Electronic Rust Protection for Air Conditioners
Rust is the single biggest threat to the lifespan of your air conditioner — especially in coastal areas, high-rise buildings, marine environments, and anywhere salt air is a fact of life. The CAT Electronic Rust Protection System protects your HVAC unit from the inside out, using a proven electronic field to continuously suppress corrosion on all metallic surfaces — both visible and hidden. Backed by a 10-year product replacement guarantee and trusted by installers across Australia since 1989, CAT is the low-maintenance, set-and-forget solution for air conditioners that need to last.
★★★★★ “The system has performed over and above our expectation — no rust developing in 7 years, less than 100 metres from breaking ocean waves.”
Robert, Verified Owner, April 2026
Technical & Design Summary
The CAT System utilises an optimal blend of voltage and frequency to deliver maximum corrosion inhibition in air conditioner systems. The Modular Design allows for easy expansion, with the Main Generator Module featuring 2 output circuits. Each circuit can support up to 6 coupler pads linked in series, providing a total capacity of 12 Coupler Pads for both circuits. Additional coupler pads can be seamlessly added to enhance system performance.
Why Choose CAT for your Air Conditioner
Traditional coatings work on the surface — but corrosion starts from within. The CAT System takes a fundamentally different approach, using alternating current with specific waveforms and frequencies to interrupt the electrochemical process that causes rust at the source. Refined since 1989 and proven across thousands of installations in some of Australia’s most demanding environments, CAT delivers the kind of long-term results that coatings simply can’t match.
Comprehensive Coverage
CAT reaches virtually all metallic surfaces, both internal and external, offering consistent protection even in hard-to-reach areas where coatings often fall short. It ensures a better defence against corrosion risks.
Long Term Solution
Unlike traditional coatings that fade or peel over time, CAT provides continuous, long-lasting protection. Once installed, it delivers ongoing corrosion suppression without the need for reapplication.
Easy Installation
The system is designed for fast, hassle-free installation with no drilling or structural changes required. It can be fitted to new or existing units using standard tools.
Continuous Protection
The system operates silently 24/7, providing round-the-clock corrosion defence. It ensures your air-conditioning unit is always protected, no matter the season or environmental conditions.
Environmentally Friendly
CAT is fully compatible with air-conditioning control systems and electronics. It operates independently without disrupting any onboard circuits, diagnostics, or automated functions.
Non-Interference
CAT operates independently of your air conditioner’s control systems and electronics. It won’t disrupt onboard circuits, diagnostics, or automated functions — it simply runs silently in the background.
Technical Specifications
System Capabilities
- Compatible with both 12VDC and 24VDC systems
- Option for 240VAC conversion available
- Modular design for easy expansion
- Main Generator Module with 2 output circuits
- Supports up to 12 Coupler Pads (6 per circuit)
- Additional coupler pads can be added as needed
Paint Protection Bonus
Customers have also reported that CAT helps slow paint oxidation, further preserving the exterior finish of the unit.
What Our Customers Say
Verified ownerExcellent service & quick shipping. We also purchased the a 2 pad CAT electronic rust protection system 7 years ago to install in our ducted air conditioning condenser unit. The unit is located on the roof of our building, exposed to the weather elements less than 100 metres from breaking ocean waves on the east coast of Australia. The system has performed over and above our expectation with no rust developing during this time. The team from Coastal Air in Batemans Bay, NSW have been amazed there is no rust on the unit when they service it!
Our company is located on Mermaid Beach in the Gold Coast Queensland. During the last 6 years or so we have installed well over 100 CAT SYSTEM electronic rust control units on high rise outside air conditioners which operate from main power by way of a reducer from 240 to 13 volts. These air conditioners are exposed to salt air 24 hours a day.In all that time there has been only one failure, the air conditioner rusted because CAT SYSTEM connection was not switched on!At all times we have found Roe Marketing and CAT Systems Australia most professional to deal with, providing excellent service and marketing a high quality unit with a most satisfactory performance result.I have no hesitation in recommending CAT SYSTEM for vehicles and in particular units installed on our air conditioners for complete rust protection.
HVAC FAQs
Q: What is electronic rust prevention?
A: Electronic rust prevention utilizes electricity to mitigate corrosion on metal surfaces. CAT employs this technology that can protect air conditioner units from rust and degradation.
Q: How does CAT work?
A: CAT disrupts the natural electrochemical rusting process within air conditioner systems, providing continuous corrosion protection.
Q: Is CAT protection expensive?
A: No. The cost of CAT installation represents a small fraction of the value of air conditioner units, offering long-term savings by preventing costly corrosion-related repairs.
Q: Does CAT come with a warranty or guarantee?
A: Yes. All CAT Systems are backed by a 10-year product replacement guarantee, subject to terms and conditions.
Q: What voltage is needed to power the CAT system?
A: The CAT system requires either a 12VDC or 24VDC constant voltage source. For 240VAC installations, a power transformer will be necessary. (a 12VDC domestic down light transformer is ideal for this purpose.)
Q: Is CAT effective on larger air conditioner units?
A: Yes. CAT’s modular design allows for scalability, making it suitable for various sizes of air conditioner units.
Q: Is it practical to install CAT on air conditioner units with existing rust?
A: While CAT can help mitigate further corrosion, it cannot reverse existing rust damage. It’s recommended to address existing rust issues before installing CAT for optimal protection.
Q: Will CAT interfere with the operation of air conditioner units?
A: No, CAT does not interfere with the operation of air conditioner units. It operates independently and seamlessly integrates with the existing system without affecting its performance.
Q: Is CAT compatible with existing protective coatings?
A: Yes. CAT is fully compatible with various protective coatings, enhancing corrosion resistance when used in conjunction with suitable coatings.
