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Reference Electrodes

When you need stable and constant electrode potential, a quality reference electrode is a must-have. Certified Material Testing Products has many options available to handle any job that requires accurate performance from reference electrodes. Our large selection includes copper electrodes as well as equipment for when only a silver chloride electrode will do the job. Also shop our reference electrode replacement parts and accessories such as our field kits, cases, assembly kits and electrode filling solutions. For even more anti-corrosion solutions, check out our full inventory of corrosion control products.

Reference Electrodes For Testing Corrosion

Our copper/copper sulfate reference electrode accurately measures the corrosion levels of your equipment. Using our reference electrodes can help you fight permanent corrosive damage to your materials and surrounding landscape. Copper is a common base metal used in electrode and electrical contact applications. 

Our reference electrode is based on the redox reaction between the metal (copper) and its salt (copper sulfate). It's used for measuring electrode potential, most commonly as a reference electrode for testing cathodic protection corrosion control systems. The reference electrode has a plastic tube that holds a copper rod saturated with a solution of copper sulfate that sticks out of the tube. The electrolyte (or reactive inner substance) passes through a porous plug to make contact with the substance that's being tested. A voltmeter negative lead connects to the copper rod.

What Are Reference Electrodes?

A reference electrode is a type of electrode that dependably produces the same level of voltage no matter what is happening around it. Testing reference electrodes are used in many ways, most commonly as a half-cell to build an electrochemical cell, allowing the potential for the other half cell to be determined. Reference electrode examples can be found in physical sciences where they measure the electrical charge of various substances. Normally, reference electrodes are used with indicator electrodes, which change based on what's happening around them.

What Are The Other Styles of Reference Electrodes?

In addition to copper chloride reference electrodes, other standard electrode types include:

- AG/AGCL Electrode: Stable, robust AG/AGCL reference electrodes are made of silver wire that sometimes have a coating of solid silver chloride.
- Calomel Electrode: This was the reference electrode of choice up until 1960, but it's limited by its ability to manage a high temperature above 50 degrees celsius.
- Hydrogen Electrode: Considered the reference electrode most critical for use in aqueous solutions.
- Double Junction Electrode: An outer tube protects the inner electrode elements.
- Liquid Junction Electrode: The electrolyte (or reactive inner substance) passes through a porous plug to make contact with the substance that's being tested.
- Hg/HgO Electrode: Used as a reference electrode in alkaline solutions.

Shop Certified MTP for Dependable Reference Electrodes 

Along with individual reference electrodes, you'll find portable working kits with all you need to conduct testing on your materials. We also offer copper sulfate crystals and other supporting materials. And we have other products you can use to help with corrosion control. Our primary goal is to get you the equipment you need, so please contact us with any questions you have. For all your testing needs, shop Certified MTP. 

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