What should be done first after replacing a damaged test lead?

After replacing a damaged test lead, the first step should be to verify that cathodic protection (CP) is functioning properly. This is crucial because the primary purpose of cathodic protection systems is to prevent corrosion on pipelines and metallic structures. Ensuring that the CP system is operational immediately after making a repair or replacement helps to confirm that the integrity of the corrosion control measures is maintained.

If the CP is not working correctly, the system could fail to protect against corrosion, which could lead to significant damage over time. By verifying the CP protection immediately, any issues can be identified and resolved without delay.

Checking the remaining leads, documenting the procedure, and checking for leaks, while important, are subsequent steps. They help maintain overall system integrity and safety but do not address the immediate need to ensure the corrosion protection functionality is intact after any repair or replacement action involving the cathodic protection system. Thus, prioritizing the verification of CP protection is essential in this scenario.