 Black & Decker battery booster. Click image to enlarge |
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Over the years I’ve had several occasions to use a portable jump starter. The winter months are prime time for these units, but I’ve had occasion to use mine during the summer as well. They are so handy when a vehicle needs a battery boost, and more convenient than using jumper cables between two vehicles.
I received a new Black and Decker JUS500B 500-amp jump starter (battery booster) for trial recently, and the design is an improvement over the unit I’ve been using for the past couple of years.
The first improvement relates to the dimensions and shape. It’s only 10 x 36 centimetres in size (4 x 14 inches) and the rectangular shape with sturdy built-in handle makes it easy to store and transport. It’s also bright orange, which makes it easier to find in your garage.
 Black & Decker battery booster. Click image to enlarge |
This unit features rubberized corners as opposed to the hard plastic shell of some competing models, which I expect will prevent damage over time, and is also gentler on the items it butts up against. The cables tuck neatly into the side of the unit, contributing to its compact dimensions and convenience.
You pre-charge the Black and Decker 500A jump starter by attaching an extension cord, and plugging it in to a household outlet. The first charge takes 48 hours, and Black and Decker recommends renewing the charge every two months (it takes less time subsequently). This again is superior to my current charger, which features an external AC adapter that can get lost or break (mine is broken).
This jump starter features circuitry that alerts you and prevents operation if the cables are attached incorrectly to the vehicle you are boosting, and it is also equipped with a bright light activated by a push-button. A meter indicates the current charge of the unit by pressing a button.
 Black & Decker battery booster. Click image to enlarge |
Absent are a 12-volt receptacle and a built-in 110V inverter. There is, however, a switchable USB port, so you could use this to power a cell-phone, for example, with the correct cable. The lack of a 12-volt receptacle is somewhat inconvenient, as it precludes attaching 12-volt accessories like a tire compressor. Other similar Black and Decker jump starters feature a built-in compressor for inflating tires, which would be handy.
The 500-amp output is about mid-range and sufficient for units of this type, which typically start at 300A and rise to 800A. Price for the JUS500B is $109, but oddly, the JUS500IB with built-in tire inflator is $93.30. Go figure!
These compressors are not retailed in Canada, although Amazon.com ships directly.
