Retarding rust electronically – claims are exaggerated

by | May 10, 2020 | Articles, CBRV, CMB, General, Travel

by Collyn Rivers

Retarding Rust Electronically

Promotion and sale of units for retarding rust electronically (for RVs etc) was banned in the USA in the 1990s. One brand (CECI) has long been banned in Australia. Their sale is an offence under Section 218 of the Australian Consumer Law. The details are at the end of this article). In 2015 the NSW Fair Trade Commissioner warned against buying such products. In essence, retarding rust electronically is of questionable value.

Retarding rust electronically – how it is (claimed) to work

The form of claimed rust protection was (vendor explained) as this. It is to ‘impress a controlled, pulsed high voltage low-level current onto a vehicle’s chassis and body. Doing so partially nullifies the electron flow that causes rusting.’ (That is a vendor explanation, not mine).

The technology involved is basic. It has long been in the public domain. Googling reveals details of how to build a unit yourself.

Retarding rust electronically – the USA banned it

In the 1990s, claims of retarding rust electronically came to a head The USA Federal Trade Commission accepted there was evidence of rust retardation. It noted, however, that promotional claims were extreme. It banned further promotion.

CECI Unit on its own

The CECI unit. Pic: original source HPC.

In the early 2000s, CSIRO-refereed tests of a unit concluded it was an ‘effective method’ of rust protection. ‘Effective’, however, was neither qualified nor quantified. The maker claimed ‘it is not a miracle cure. It typically retards rusting by a factor of four to five’.

My own testing

I tested a similar unit for Endrust Australia. The test vehicle was my 1994 OKA. Four bare-steel test strips were bolted directly to its chassis. Four identical (control)strips were insulated from the chassis.

ro

The test included river crossings like this! Tip of Cape York – far North Queensland. Pic: rvbooks.com.au

The OKA was parked 300 metres from the Indian Ocean, north of Broome. It was thus exposed to wind-blown salty air. It was also driven over 90,000 km. This included three months in Cape York. Plus twelve return trips to and from the east coast, via Alice Springs.

Both sets of strips quickly acquired a soft powdery coating. The unprotected strips heavily rusted after two/three months. They eventually became deeply pitted. The protected strips’ coating could be partially wiped off. This exposed relatively clean metal. Small scratches on bare metal were likewise.

After five years, the unprotected were deeply rusted. The protected ones rusted – but less so. The test unit retarded rusting. It did not prevent it. Endrust subsequently ceased distributing the product.

A curious effect

There was, however, a curious effect. While the unit operates the paint acquires a ‘bloom’. This bloom disappears shortly after the unit is turned off. It is still unclear how or why. It was repeatable – and captured on camera. Others using this unit report similarly.

Conclusion

The technology has some effect. The unit tested retarded rusting. It did not reduce it to the extent claimed. In RV Books opinion, it was not nearly as effective as conventional protection. It may, however, assist retarding rust on very old vehicles.

Retarding rust electronically – a now less need

Since 2000 there have been major advances in manufacturing. Furthermore, rusty vehicles are now rare. Unless driven often on beaches. Or exposed to strong, salt-laden winds.

rusty bus

It’s a bit late for this one! Pic: original source unknown.

This article can (legally) only comment on the unit tested. Furthermore, it does not imply that other rust protection units may be similar. That which can be mentioned, however, is a 2015 ruling. It relates to the High-Performance Corporation distributing CECI units to retailers. These were claimed to ‘drastically reduce the rate at which rust forms’. The ruling similarly relates to the MotorOne Group (motoronefleet.com).

For details, see: https://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/sites/default/files/atoms/files/highperfcorpmotoroneeuoct15.pdf

Further Information:

If you find this article of value, please see my books. Caravan & Motorhome Electrics covers every aspect in depth. Solar That Really Works covers RV solar. Solar Success does likewise for homes and properties. The Caravan & Motorhome Book moreover covers RV choice, design, building and usage. The Camper Trailer Book ditto in that area. For author info: Click on Bio.

This topic occasionally arises on forums. Furthermore, if it could assist others to consider adding this Link.

Collyn Rivers is a semi-retired automobile research engineer.  He is the author of seven books, five of which are about making RVs and solar work optimally.

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Caravan and Motorhome Electrics

The essential handbook for anyone with an RV of any kind.  Everything you need to know to make the electrics in your rig work for you.

Cover of Caravan and Motorhome Books by Collyn Rivers

eBook versions

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The book retailers set their own prices which can vary substantially. We'll aim to keep a selection of the better prices above.

Any bookshop, whether online or bricks and mortar, can order copies of Caravan & Motorhome Electrics.  Just ask.
ISBN: 978-0-6483190-8-5

Solar Success

Whether you’re building a new home or adding solar to an existing structure, this is the one book you can’t afford to be without.

eBook versions

Paperback version

Any bookshop, whether online or bricks and mortar, can order copies of Solar Success.  Just ask.
ISBN: 978-0-6487945-4-7

The Caravan & Motorhome Book

The Caravan & Motorhome Book covers every conceivable aspect of campervan and motorhome usage. If you own a camper van or motor home, you'll want this book.

eBook versions

Paperback version

The book retailers set their own prices which can vary substantially. We'll aim to keep a selection of the better prices above.

Any bookshop, whether online or bricks and mortar, can order copies of The Caravan & Motorhome Book. Just ask.
ISBN: 978-0-6483190-5-4.

Solar That Really Works!

Solar that Really Works! covers the design, installation and use of solar in cabins, camper trailers, travel trailers, fifth wheelers, campervans and motor homes.

eBook versions

Paperback version

The book retailers set their own prices which can vary substantially. We'll aim to keep a selection of the better prices above.

Any bookshop, whether online or bricks and mortar, can order copies of Solar That Really Works!  Just ask.
ISBN: 978-0-6483190-3-0

Why Caravans Roll Over
and how to prevent it

Explains in detail every aspect of tow vehicle and travel trailer stability. This is what you need to know to be safe on or off the road.

eBook versions

Paperback version

The book retailers set their own prices which can vary substantially. We'll aim to keep a selection of the better prices above.

Any bookshop, whether online or bricks and mortar, can order copies of Why Caravans Roll Over.  Just ask.
ISBN: 978-0-6483190-6-1