What does a higher current level indicate in terms of potential corrosion rates?

A higher current level in a cathodic protection system indicates that there is more electrical current being supplied to the structure being protected, which typically correlates with higher rates of corrosion activity in the absence of protecting measures. This is because an increase in corrosion current often implies that the protective measures, such as cathodic protection, are less effective or that the environmental conditions promoting corrosion are more aggressive.

In the context of cathodic protection, if the system is providing a higher level of current to maintain the potential of the protected structure below the corrosion threshold, it suggests that the conditions are more conducive to corrosion. Thus, a higher current level can signify that either the inherent corrosion risk is higher, or that the protective system is working harder to counteract the corrosion process. This relationship is vital for understanding how effectively a cathodic protection system is functioning.