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"Arc" = spark?
There seems to be a common idea in the popular media that the spark occurring when connecting and disconnecting jumper cables (and not the alternator), is causing voltage surges. This seems to be the reason for believing that surges can be controlled by jumper cable protection.
??
I am familiar with the load-dump phenomenon. That's not the issue I am trying to raise. The question is how a surge protection on jumper cables can prevent potential damage to car electronics when load-dump surges occur, i.e., when jumper cables are disconnected.
Yes, exactly. That's my point too.
I am trying to understand the argument used by people who argue for anti-surge protection on jumper cables. It seems to me that the load-dump surge will occur in the donor car -- and within the donor car only -- at the moment of disconnecting jumper cables...
I don't get the logic here: With the jumper cable unhooked, there will be no spike passing either way between the two cars. It sholdn't matter which car is unclamped first?
Several daily newspaper are currently running scare stories about the electronics of modern cars being fried by the use of regular jumper cables. Supposedly, anti-surge protected cables will solve the problem.
I realize that the load dump that occurs at the moment of disconnecting jumper cables...
Some people argue that only jumper cables with anti-surge protection should be used for new cars. It seems difficult, however, to find a logical explanation for how voltage surges may form across the jumper cables.
Anyone out there with a good explanation?
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