Anode Rod Water Tank Plug

[Winemaker2]

Originally Posted by Ted Lambert

In the aircraft industry we called it electrolysis.
Is that correct or am I wrong?

Not the same...

"Electrolysis occurs when an electrical current strays from its path due to improper wiring or a defect coming between two metals in the presence of an electrolyte, usually seawater in this case. ...

Galvanic corrosion is when two different metals are in contact in the presence of an electrolyte."

The sacrificial anode is a way to prevent galvanic corrosion of a desired metal by making the desired metal the cathode and the sacrificial one the anode. To do that you have to pick the right combo based on the position on the galvanic chart.

https://www.pemnet.com/design_info/galvanic-corrosion/

[glwinger]

I use the teflon tape on the anode rod. I also coat the threads on the tank with plumbers grease. It is a silicone based grease and that can be used on high temperature applications. As far as metal to metal connection, both will allow a good electrical connection since the threads are NPT and are slightly tapered.

[Ted Lambert]

Originally Posted by Winemaker2

Not the same...

"Electrolysis occurs when an electrical current strays from its path due to improper wiring or a defect coming between two metals in the presence of an electrolyte, usually seawater in this case. ...

Galvanic corrosion is when two different metals are in contact in the presence of an electrolyte."

The sacrificial anode is a way to prevent galvanic corrosion of a desired metal by making the desired metal the cathode and the sacrificial one the anode. To do that you have to pick the right combo based on the position on the galvanic chart.

https://www.pemnet.com/design_info/galvanic-corrosion/

I am an AME and that term was always used in Trade school and it was referred to using proper metal screws in the sheet metal.
We were taught that dissimilar metals created a battery effect. And corrosion would result.
I think we are talking about the same thing but your trying to take it to another level!

[Winemaker2]

Originally Posted by Ted Lambert

I am an AME and that term was always used in Trade school and it was referred to using proper metal screws in the sheet metal.
We were taught that dissimilar metals created a battery effect. And corrosion would result.
I think we are talking about the same thing but your trying to take it to another level!

Misuse of terms is not unheard of but if you look them up I think you will find electrolysis is what happens when an electrical potential is applied, intentionally or unintentionally - such as in electroplating or stray current.
Galvanic corrosion, is what happens as you describe, dissimilar metals in the presence of an electrolyte... e.g. fresh or salt water.
Some will say they are the same or spliting hairs but
If you don't believe my original quoted text and source here is another source & explanation.

http://www.pcmarinesurveys.com/AC%20...ectrolysis.htm

The difference is a technical one and I'm not saying your trade school instructor didn't know what they were talking about... only that he/she may have used the wrong term for what they were describing. So the advice and lesson was correct and without a chemistry or metallurgy degree they didn't understand the difference of terms.

[RKins]

I apply a coat of anti-seize to the threads of the anode. No more problem with the threads rusting up.

[153stars]

I know it's on hot water side and not normally drank. Food safe neversieze has PTFE fine particulates debate on how safe micro particles of PTFE is... tape is large I don't an issue with that. Tape plus sugar free pure Milk of Magnesia is safest food grade neversieze ,used on jet engines years ago. Might want to use settled out paste. People still use it to this day on spark and glow plugs and just dip stainless bolts in it ect..

[ArtJoyce]

I used teflon pipe dope of teflon tape. I don't worrie about cleaning the threads. It's a pipe tread.

But dont you just hate the fist time you removed the anode. Some gorilla at the factory put the plug in. It always seems I need a 18" breaker bar and some of the times I need to use a cheater pipe.