California ICC UST Inspector Practice Exam

Field-installed cathodic protection systems must be designed and certified as adequate by whom?

1. A corrosion specialist

2. A service technician or a licensed tank tester

3. The owner/operator

4. A cathodic protection tester

The correct answer is: A corrosion specialist

The requirement for field-installed cathodic protection systems to be designed and certified as adequate by a corrosion specialist is rooted in the need for expert knowledge in the principles of corrosion and cathodic protection technology. Corrosion specialists have the education and training to assess the specific conditions of a site, including soil composition, moisture levels, and the properties of the materials involved. They understand how these factors contribute to corrosion potential and can ensure that protection measures are tailored effectively. Furthermore, a corrosion specialist can evaluate the adequacy of the cathodic protection system based on established standards and methodologies, ensuring that it meets regulatory and performance requirements. This certification process is crucial because inadequate cathodic protection can lead to corrosion-related failures, posing safety risks and potential environmental hazards. While other roles, such as service technicians or licensed tank testers, play important parts in the operation and maintenance of these systems, they may not possess the in-depth knowledge required to certify the design adequacy of cathodic protection systems. Additionally, the owner/operator may not have the necessary expertise to evaluate the technical specifications of a cathodic protection system. Similarly, while a cathodic protection tester is skilled in measuring the effectiveness of such systems, they do not typically engage in the design phase