UFC 3-570-06
JANUARY 31 2003
Table 5-1. Common Impressed Current Rectifier Problems
SYMPTOM
POSSIBLE CAUSE
REFERENCE
PARAGRAPH
Zero output current and slight increase
Broken anode lead
5-2.3
in output voltage. Historical data
(header cable)
indicates that output has remained
Broken structure lead
5-2.4
relatively constant for a long period of
time.
Zero output current and maximum
Failed anode bed
output voltage. Historical data shows
that system voltage increased several
times and output current decreased
slowly at first, then faster as time
progressed
Zero output current and/or zero or
Loss of AC power
5-2.6/5-2.10
minimal output voltage. No historical
Defective meters
5-2.1.2/5-2.2.3
data immediately available
Broken anode or structure
5-2.3/5-2.4
leads
Blown fuses or tripped
5-2.6/5-2.10
circuit breakers
Defective stacks or
5-2.7/5-2.8
Loose or bad wire
5-2.7/5-2.8
connections
Blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers.
5-2.6/5-2.10
surges
Electrical short circuits
5-2.6
Sudden decrease in soil
5-2.6
heavy rain)
Rectifier voltage suddenly about half of
Rectifier is half waving.
5-2.1
normal. Rectifier output required to be
turned up to regain proper amount of
selenium plates burned
current.
out.
Rectifier output current decreased, but
Failure of some anodes or
5-2.2
voltage near normal.
anode leads.
Soil dried out (increase
5-12