
The bracket is the most overlooked safety part in AC installation. How rusted is too rusted? The answer is here.
Brackets are load-bearing safety parts; rust significantly reduces load capacity. Judgment criteria: surface flash rust (powder wipes off easily) can be monitored; rust layers peeling in sheets, rust-through at welds, or seized bolts mean immediate replacement is required.
Reference replacement cycles: ordinary powder-coated brackets 5–8 years; hot-dip galvanized brackets 8–12 years; 304 stainless steel brackets 15+ years. Coastal, high-temperature and high-humidity environments should shorten these accordingly.
Lubin brackets provide whole-bracket load test reports; when replacing, choose products with test evidence — safety is no small matter.