The Buried Reference Electrode: A Critical Long Term Performance Study

Abstract Accurate monitoring of cathodic protection relies upon the proficiency of the test personnel and the proper operation of the required equipment. The equipment consists of properly insulated test leads, an electronic voltmeter with a known internal circuit resistance, and a reference electrode. The proper operation of each piece of equipment is critical to the accuracy of the cathodic protection test results. However, the reference electrode is not often suspected of being responsible for unexpected cathodic protection readings. This paper will provide background on the use of portable reference electrodes and data used to evaluate the performance of buried reference electrodes installed adjacent to a single, cathodically protected, underground storage tank. Data accumulated at the test site clearly indicates that not all buried reference electrodes provide identical results.