Emergency Jump-Start: Bringing A Dead Battery Back To Life

Batteries are indispensable for our vehicles, equipment, and devices. However, with rapidly evolving technology and many different battery types on the market, it’s difficult to know how to safely jump-start a battery when it fails, especially when options may be limited. Having the proper equipment and know-how makes it easier and safer, and you’ll be more likely to overcome what comes your way.

We will examine two compact but powerful jump starters that can bring your batteries back to life when they fail.

The Set-Up:

A disaster has knocked out power in your area. If power isn’t restored soon, you stand to lose the contents of two refrigerators and a full-stocked chest freezer. Luckily, you bought a large generator for just this scenario. You had an electrician install a transfer switch and a generator power inlet box so you could safely connect the new generator to your home’s electrical system.

Your generator has a battery starter, letting you start it with a push of a button. So far, so good. You carefully add gasoline, check the oil, and engage all the right switches – nothing happens. After confirming the start-up procedure, you check the battery, and it’s almost dead. Seems like just the other day, you meant to buy a quality battery charger and a jump starter, but other things got in the way, and you just kept putting it off. Now, in the middle of a crisis, your generator is quietly sitting in a corner of your garage. This same scenario can happen to your vehicle(s) since a simple power outage can quickly turn into a worst-case scenario – especially if you need to make a hasty exit. For all these activities, you need to have the ability to jump-start a dead or dying battery.

Power When You Need It:

Back in the day, quality battery jump starters used to be big, heavy, and difficult to transport. This made it difficult to have them on hand when the need arose. (Lugging around a twenty-plus pound battery starter is not easy; keeping it in the trunk is even more difficult.) But advances in battery technology have changed all that. Now, battery jump starters are compact and powerful and provide a variety of very useful and innovative features. In essence, anyone can now carry a fully charged jump starter in their trunk, glove compartment, or tool bag. This offers two distinct advantages: (1) power to jump-start a battery (even a dead one), and (2) reserve power to charge cell phones, tablets, and other electronic devices via two USB ports/outlets. These jump starters are not just for your car or truck; they are also very handy to have for batteries on generators, recreational vehicles, marine vehicles, and seasonal equipment.

Portable Jump Starters:

Jump-starting a battery is not difficult, but it’s important to know how to do it safely and effectively. Portable battery jump starters have become quite popular for a reason—they work very well.

Two popular models are the Clore JNC325 (450) and JNC345 (550). Both provide 12-volt power to jump-start light to medium-duty vehicles and a wide range of other applications.

JNC345 (550) 12 Volt Lithium:

With 550 Start Assist Amps of starting power, the JNC345 can take on numerous applications, including auto, marine, light truck, recreational vehicles, and seasonal equipment like generators and ATVs. It can start up to 10L gasoline engines and diesel engines. (Even if the battery is completely dead.) There are also many safety features, like reverse polarity protection, short-circuit protection, and protection from back feed, over-voltage, and overheating. It also has two USB ports to power small electronics and a high-intensity LED light.

JNC325 (450) 12 Volt Lithium:

The JNC325 has many of the same features as its bigger sibling, the JNC345, but with fewer start assist amps. It can start up to an 8L gasoline engine and a 6L diesel engine. It also features USB ports and a 12 Volt Female Adapter to power accessories from its DC 10A outlet. The unit comes with a storage pouch to keep all the accessories packed away in one convenient location.

Jump-Starter Basics:

When using either jump-starter, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions, including wearing safety gear. Here are some basic safety steps for jump-starting a battery.

1. Always use the jump-starter in a well-ventilated area.
2. Safety is job one, so always wear quality eye protection and a good pair of gloves.
3. Review the instruction manual and the safety recommendations provided by the manufacturer.
4. Make all appropriate connections and in the order provided by the instructions.
5. Confirm all connections are fully and correctly engaged.
6. Start vehicles in the correct order and disengage cables in the proper order.

Note: Dead or low batteries will happen no matter how careful you are or how well-maintained the battery is. While there are a variety of ways to boost a battery, few are as easy and convenient as using a portable jump starter. Applications include automotive, marine, generators, RVs, emergency equipment, and reserve power to charge small electronics (phones, tablets, etc.)

Also, just because you were able to boost a battery and get it going doesn’t mean you’re done. It’s best to fully charge that battery as soon as you’re able. A quality battery charger will deliver power slowly to ensure that your battery stays not only fully charged but also healthy. Finally, if the battery has reached the end of its useful life, get it replaced as soon as possible.

Wrap-Up

Finding out you have a dead battery is never fun, but finding out during an emergency or crisis can be disastrous. Having the right equipment and knowing how to use it can help save the day. A high-quality jump starter will prove invaluable during normal times but even more so during emergencies. The JNC325 (450) and JNC345 (550) are compact, powerful, and full-featured to provide emergency power when you need it most. Self-sufficiency is a wondrous thing! Stay safe and be prepared.

About The Author

Richard is a retired attorney, an urban survival consultant, writer, firearms enthusiast, and freedom-loving American patriot. He’s the author of Surviving Doomsday: A Guide for Surviving an Urban Disaster, and The Quick Start Guide for Urban Preparedness. Richard’s books are available at Amazon and other fine retailers. You can connect with Richard on Twitter @SurvivingDoomsd

 

Source:

Clore Automotive (1-800-328-2921)

www.cloreautomotive.com

 

DISCLAIMER

The materials provided are for illustration and/or informational purposes only, and are not, nor are they intended to provide any sort of technical or professional advice.  Any use of the information contained in this article shall be solely at the reader’s risk. Readers should consult with an appropriate professional before using any electrical equipment.