What is an Impressed Current Cathodic Protection (ICCP) System?

Question:

What is an Impressed Current Cathodic Protection (ICCP) system, and how does it prevent corrosion?

Answer:

An Impressed Current Cathodic Protection (ICCP) system, also known as a Cathodic IPS system, is an advanced electrochemical technique used to prevent the corrosion of metallic structures. It works by supplying a controlled external direct current to the metal structure, effectively making it the cathode of an electrochemical cell. This process suppresses the naturally occurring anodic (corrosive) currents on the metal surface, thereby mitigating corrosion [1].

Unlike sacrificial cathodic protection systems that rely on more active metals to corrode, ICCP systems use an external power source (rectifier) to drive current through inert anodes, forcing the protected structure to remain cathodic [2]. This ensures continuous and adjustable protection, particularly for large or complex structures.

Data Support:

ICCP is an electrochemical process used to prevent corrosion in metal structures by applying a controlled electrical current to the metal.[3]

References:

• 1] Repreve. (2025). *9+ What is a Cathodic IPS System? & Uses*. Retrieved from [https://signup.repreve.com/what-is-a-cathodic-ips-system/

• 2] Corrosionpedia. (n.d.). *Impressed Current Cathodic Protection (ICCP)*. Retrieved from [https://www.corrosionpedia.com/definition/1237/impressed-current-cathodic-protection-iccp

• 3] AM Carbon. (2023). *What Is Impressed Current Cathodic Protection (ICCP)?*. Retrieved from [https://amcarbon.com/understanding-impressed-current-cathodic-protection-iccp/

• 4] Matcor. (n.d.). *Cathodic Protection—What is it? How Does it Work?*. Retrieved from [https://www.matcor.com/resources/cathodic-protection/

• 5] Cathwell. (2023). *Cathodic protection explained*. Retrieved from [https://cathwell.com/cathodic-protection-explained/

• 6] VA Engineering. (2023). *GACP vs. ICCP - Which Cathodic Protection System is Right for My Project?*. Retrieved from [https://www.vaengineering.com/blog-1/2023/3/21/gacp-vs-iccp-which-cathodic-protection-system-is-right-for-my-project

• 7] ScienceDirect. (n.d.). *Impressed Current System - an overview*. Retrieved from [https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/impressed-current-system

• 8] ScienceDirect. (n.d.). *Cathodic Protection System - an overview*. Retrieved from [https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/cathodic-protection-system

• 9] Inspectioneering. (n.d.). *Overview of Cathodic Protection*. Retrieved from [https://inspectioneering.com/tag/cathodic+protection

• 10] USACE. (2021). *EM 1110-2-2704, Cathodic Protection Systems (CPS) For Civil Works Structures*. Retrieved from [https://www.publications.usace.army.mil/Portals/76/Users/182/86/2486/11EM_1110-2-2704%20(003).pdf.pdf)