This European Standard specifies the general principles for the implementation of a system of
cathodic protection against corrosive attacks on buried or immersed metal structures with and without
the influence of external electrical sources.
NOTE 1 The protection against stray current from direct current system influences is dealt
in prEN 501 62:2000.
This standard indicates conditions and parameters that should be met to achieve cathodic protection
as well as rules and procedures that should be followed for design, installation, commissioning and
maintenance of the protective systems.
NOTE 2 Clauses 5 to 10 deal mainly with the cathodic protection of pipelines but they are
applicable to other structures
This standard is applicable to external surfaces of buried or immersed structures. It is not applicable to
the protection of internal parts of structures containing corrosive liquids.
NOTE 3 This is covered by prEN 12499:1996.
When cathodic protection is necessary, this standard is applicable to structures covered with concrete
which are then buried or immersed. It is not applicable to the protection of steel in reinforced concrete
which is buried or immersed.
NOTE 4 This is covered by EN 12696
This standard is applicable only to those constructions in sea water for which the protective systems
would be installed and can be inspected on land.
NOTE 5
Such constructions in sea water are generally of smaller length, whether or not they form a part of a larger underground network.
NOTE 6
Other constructions in sea water are dealt with in other standards, e.g. for submarine pipelines see EN 12473.