Curated with aloha by
Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
The authoritative public forum
for Metal Finishing 1989-2025
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Electrolysis of metal light poles
Q. We have several metal light poles in a trailer park, the electrolysis is slowly eating them I measured a 3/10 to 4/10 dc volts from the pole to ground.
Years ago I went to a school at the department of defense on this subject, cannot find my manuals on this.
Any suggestions or information on this problem will be appreciated.
- fayetteville, Pennsylvania
2006
A. Some general suggestions which may be modified depending upon materials of construction:
First, verify no stray electrical current -- any change in voltage with power off or on?
Remove bulk of corrosion by wire brushing with stainless steel brushes ⇦ this on
eBay or
Amazon [affil links]
or high pressure water. Finish cleaning and pretreat using a phosphoric acid-based gel ("rust remover"). Rinse & allow to dry. Apply a cold galvanizing compound Cold Galvanizing Compound / Zinc Rich Paint and either a polyurethane topcoat or an aluminum-fibered asphaltic paint ("roofing tar").
For galvanic corrosion, see MIL-STD-889 (with Notices) "DISSIMILAR METALS."
For surface preparation, coating selection and application, etc., see MIL-HDBK-1110 "HANDBOOK FOR PAINTS AND PROTECTIVE COATINGS FOR FACILITIES."
- Goleta, California
Finishing.com honored Ken for his countless carefully researched responses. He passed away May 14, 2015.Rest in peace, Ken. Thank you for your hard work which the finishing world, and we at finishing.com, continue to benefit from.
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