Cathodic protection is a method for the protection of metals, in which a cathode of an electrochemical cell is made to prevent corrosion of a metal surface. It is a simple method of protection. The metal to be protected is attached to the sacrificial metal, which is more easily eroded, as the anode.

In the cathodic protection method, the electrical properties of the corrosion of metallic materials are used to extend the service life of the materials, or in other words to prevent corrosion, for example to protect metallic pipes or other embedded metallic structure. There are generally two types of cathodic protection: galvanic protection and compressed current cathodic protection.

For example, a galvanic cathodic protection system for underground tanks consists of sacrificial anodes fixed during the production of these tanks. Galvanic systems have a limited lifetime in which the sacrificial anode will continue to protect tanks or pipes. When it has reached the end of its life, the protection functions are no longer available.

The compressed current cathodic protection system uses electrodes with a much longer life. There is a rectifier that converts the AC power supply to direct current and is properly calibrated to provide the necessary protection.

Briefly, cathodic protection is an electrochemical corrosion control management in which the oxidation reaction in a galvanic cell is concentrated at the anode and suppresses the wear of the cathode.

The following are a few standards based on cathodic protection tests carried out by the competent authorities:

• TS 5141 EN 12954 Cathodic protection - For embedded or submerged metallic structures - General principles and application for pipelines

• TS EN 13636 Cathodic construction of embedded metallic tanks and related piping system

• TS EN 16222 Cathodic protection of ship hulls

• TS EN ISO 12696 Cathodic protection of steel in concrete

• TS EN 16299 Cathodic protection of external surfaces on soil storage tank based on soil or base contact