What is the first line of defense in Cathodic Protection?

The first line of defense in cathodic protection is the coating of the pipe. This is primarily because coatings serve as a barrier between the substrate (typically metal) and the corrosive environment, significantly reducing the rate of corrosion. By preventing corrosive elements from coming into direct contact with the metal surface, coatings can effectively inhibit the electrochemical reactions that lead to corrosion.

While impressed current systems and grounding rods are important components of cathodic protection systems, they are typically considered secondary, acting to mitigate corrosion where the initial protection through coatings has failed or is insufficient. Holidays, or defects in the coating, represent vulnerabilities in the protection system itself rather than components of defense. Therefore, ensuring a reliable and robust coating is critical for minimizing corrosion risk and providing a foundational layer of protection before additional measures are implemented.