Why do the instructions for my jumper cables say "STAND BACK" as the last instruction?
by 
Big Jake
ANSWERS: 5
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the clips on the cables could cause a spark. batteries can give off hydrogen gas, and hydrogen + spark = explosion. this is rare but possible.
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If you hooked it up wrong, you might (literally) blow something up. If something has EVER happened, even once, then there will be a warning to prevent people from suing. In this case, the maker of the jumper cables doesn't want anybody blaming them and now has a legal loophole; "We TOLD him to stand back, so if he was close enough to get hurt after hooking them up backwards then he was not using them according to instructions and therefore we cannot be held responsible."
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they assume you might get it backwards and start a fire... they would rather see them fry so they can sell you new ones and don't get sued for you getting burned... my suggestion is stay there and make sure they are not getting hot... or make sure you got your +- right!
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Because if you don't stand back then the next words you hear might be *CLEAR!* with someone rubbing the paddles together.
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Because the battries can create a gas that is flamable and they can explode and splash battery acid. Rarely happens. I know of only one case and it ruined a jacket but he was standing back.
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