as those offered by Sealey and Draper. Modern vehicles contain sensitive engine management systems, sensors, and infotainment units that can be damaged by voltage spikes during jump-starting. Always follow the correct connection procedure and consult your vehicle's handbook, as some manufacturers recommend using specific jump-starting points rather than the battery terminals directly.

How long should quality jump leads last?
Professional-grade copper jump leads from reputable brands like Draper, Sealey, and Faithfull should last many years with proper care and storage. Occasional home use might see leads last 10-15 years, whilst daily professional use might require replacement every 3-5 years. Cable insulation degradation, clamp wear, and corrosion are the main factors affecting lifespan. Store leads in a dry location, avoid kinking or crushing the cables, and inspect them regularly for damage.

What's the difference between copper and copper-clad aluminium cables?
Pure copper cables offer superior electrical conductivity, durability, and flexibility, making them the professional choice for frequent use and demanding applications. They're heavier and more expensive but worth the investment for mechanics and tradespeople. Copper-clad aluminium (CCA) cables feature an aluminium core with a thin copper coating, providing adequate performance for occasional home use at a lower price point. However, they're less efficient, more prone to voltage drop over length, and less durable over time.

Can I jump-start a diesel vehicle with standard jump leads?
Diesel engines require significantly more starting current than petrol engines due to higher compression ratios, especially in cold weather. You'll need heavy-duty leads rated at least 600A with 20mm+ cables. Standard light-duty leads designed for small petrol cars won't deliver sufficient current and may overheat or fail. For commercial diesel vehicles, agricultural machinery, or HGVs, opt for professional-grade 25-29mm cables rated at 800-1000A to ensure reliable starting and safe operation.