Cathodic Protection Tester Practice Exam

A normal DC voltage in a zero current output condition in an impressed current system may indicate what issue?

1. Short circuit in the wiring

2. Broken cable to the anodes

3. Faulty rectifier

4. Incorrect connections

The correct answer is: Broken cable to the anodes

A normal DC voltage in a zero current output condition in an impressed current cathodic protection system typically suggests that there may be a broken cable to the anodes. In this scenario, the absence of current indicates that the system is not completing the circuit necessary for cathodic protection to be effective. If the cable between the rectifier and the anodes is broken, there would be no way for current to flow, despite the rectifier producing a normal voltage output. This situation highlights a failure in the physical connection necessary for delivering protective current. In contrast, while a short circuit in the wiring or faulty rectifier could affect normal operation, they would more likely result in a malfunction characterized by abnormal voltage or current readings, rather than a mere normal voltage with zero output. Incorrect connections may cause similar symptoms as well, but they would also generally lead to voltage discrepancies or unexpected behavior in current readings. Thus, the indication of normal DC voltage alongside zero current is most effectively attributed to a broken cable connecting the rectifier and anodes.