- Peak current is a marketing figure with no fixed measurement method: values aren't comparable between brands.
- CCA (Cold Cranking Amps) measures the actual starting power at -18°C and is listed on your own battery.
- Some manufacturers advertise peak current that's 3 to 5 times higher than the real starting power.
- The CCA value of your jump starter must be at least equal to the CCA value on your own battery.
You're looking for a jump starter and see big numbers everywhere: 2000A, 3000A, even 8000A. But what does that number actually say? The short answer: not much. Read the longer answer below.
What is peak current?
Peak current is the maximum current burst a jump starter can deliver for a very short time, sometimes less than a millisecond. There's no international standard that sets how long that peak lasts or at what temperature it's measured. Manufacturers can decide this themselves. The result: a jump starter from brand A with 1500A peak current can in practice be weaker than one from brand B with 900A peak current, simply because they measure it differently.
What is CCA, and why is it fairer?
CCA stands for Cold Cranking Amps. This is the amount of current a battery or jump starter can deliver for 30 seconds at -18°C, while the voltage doesn't drop below 7.2V. That's exactly the situation when you want to start a car on a cold morning. The EN standard (European standard) sets the measurement method, so a CCA value from one brand can be compared with another. That value is also listed on your own battery: look for the marking EN followed by a number in Amps.
How much CCA do you need?
Simple rule of thumb: the CCA value of your jump starter must be at least equal to the CCA value on your battery. If your battery shows "EN 480A", you need a jump starter with at least 480 CCA. Want a safety margin, for example for winter or a slightly older battery? Then choose a model with the next CCA step up.
How do you find the CCA value of your own battery?
The value is on your battery's label, next to the EN or CCA marking. You'll usually find your battery in the engine bay, sometimes in the boot or under the back seat. Can't easily reach it, or want to be sure? It's also listed in your vehicle manual or on the car manufacturer's website under the technical specifications.
- 960 CCA, measured according to the EN standard and stated on the product
- Enough starting power for most petrol and diesel cars
- Ordered before 5pm, shipped the same working day
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between peak current and CCA on a jump starter?
Peak current is the shortest, highest current burst a jump starter can give. There's no fixed measurement method, so the values aren't comparable between brands. CCA is a standardized measurement at -18°C over 30 seconds and says much more about real-world performance.
Which CCA value do I need for my car?
Look up the CCA value on your own battery, next to the EN marking. Your jump starter must have at least the same value. For extra assurance, or if your battery is already older, choose the next CCA step up.
Is the CCA value always on my battery?
Yes, on nearly all modern batteries the CCA value is on the label next to the EN or CCA marking, followed by a number in Amps. On older batteries this may be missing. In that case you'll find the value in your vehicle manual.
Is a jump starter with higher peak current always better?
No. Higher peak current says nothing about the quality or the real starting power of a jump starter. Always look at the CCA value. A jump starter with 620 CCA and 1000A peak current is in practice stronger than one with 960A peak current but a low CCA.
How do I know if a jump starter is reliable?
Check whether the manufacturer states the CCA value and lists it on the product. That's a sign of transparency. Brands that only mention peak current without a CCA value give little insight into real performance.
