Looking to know what happens if you touch jumper cables together? This post has the answer.
The jumper cables are used to jump-start a dead car battery. There is a specific process to be followed when using jumper cables.
Any negligence in handling the jumper cables carries the risk of injury, sparks, and damage to the people using it and the vehicle.
Touching jumper cables together is one such risk. Learn more about the consequences and damages of touching jumper cables together by reading further.
You will also find information on the after-effects and follow-up steps to be taken post touching the jumper cables together.
What happens if you touch jumper cables together?
Touching the jumper cables together has two results. One, if you touch the jumper cables together without connecting them to anything there is no harm.
Second, if you touch the jumper cables together after connecting them to one of the battery posts it will generate sparks.
The intensity of sparks may vary depending on the way you touch the cables together. If it is done on a casual basis just to check if the jumper cables are working fine then you are dealing with mild sparks.
Related Read: Jumper cable sparks when connecting
Eventually, there could be larger sparks and even electrical surges if you accidentally or purposely touch the jumper cables together while connecting to the battery. The results of sparks could be dangerous if they come in contact with hydrogen gases released by the battery.
In some cases, risks associated with jumper cable sparks could lead to electrical shocks, and significant damage to the vehicle’s electrical system, jumper cables, and to the person who is using it.
It is therefore important to handle and use jumper cable with proper care and safety instructions.
Risk of electrical shock
Touching jumper cables together? Now, why do you want to do that? Some people do it because they have a habit of doing it.
They want to ensure that jumper cables are working fine and there is proper electrical flow passing through. However, the resulting sparks are momentary and carry low risk.
For someone who hasn’t done it before may touch the jumper cables together in the wrong way. If jumper cables are touched together and left in the same position for a long time there could be continuous sparks. The magnitude of sparks is fumed further by the voltage power and amperage of the working battery.
Technically speaking when jumper cables are connected to a car battery they begin to carry a certain amount of current flow.
Because of the low resistance capability of jumper cables, there will be a sudden surge in the electrical current that causes a short circuit because of the voltage difference between the two connecting objects.
In this case, the electrical current generated from a working battery flows through the jumper cables into the person’s body holding/touching it together.
The severity of sparks and electrical shocks can not only impact the vehicle and its components but it is more dangerous for a person who is holding it. The result of such shocks could cause permanent injury and even death.
Damage to the vehicle’s electrical system
The impact of touching jumper cables together is not limited to the person holding it but can severely damage the vehicle’s electrical system.
The damage can impact both vehicles. Severe damage is associated with the vehicle that is connected with jumper cables.
The sudden surge in the electrical current flow causes the voltage spike. This can be too much for the electrical components of a vehicle such as an alternator, fuse, wiring, and the battery itself.
To elaborate further, a short circuit in the fuse or wiring will restrict the power from reaching the electronics of a vehicle. This will result in the malfunctioning of headlights, radios, gauges, starters, and many other accessories and components connected through wires.
The impact may be soft or hard depending on the voltage power but any kind of overload due to excessive current flow has the potential to damage the electrical system to the replacement extent.
On the other hand, if the person touching jumper cables together causes sparks close to the receiving vehicle’s battery or electrical components it will have a similar impact to that of the donor vehicle.
Here the current may not flow to the electrical system but sparks generated with the touch of jumper cables can ignite the hydrogen gases of a dead battery resulting in collateral damage to other parts of the vehicle.
Damage to the jumper cables
The connection between the clamps impacts the jumper cables the most. They are at the receiving end of losing the conductivity strength and power to withstand current heat.
The electrical surge caused by the touching of jumper cables each other weakens their insulation resulting in melting and even burning of wires.
Additionally, the excessive flow of current can cause metal clamps at the end of the cables to heat up potentially leading to melting and deformation.
This will lead to difficulty in using the cables next time as deformed clamps cannot hold the battery terminals properly. This means touching of jumper cables may kill their efficiency of jump-starting a vehicle.
What to do if you touch jumper cables together?
So, what can you do if you accidentally touched jumper cables together, and that too for a longer time?
- Well, first of all, disconnect the cables from each other and keep them aside in a safe place.
- Next, get hold of yourself by taking deep breaths. Make sure you are feeling well from any shocks or injuries (mild ones) caused by the touching of jumper cables.
- To ensure your wellness, your next step should be disconnecting the other end of the cables connected to the battery. Use hand gloves (if available) before handling the wires and avoid touching any other vehicle metal parts.
- Once the cables are disconnected inspect them thoroughly. There are chances of cables getting damaged. Look for signs of melted insulation or deformed clamps.
If nothing is found the cables are good to use for next time. In case of any damages, it is better to replace them instead of storing them.
- Once you are satisfied with the cables, it is time to look at the vehicles. First, check the donor vehicle that was connected with jumper wires. Ask the vehicle owner to try and start the vehicle.
If the vehicle starts smoothly that means no major parts were impacted by the jumper cables. Ensure to check the electrical components such as headlights, radio system, etc. are working fine. To avoid future risks, advise the person to get the vehicle inspected by a technician asap.
- Now, turn over to your vehicle and check the condition of all the electrical parts and battery. Ensure they are not impacted by the sparks created by touching jumper cables.
This may not be required if the incident of touching jumper cables happened away from your vehicle. Still, it is better to inspect the vehicle.
- If everything seems fine at both ends, you can try to reconnect the cables to jump-start your vehicle battery.
Tips to handle jumper cables safely
While handling jumper cables ensure to follow below steps:
Take one step at a time. Don’t be in a rush to perform the act quickly. You are dealing with risky electrical currents and lots of flammable substances while jump-starting.
First of all, make sure you know the process of jump-starting. If not, research it online or watch some videos to get familiarized.
Next, wear protective gloves on your hands and glasses on your eyes. It is better to be safe than sorry so ensure you invest in such accessories owning a car.
Once you are ready, remove the jumper cables and attempt to connect them according to the process. While connecting ensure both clamps remain away from each other.
To be on the safer side, while making a connection ensure to connect one lead with one hand and keep the second lead raised above your head in your second hand.
Lastly, connect the other end of both the clamps (keeping away from each other) to your vehicle as per the process.
That’s it.
Here is the link you can use to get familiarized with positioning and connecting jumper cables.
Final thoughts
Handling of jumper cables is more important to remain protected from electrical hazards and wrong usage.
Both aspects have the potential to damage the whole electrical system of a vehicle (or both vehicles) and many times cause physical injury to the people using them.
When jumper cables are touched together while connected to a car battery it can result in short circuits, sparks, fire, and even explosions. The impacts of these sparks and short circuits may have long-lasting damage to your vehicle.
It’s always important to follow safety precautions when handling and using jumper cables. Apart from handling, bending, tangling, and stretching of jumper wires is also not recommended as it may cause damage, and early wear and tear.
I hope you have understood the causes and impacts of touching jumper cables together and are now in a better position to take precautions and handle the after-effects of jumper cable sparks by reading this post.
