As technology and communication continues to develop allowing more real time data to be
acquired or complex electrical systems to operate pipeline related facilities, cathodic protection
(CP) systems are being strained. The use of electronic equipment required for remote
pressure monitoring, metering information, valve operators, and other functions can create a
direct short from the direct current (DC) system on the pipeline to the electric power company’s
alternating current (AC) grounding system. Improperly designed and installed grounding grids,
using copper for example, is a cause cathodic a drain on the pipeline system. In essence, the
cathodic protection system is protecting more than just the pipeline. Mitigation methods
including decouplers, isolation transformers or solar power may be used to maintain the DC
voltage on the pipeline ensuring cathodic protection of the structures. This problem creates
pipe to soil potentials that may not meet DOT 192 Criteria1.