At present, there is no dedicated and universally accepted international standard that clearly defines the overall design requirements and factory testing methods for cathodic protection transformer rectifiers (CP TR).

In practice, many clients assume that CP TR units should fully comply with IEC standards simply because the equipment includes a transformer and rectifier. However, this assumption does not reflect the technical reality of cathodic protection systems.

IEC Standards vs. CP TR Reality

A cathodic protection transformer rectifier is not a conventional power transformer or industrial rectifier.
While a transformer and rectifier are key internal components, they represent only part of the complete CP TR system, which also includes:

• Potential control and regulation circuits
• Current control and limiting functions
• Protection logic for pipelines and structures
• Interfaces with reference electrodes and CP circuits

Existing IEC standards are primarily intended for standalone electrical equipment, such as power transformers or rectifiers used in general electrical applications. As such, they do not fully address the operational characteristics, control logic, or performance verification requirements specific to cathodic protection transformer rectifiers.

Therefore, IEC standards cannot be directly or entirely applied to the overall design validation and functional testing of CP TR units.

KIG TECH’s Factory Testing Approach

Although no unified international standard currently exists, KIG TECH adopts a rigorous factory inspection protocol by referencing relevant IEC standards, industry practices, and cathodic protection engineering requirements.

Each CP transformer rectifier undergoes comprehensive testing, including:

• Insulation resistance test
• Overcurrent or current-limiting protection test
• Overvoltage or limiting-voltage protection test
• Over-protection and under-protection potential test
• Potential control accuracy test (under input supply voltage variation)
• Current control accuracy test (under input supply voltage variation)
• Ripple coefficient test
• Dielectric strength (withstand voltage) test

These tests are designed to verify electrical safety, control accuracy, system stability, and long-term operational reliability under real cathodic protection conditions.

Looking Forward: Toward a Clear Industry Standard

KIG TECH believes that the cathodic protection industry would greatly benefit from a clear, dedicated, and internationally recognized testing and design standard for CP transformer rectifiers.

Such a standard would:

• Eliminate misunderstandings in technical specifications
• Improve consistency in product quality evaluation
• Enhance safety and reliability for critical infrastructure

As a professional manufacturer of cathodic protection materials and equipment, KIG TECH is committed not only to compliance, but also to actively supporting the advancement of industry standards for CP transformer rectifiers worldwide.

KIG TECH

2026/01/23