EXPERT TIP #24: DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN ANODE SLED AND ANODE BED

The Anode Bed and the Anode Sled serve the same function but are used in different environments -
onshore for anode beds and offshore for anode sleds.

Anode Bed

An “Anode Bed” (or Anode Ground Bed) is a cathodic protection system configured with one or more
anodes buried in the ground, vertically (in a deep or shallow well) or horizontally (in a trench or series of
shallow holes), which is often called a conventional bed.
In an impressed current system, the individual anode cables are connected to an anode junction box or a
header cable, in the case of a conventional anode bed. The positive cable from the junction box or
header cable connects to the CP power supply (rectifier). When energized, DC power flows from the
anodes, through the earth, to the protected structure, and back to the power supply, completing the
electrical circuit.

Anode Sled

An "Anode Sled" is typically used for offshore cathodic protection applications, often in deep-water
environments. The sled can be made up of a number of impressed current or sacrificial anodes,
depending on the design needs of the project.
Anode sleds are installed on the seabed, and heavy electrical cables are routed either to a power supply
for impressed current systems or directly to the structure in the case of a sacrificial system. The
installation environment can significantly affect the anode sled design, operational characteristics, and
installation methodology. Therefore, it is important to seek the help of a qualified cathodic protection
expert to ensure the anode sled is designed, built and installed correctly.