Test Stations: Inspectors verify the proper installation of test stations, including test leads, junction boxes, and wiring. Test stations must be accessible for future monitoring and protected from damage during construction.

Anodes and Ground Beds: Inspection includes confirming the correct type, size, quantity, and placement of sacrificial or impressed current anodes and ground beds. Proper backfill materials and installation techniques are also verified.

Rectifiers: For impressed current systems, rectifiers must be installed per specifications, with proper electrical connections, grounding, and environmental protection.

Wiring and Connections: Inspectors check that all wiring, including negative return leads and bonding cables, are installed without damage, properly insulated, and connected securely.

Electrical Isolation: Where applicable, dielectric fittings or isolating joints are inspected to ensure electrical isolation is maintained, if required by design.

Documentation Review: Prior to field inspection, review all relevant project documents including CP design drawings, installation specifications, material certifications, and Operator SOPs.

Safety and Environmental Plans: Understand the safety protocols, environmental protection plans (EPP), and permit requirements related to CP installation activities.

Calibration Verification: Confirm that all test equipment, such as holiday detectors and electrical testing instruments, are calibrated and certified per Operator and Manufacturer requirements.

Material Verification: Inspect delivered CP materials (anodes, cables, rectifiers, test station components) for compliance with specifications and absence of damage. Ensure nothing is missing.

Site Preparation: Confirm that installation sites for anodes and test stations are prepared according to design, including excavation, backfill materials, and environmental controls.

Anode Installation: Monitor placement of anodes ensuring correct depth, orientation, and spacing. Verify use of approved backfill materials (coke breeze, etc., if required) to reduce ground bed resistance.

Test Station Setup: Confirm test leads are installed with proper conduit, junction boxes are mounted securely, and wiring is protected from mechanical damage.

Rectifier Installation: For impressed current systems, verify rectifier mounting, electrical connections, grounding, and environmental protection measures.

Wiring and Bonding: Inspect all wiring for continuity, insulation integrity, and secure connections. Confirm that bonding to foreign pipelines or structures is installed per line crossing procedures and plans.

Electrical Isolation Devices: Check dielectric fittings or isolating joints for proper installation and test for electrical isolation using resistance measurements or isolation testing meters.

Continuity Testing: Perform electrical continuity tests on test leads and anode circuits to confirm no breaks or shorts.

Holiday Testing: Use calibrated holiday detectors to cover any repaired coatings from installation of test leads, anodes, and associated components.

Initial Potential Measurements: Take initial pipe-to-soil potential readings at test stations to verify that CP current is reaching the structure.

Documentation: Complete detailed inspection reports including installation verification, test results, nonconformance records, and corrective actions.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Inspectors and workers must wear appropriate PPE including gloves, eye protection, and high-visibility clothing.

Electrical Safety: Follow lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures when working on energized CP equipment. Use insulated tools and verify absence of hazardous voltages.

Environmental Protection: Ensure that installation activities comply with environmental permits, including proper handling of backfill materials and containment of drilling fluids or other contaminants.

Access and Security: Confirm that CP test stations and rectifiers are installed in accessible locations with adequate security measures to prevent vandalism or accidental damage.

Damaged Test Leads: Leads can be broken or shorted during backfilling or construction. Inspectors should verify continuity and proper burial depth, and require repairs or replacements as needed.

Incorrect Anode Placement: Improper spacing or depth reduces CP effectiveness. Inspectors must confirm installation per design and bring up any issues.

Poor Electrical Isolation: Failure of dielectric fittings can cause stray current corrosion. Inspectors should perform isolation resistance tests and ensure proper installation.

Calibration Lapses: Inspectors must verify calibration certificates and proper use.

Coordination with Other Trades: CP installation often overlaps with coating, welding, and excavation activities. Effective communication and scheduling prevent damage and ensure inspection coverage.

Understand the critical components and functions of CP systems including anodes, test stations, rectifiers, and wiring.

Follow detailed inspection procedures from material receipt through installation and post-installation verification.

Prioritize safety and environmental compliance throughout inspection activities.

Maintain thorough documentation to support quality assurance and regulatory compliance.

Be vigilant for common issues such as damaged leads, improper installation, and calibration lapses, and take corrective action promptly.

API RP 1169: Pipeline Construction Inspection Recommended Practice

NACE SP0169: Control of External Corrosion on Underground or Submerged Metallic Piping Systems

NACE SP0188: Discontinuity (Holiday) Testing of New Protective Coatings on Conductive Substrates

ASTM Standards: Related to welding, coating, and testing