When a car is jump started.

[Escape08]

Why is it when a car is jump started the two 12 volts batteries connection are still 12 volts & not 24 volts? Makes me wonder why?

 

[Quickshot]

Because you are connecting the batteries in parallel. If you were to connect the batteries in series you would be doubling the voltage and causing all sorts of problems unless you specifically have a 24v system.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

Wired in parallel, not series

Automotive electrical systems are 12V, not 24V (though big trucks use 24V). If you put 24V to a 12V system the car would catch fire

 

[Rand]

Picture is 1000 words:

 

[Escape08]

Ah ha...now it makes more sense to me. Thanks a a lot for the replies

 

[atikovi]

No way to get 24 volts into your car by connecting jumper cables.

 

[Chris142]

No way to get 24 volts into your car by connecting jumper cables.

Sure there is. But it would take a lot of work. Lot more than hooking up cables

 

[mightymousetech]

No way to get 24 volts into your car by connecting jumper cables.

Make it idiot proof and the world will build a better idiot.

 

[atikovi]

Like I said, not getting 24V with just connecting your set of jumper cables.

 

[Wolf359]

Sure there is. But it would take a lot of work. Lot more than hooking up cables

I don't think it takes that much work. You disconnect the negative cable on the car that gets 24 volts. Connect the negative jumper cable to the post and then connect that to the positive cable of the other car. From the other car connect the jumper cable to the negative post. Connect that end to the cable you just disconnected. Not that much work. But more work than a regular jump.

 

[grjr]

It is easy to get 24V when jumping a car, just connect positive to negative with one of your leads. And if you're feeling especially smart finish the other connection with negative to positive so your battery and jumper cables promptly explode/burst into flames