Cathodic Protection Tester Practice Exam

Which voltage output does a typical rectifier provide?

1. 20 volts

2. 200 volts

3. 1000 volts

4. 2 volts

The correct answer is: 200 volts

A typical rectifier is designed to convert alternating current (AC) into direct current (DC), and it can vary in its voltage output based on the application and type of rectifier. In many industrial and cathodic protection applications, rectifiers are commonly used to provide an output voltage in the range of hundreds of volts. An output of 200 volts is a standard level for rectifiers in these situations, making it suitable for powering various cathodic protection systems. Higher voltage outputs, such as 1000 volts, are usually unnecessary for standard applications and could pose safety concerns. Conversely, outputs like 20 volts or 2 volts are typically too low for the requirements of most systems that need significant voltage to effectively protect against corrosion in pipelines and other infrastructure. Thus, the 200 volts output strikes a balance wherein it is high enough to meet the operational demands of many cathodic protection strategies while remaining within a safe and manageable range for electrical components involved.