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Can you jump start a car using a wall outlet?
My buddy was telling me that you can jump start a car using an extension cord plugged into an outlet. Is he right? Can you jump start a car using a wall outlet?
Rachel Rigolino · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
While that would be extremely handy in an emergency, you cannot jump start a car from a wall outlet.
Why? Because cars run off a 12 volt DC supply, and your house or apartment has AC. Trying to shoot AC current to a DC battery can have serious consequences.
You can, however, buy a car battery charger that will convert AC current to DC. But if you do wind up buying a car battery charger, never, ever disconnect your battery and bring it inside your house to charge. Car batteries can leak or even explode.
Finally, use extreme caution and follow all safety protocols when using a car battery charger.
When you get a piece of car maintenance advice from a friend, it’s important to separate myth from reality. After all, you don’t want to hurt yourself or your investment.
One car owner myth that’s completely untrue is car insurance rates are all the same. But in reality, rates are not all the same.
A licensed broker that offers end-to-end support, Jerry gathers affordable quotes, helps you switch plans, and will even help you cancel your old policy.
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- Gregory R.
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Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
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