PHILIPS 3500A JS5710 Jump Starter: features, specs and who it suits

The PHILIPS JS5710 is a portable lithium jump starter that can restart a car with a flat 12V battery, and it doubles as a power bank for phones and laptops. It is a compact alternative to a second car and jumper cables, and it is meant to live in a glovebox or boot. Here is what its specs mean.

Peak current and engine size

PHILIPS rates the unit at up to 3500A of peak current. Peak current is the short burst the unit can deliver, and a higher figure generally means more headroom for bigger engines and cold starts. The brand says it can start most 12V petrol engines up to 11 litres and diesel engines up to 8 litres. Diesels need more starting current, which is why the diesel figure is lower. PHILIPS also says a full charge can jump-start a vehicle up to 30 times.

Battery capacity

The battery is 24000mAh, or 88.8Wh. Watt-hours is the more useful number, because it is not dependent on voltage. 88.8Wh is under the 100Wh limit that airlines typically apply to power banks in carry-on bags, but rules vary, so check with the airline. PHILIPS says standby time is up to 2.5 years and up to 1000 charging cycles.

Cold-weather use

The brand says the unit works in temperatures as low as -4°F (-20°C). Lithium batteries typically deliver less current in the cold, so a low-temperature figure like this matters for winter use.

Charging with USB-C

A USB-C port supports up to 100W of input and output. PHILIPS says it can fully charge in about one hour, and that eight minutes of charging is enough to take it from empty to a level that can jump-start a flat battery.

Using it as a power bank

Outputs are a 100W USB-C port, a 150W DC port and two USB-A ports. PHILIPS says it can charge a smartphone up to nine times. That is useful on the road or during a power cut.

Display and safety features

A 3.2-inch LED display shows key information, and PHILIPS says it warns you if the clamps are attached to the wrong terminals. The brand lists eight protections, including reverse polarity and reverse charge. It also lists IP65 protection (dust-tight and protected against water jets), UL94 V0 flame-retardant material and IK10 impact resistance. Always follow the manual when connecting clamps, and keep the unit away from heat.

Size

It measures about 9.1 x 3.9 x 1.9 inches (23 x 10 x 5 cm) and weighs 2.4 lb (about 1.1 kg).

Who it suits

It suits drivers who want a self-contained way to restart the car without another vehicle, people who drive in cold climates, and anyone who wants a high-output power bank in the car.

What to check before you buy

• Engine size and fuel: compare your engine with the 11-litre petrol and 8-litre diesel limits.
• Voltage: it is for 12V systems, not 24V trucks or buses.
• Storage: check the manual for storage temperatures and how often to top up the charge.
• Charger: a USB-C charger rated for 100W is needed for the fastest charging.
• Condition: check the clamps and cable periodically.
• Travel: confirm airline or shipping rules before travelling with it.

The short version

• A 24000mAh (88.8Wh) jump starter rated at 3500A peak.
• Rated for 12V petrol engines up to 11 L and diesel up to 8 L.
• 100W USB-C in and out, a 150W DC port and two USB-A ports.
• 3.2-inch display, eight protections and IP65 protection.
• Works down to -4°F, according to PHILIPS.

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