Cathodic Protection Cable: The Complete Buying Guide for Corrosion Control

For industries like oil and gas, utilities, and construction, protecting buried or submerged metal structures (pipelines, tanks, pilings) from corrosion is critical to safety and longevity. This protection requires specialized equipment and, critically, a specialized wire.

The standard choice for connecting Cathodic Protection systems in soil and fresh water environments is High Molecular Weight Polyethylene HMWPE Cathodic Protection Cable.

HMWPE Cathodic Protection Cable is engineered for the harshest burial conditions, capable of operating while continuously submerged or directly buried in corrosive soil where standard wire fails immediately.

Here is some information engineers, installers, purchasers, and field crews should know about selecting this important cable.  

1. The Corrosive Challenge: Why HMWPE is Essential

Standard building wire cannot survive the environment where CP cable operates. HMWPE insulation is specifically formulated to resist three primary destructive forces:

• Hydrogen Gas Resistance: CP systems generate hydrogen gas at the cathode (the protected structure). HMWPE insulation is resistant to this gas penetration and degradation, ensuring the electrical integrity lasts for decades.

• Superior Moisture Barrier: The jacket is composed of HMWPE, which provides a dense, impenetrable barrier rated for continuous contact with moisture and soil, preventing water migration to the copper conductors.

• Abrasion and Chemical Resistance: HMWPE offers excellent resistance to physical damage during installation and withstands exposure to common soil chemicals, acids, and alkalies without degrading.

2. Sizing and Construction: Built for Burial

HMWPE Cathodic Protection Cable is almost exclusively built with finely stranded Copper conductors for maximum conductivity and flexibility.

• Conductor Material: Only stranded Copper is used. Stranding provides the necessary flexibility for reel handling and tight routing in trenches and anode wells.

• Insulation Specification: HMWPE is the industry designator for the jacketing material, indicating High Molecular Weight Polyethylene. This material provides the necessary balance of mechanical strength and environmental resistance for general direct burial applications.

• Gauge Sizing: Gauges typically range from 14 AWG (for test points and monitoring) up to 4/0 (for high-current anodes or rectifier connections). Sizing must be determined by the maximum current density of the rectifier and the distance of the run to minimize voltage drop.

• Voltage and Temperature: HMWPE Cathodic Protection cable is rated for 600V and maintains a temperature rating at 75°C Wet/Dry.

3. Primary Applications: Where Cathodic Protection Cable is Essential

If a metallic structure is buried or submerged in a non-chemically aggressive environment, HMWPE is the required connection material:

• Pipeline Protection: Connecting anodes to cross-country transmission pipelines (oil, gas, water) in standard soil conditions.

• Storage Tanks: Wiring protection systems for underground storage tanks USTs and above-ground storage tanks ASTs foundations.

• General Utility: Protecting metal structures within power plants, distribution lines, and foundational steel.

4. Why Buy Cathodic Protection Cable?

For reliable, long-term corrosion prevention in standard burial applications, HMWPE Cathodic Protection Cable is the proven, code-compliant choice. Its unique polyethylene jacket ensures maximum resistance to moisture, gas, and abrasion, protecting the system's electrical connection for decades.

Wire America is proud to offer this product by the foot or by the spool with fast shipping to your location. 

Click Here to Shop Our Cathodic Protection Cable Selection

At Wire America, we believe in genuine conversation. You'll always talk with real people who understand that every project requires careful product selection. We're here to ensure you feel educated, confident, and great about your final purchase. Feel free to give us a call to discuss your project! You can reach us at: 833-268-8644

⚠️ Important Disclaimer: Safety and Compliance

Wire America provides this information as a guide only. Electrical installations must strictly adhere to the National Electrical Code (NEC) and all state, local, and jurisdictional requirements, which vary widely. Always consult a licensed electrician, electrical engineer, or the local inspecting authority before purchasing material or starting any electrical project. Wire America assumes no liability for the installation, use, or interpretation of these guides.