What must be present for an impressed current system to work effectively?

For an impressed current system to function effectively, a proper grounding configuration is essential. This setup provides a pathway for the electrical current to flow, which is a critical component of cathodic protection systems. Proper grounding ensures that the electrical circuit is complete and allows the impressed current to efficiently protect the metal structure from corrosion by effectively distributing the cathodic protection current.

In this context, without a proper grounding configuration, the system may not be able to deliver the necessary protective current to the structure, leading to potential failure in preventing corrosion. Good grounding improves the system’s efficiency and longevity by ensuring that the protective currents are directed appropriately and that any stray currents are minimized, thus enhancing the overall effectiveness of the corrosion control measures.