How often should the cathodic protection system be tested?

The cathodic protection system is a critical component in preventing corrosion of underground storage tanks and piping systems. This system must be tested regularly to ensure that it is functioning properly and effectively protecting the infrastructure.

Testing the cathodic protection system on an annual basis is a best practice and is often required by regulations to ensure that the integrity of the system is maintained over time. Annual testing helps to identify any potential issues with the cathodic system, such as inadequate protection levels or malfunctioning components, which can lead to corrosion and ultimately result in leaks or failures of the system.

More frequent testing, such as monthly or before every fuel delivery, is not necessary because it could lead to unnecessary maintenance actions and increased operational costs. Testing every five years may be too infrequent to detect issues that could arise in between tests, potentially leading to undetected corrosion. Thus, annual testing strikes an appropriate balance and is established as a standard recommendation for monitoring and maintaining cathodic protection systems effectively.