Which parameter is vital for assessing the performance of a cathodic protection system?

The rectifier voltage output is a critical parameter for assessing the performance of a cathodic protection system because it indicates the electrical potential being supplied to the system for effective corrosion mitigation. In cathodic protection, particularly in impressed current systems, the rectifier converts AC to DC power, and the voltage output must be monitored to ensure that it is sufficient to create the necessary protective current that reaches the metal surface in need of protection.

This voltage is essential because it directly influences the amount of current delivered to the anodes, which in turn determines the protective effectiveness on the cathodic structure. If the rectifier's voltage output is too low, the system may not provide adequate protection against corrosion, while a voltage that is too high could damage the structure or lead to other complications.

While soil texture, temperature, and water pH can influence corrosion rates and may be relevant in certain contexts, they do not directly measure the efficiency or condition of the cathodic protection system like the rectifier voltage output does. These environmental factors impact corrosion but are secondary to the immediate operational performance provided by the rectifier's voltage output.