It used to be that every car owner knew how to jump-start his vehicle by hooking it to a running car or truck with jumper cables. But in the 21st century, it is more likely that car owners will use portable jump starters. That leads to a question: in a jump-starting scenario, what type of amps do you really need?
The amps question is rooted in the fact that manufacturers rate their devices according to:
- Peak amps (PA)
- Cranking amps (CA)
- Cold cranking amps (CCA)
Each type of amp is a measurement of something different. When it comes to jump-starting a car, Clore Automotive says the measurement makes a difference. Clore Automotive jump starters, sold under the Jump-N-Carry and Booster PAC brands, are rated either by CA or CCA. Visit Clore Automotive.
Peak Amps: Instantaneous but Temporary Power
Peak amps represent the maximum amount of current a device can deliver at any given moment. In a jump-starting scenario, it’s the maximum amount of power the unit will deliver as you crank. Unfortunately, this amount of power is produced only for milliseconds. Peak amps are instantaneous but quite temporary.
The PA measurement is not a true measurement of a jump starter’s abilities because peak energy is lost so quickly. Here is another way to think of it: cranking an engine for milliseconds isn’t going to start a car dealing with a dead or nearly dead battery. You need at least three or four seconds. PA does not measure that. So a jump-starter with an exceptionally high PA rating still might not work very well in the field.
Cranking Amps: Power at Moderate Temperatures
Wear peak amps measure maximum power output for milliseconds, cranking amps is a measurement of the amount of current being delivered for at least 30 seconds at moderate temperatures – think 32°F or higher.
The 30-second designation here is important. When you’re cranking an engine that is cold, you might need 5-10 seconds to get going. You might also have to crank two or three times before the engine starts. You need enough raw power delivered by your jump starter to give you several good cranks.
Cold Cranking Amps: Power at Low Temperatures
Cold cranking amps is a measurement of maximum power output for at least 30 seconds at cold temperatures. Here, we are talking temperatures of 0-32°F. Under cold temperatures, you need even more cranking power because of thicker and more viscous oil.
Oil thickened by cold temperatures forces a vehicle’s starter to work harder. That requires more power from the battery. And because portable jump starters are really just heavy-duty batteries with attached cables, a jump starter needs to work harder when it’s cold out.
Which One Would You Prefer?
Now that you know the difference between the three types of amps, which one would you prefer if you were stranded in the middle of nowhere with a dead battery? The CCA measurement is the most favorable because it represents the most raw power over a sustained amount of time.
If you are in the market for a new jump starter, by all means take a look at peak amps. You may need to find a unit with a specific PA rating to match your car’s electrical system. But also pay attention to CA and CCA.
When a car battery is completely or nearly dead, you need enough power to get two or three sustained cranks out of your jump starter. If the unit you choose has an exceptionally low CA or CCA rating, it might prove itself useless under heavy load.
