What type of electrodes are used in cathodic protection systems to provide a protective current?

Reference electrodes are critical in cathodic protection systems as they provide a stable and known potential against which the cathodic protection system's performance can be measured. These electrodes, such as silver/silver chloride or copper/copper sulfate, help in determining the effectiveness of the cathodic protection by allowing the operator to assess the potential of the structure being protected.

By using reference electrodes, technicians can evaluate if sufficient protective current is being delivered to the structure and ensure that it is maintained within an optimal range to prevent corrosion. This enables the effectiveness of the CP system to be monitored continuously, ensuring long-term integrity and safety of the protected structure.

Other types of electrodes, while important in various applications, do not serve the same primary function as reference electrodes in assessing and guiding the protective current within cathodic protection systems.