Method and apparatus for safe jump starting of vehicles and so forth

The method involves initially supplying an external starting assistance point with no or only low current and only changing it to an active state, in which direct electrical connection to the on-board network and/or battery is provided, by connecting the terminals of a starting assistance cable. A starting assistance point has two contact regions separated by an insulating region and connected by the starting assistance cable when applied. The method involves initially supplying an external starting assistance point (FSS) with no current or only a low current and only changing it to an active state, in which direct electrical connection to the on-board circuit network (12) and/or battery (10) is provided, by connecting the terminals of a starting assistance cable. A starting assistance point is in three parts, with two contact regions (20,22) separated by an insulating region (21) and connected by the starting assistance cable when applicable. Independent claims are also included for the following: an arrangement for safe external starting for motor vehicles.