Cathodic Protection Tester Practice Exam

Typically, a constant voltage cathodic protection rectifier will not have which component?

1. Capacitor

2. Transformer

3. Transistor

4. Rectifying diodes

The correct answer is: Transistor

A constant voltage cathodic protection rectifier is designed to maintain a stable output voltage for the protection of metal substrates, like pipelines or storage tanks, from corrosion. In such systems, the primary components include a transformer, rectifying diodes, and sometimes capacitors, which help in regulating and smoothing the output voltage. Transistors, while useful in various electronic applications for switching and signal amplification, are typically not found in basic constant voltage rectifier circuits meant for cathodic protection. These rectifiers usually rely on diodes to convert alternating current (AC) from the transformer into direct current (DC). Thus, transistors are unnecessary for this purpose, since the essential function of voltage regulation can be achieved through simpler circuitry involving transformers and diodes. In summary, the absence of transistors in a constant voltage cathodic protection rectifier is attributed to the rectifier's design focus on stability and simplicity, employing other components such as transformers and rectifying diodes to perform its function effectively.