General guidance
This Resource Centre provides general guidance only. Always follow the equipment manufacturer’s instructions, the product technical data sheet and your site’s safe system of work. Isolate stored energy before maintenance. For safety-critical, regulated or uncertain applications, ask a competent engineer or the product manufacturer to confirm the specification.
Galvanic corrosion can occur when dissimilar metals are electrically connected in the presence of an electrolyte such as water or salt solution.
Risk increases with:
- greater separation in electrochemical behaviour;
- a small area of the more active metal connected to a large area of the more noble metal;
- conductive moisture;
- high temperature or aggressive contamination;
- damaged coatings or trapped water.
Possible controls include:
- selecting compatible materials;
- electrically isolating the metals;
- sealing the joint from moisture;
- using a suitable coating or corrosion inhibitor;
- designing for drainage and inspection;
- avoiding an unfavourable small-anode/large-cathode area ratio.
Check whether isolating materials or coatings affect clamping, earthing, temperature or fire performance.
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