A Guide to Understanding Reference Electrode Readings

Reference electrodes are essential to evaluate corrosion and cathodic protection on buried and submerged structures. This article discusses the nature of structure-to-electrolyte readings employing copper/copper sulfate (Cu/CuSO4) electrodes (CSEs) and various other “acceptable” reference electrode types. A universal formula is presented that allows readings taken with non-CSE reference electrodes to be adjusted to the CSE potential.