Chapter 5

Stray Current
Interference

Stray Current
Interference
 Stray Current
Topics covered:
Stray Current
Interference

• Definition of interference
• Definition of stray current
• Types of stray current
• Identification of stray current
• Control of stray current
 Definitions
Interference - any electrical disturbance on a
Stray Current
Interference

metallic structure caused by a stray current.

Stray Current - current in a structure that is
not part of the intended circuit.

Note: Corrosion can occur where the current

leaves a steel structure and enters the
electrolyte.
 Sources of Stray Currents
• Cathodic protection systems
Stray Current
Interference

• Electric-powered mass transit systems

• Welding
• Electric transmission lines
• High voltage DC transmission systems
• Telluric currents
 Types of Stray Current
• Dynamic Stray Currents
Stray Current
Interference

• Steady State Stray Currents

 Dynamic Stray Currents
• Continually vary in magnitude and often in
direction.
Stray Current
Interference

• Can be man-made or natural in origin.

Typical sources:
– DC rail transit systems and mine railroads
– Welding operations
– Telluric currents
– HVAC Power
Stray Current
Interference
 Telluric Currents
Naturally-occurring dynamic stray currents
that are caused by disturbances in the
Stray Current
Interference

earth’s magnetic field by sun spot activity.

 Steady State or Static
Stray Currents
• Constant magnitude and direction
Stray Current
Interference

• Typical sources include:

- Cathodic Protection Impressed Current Systems
- Ground Current from High Voltage DC
(HVDC)transmission line earth electrodes.
Stray Current
Interference
 Dynamic Stray Current
Indications
Stray Current
Interference

• Structure to electrolyte potential

fluctuations
• Variations in line current flow
 Typical Potential Recording
in Stray Current Area
Stray Current
Interference

POTENTIAL

TIME
 Steady Stray Current Indications
• Test point structure-to-electrolyte potential
changes.
Stray Current
Interference

• Structure to electrolyte anomalies detected

during close interval survey
• Changes in current flow on a pipeline.
• Localized pitting near or immediately adjacent
to a foreign structure.
• Coating breakdown in a localized area near a
foreign anode bed or other source of stray
current.
 Pipe-to-Soil Data Plot
Indicating Interference
Stray Current
Interference

POTENTIAL (VOLTS)

-1.5

-1.0

-0.5 POINT OF SUSPECTED

INTERFERENCE
0.0
DISTANCE
 Stray Current Corrosion
Control
• Mitigation bonds
Stray Current
Interference

• Cathodic protection
• Protective coatings
 Mitigation Bonds
• Provide a metallic path between the affected
structure and the source of stray current.
Stray Current
Interference

• Prevents current from leaving the affected

structure through an earth path.
• Also called interference drains or resistance
bonds.
Installation of Metallic Bond
DC
Load Current Overhead
Substation
Required to Positive Feeder
Operate Train
+ _
Tracks Negative Bond
Return Cable

Bond across High

Resistance Joints
 Cathodic Protection
Interference Mitigation Bond
Cathodic
Protection Protective
Protective Current Current Current
Picked Up by
Foreign Line


Interference (Corrosive)
MITIGATION Current Flowing Through
the Earth to Return to
BOND Protected Line

Protected
Line Foreign or Affected
Line
 Cathodic Protection
• Can sometimes be used to overcome
Stray Current
Interference

stray current problems.

• Avoids the problems associated with bonds.
• Galvanic anodes are typically used and are
placed in the area of current discharge.