David
The unit is not what they advertise
The unit is not what they advertise. Do not buy if your batteries are located more than 12 feet away. Outequip encourages reckless electrical wiring. I asked 2 electricians and 2 companies who make 12v AC units and nobody supports their wiring approach. Outequip claims “real world results make it fine to do” but have zero data to back up their claim that contradicts basic electrical data. They don’t honor their return policy. Their marketing is highly deceptive. The alternative wiring approach they tell you to do is more complicated than a DIY unit and is not safe.
Response from OutEquipProAug 20, 2025
Thank you for raising your concerns and giving us the opportunity to share our expertise. OutEquipPro has been in the air conditioning industry for many years, and our products are the result of careful design, real-world field testing, and a deep understanding of electrical systems. We are not simply resellers—we engineer solutions built for safety, durability, and off-grid reliability. 1) Industry Standards on Voltage Drop ABYC E-11 (marine/RV DC wiring): • 3% maximum drop for critical circuits (navigation, electronics). • Up to 10% drop for non-critical loads such as A/C. NEC best practice: 3% per branch, 5% total system drop for efficiency. Since A/C is a comfort load, up to 10% drop is permitted. In practice, we design for ~4–5%. 2) Why the Factory 6 AWG / 12 ft Lead Is Safe(Summit 2 – 12V Unit) • One-way length: 12 ft (≈24 ft loop). • Copper 6 AWG ≈ 0.00040 Ω/ft → Loop ≈ 0.0096 Ω. • At 58 A (Turbo): ≈ 0.56 V drop (~4.6%). Well within ABYC’s 10% allowance and close to the 5% good-practice target. 3) Recommended Wire Sizes for Extended Runs (58 A) Using standard copper AWG resistances at ~68°F/20 °C: • Up to 40 ft loop (20 ft one-way): Min 4 AWG (~4.8%) | Best 2 AWG (~3.0%). • Up to 60 ft loop (30 ft one-way): Min 2 AWG (~4.5%) | Best 1/0 AWG (~2.9%). • Up to 80 ft loop (40 ft one-way): Min 1 AWG (~4.8%) | Best 2/0 AWG (~3.0%). Tip: Heat, multiple junctions, or engine-bay routing add resistance—when in doubt, step up one size. 4) Why This Is the Right Practice ABYC E-11: Comfort loads may allow up to 10% drop; we aim for 4–5% to ensure reliable compressor performance. NEC guidance: ≤3% per branch, ≤5% overall is considered best practice. Industry references: Blue Sea Systems, Paneltronics, and ABYC training guides all size wire using current, loop length, and allowable drop. References you can check: • ABYC E-11 Standards (marine DC systems) • Blue Sea Systems – Circuit Wizard & Wire Sizing Guide • NEC voltage drop informational note, NFPA 70 In short: Our wire size chart is not arbitrary—it is based on ABYC and NEC standards, published resistance data, and real-world testing of our inverter A/C. 5) Built-In Safety Practices • 100 A inline fuse (12v unit - factory-installed). • Properly crimped lugs and busbars. • Short runs wherever possible; heavier gauge for extensions. 6) How You Can Verify Yourself • Measure DC voltage at the battery and again at the A/C input (Turbo). • Record current with a clamp meter. • Calculate drop % = (Vbattery − Vunit) ÷ Vbattery × 100. • This test will confirm the estimates above. What If the Voltage Drop Is Too High? • ≤ 5%: Excellent — within best practice. • 6–9%: Acceptable for a comfort load, but efficiency may be reduced. If possible, upgrade wiring or shorten the run. • ≥ 10%: Above ABYC allowance. This can cause poor cooling, harder compressor starts, or trigger the A/C’s low-voltage protection. Solutions if drop ≥ 10% 1. Use a heavier gauge cable – if you extended the cord, step up one or two sizes. 2. Improve connections – check lugs, crimps, fuse blocks, and busbars; corrosion or looseness can add major resistance. 3. Reduce heat build-up – in hot zones like engine bays, resistance rises; use thicker cable or reroute if needed. Bottom line: Our wiring guidance is not “reckless.” It follows ABYC and NEC best practices, transparent calculations, and the proven efficiency of our inverter compressor design. For unique installations, we are happy to recommend exact wire gauges and provide a tailored one-page diagram. Warranty & Returns If you are ever unhappy with your A/C unit, we back it with a 1-year warranty. We will gladly help with a warranty claim, arrange an exchange, or provide a full refund. — OutEquipPro Technical Support