General

This standard provides procedures to test compliance with the CP criteria presented in NACE SP02851 on UST systems. Included are instrumentation and general measurement guidelines, procedures for three commonly used test methods, practices for taking voltage drops into consideration and preventing incorrect data from being collected and used, and procedures for testing for electrical continuity between USTs and other metallic equipment. The use of CP coupons to determine the adequacy of CP is described in Appendix A (Nonmandatory).

The provisions of this test method shall be applied by personnel who have acquired, by education and related practical experience, knowledge of the principles of CP of UST systems. Such individuals, at a minimum, must either be NACE International certified CP Testers, NACE International CP Specialists, or individuals qualified by professional education and related practical experience.

A given test technique may be ineffective or only partially effective. Conditions that may cause this to occur include elevated temperatures, disbonded dielectric or thermally insulating coatings, shielding, bacterial attack, and unusual contaminants in the electrolyte.

Deviation from this test method may be warranted in specific situations if corrosion control personnel can demonstrate that adequate CP has been achieved.