Anode Cathode ingots in manholes?

[deltay]

I am currently working in a network with six 4KV primary feeders and one 34.5 KV feeder. These manholes have been neglected for 25 plus years. What has been interesting to find in all these manholes is some type of anode cathode device. I have never seen anything like this. Someone has run a #6 ground wire to some type of ingot. Has anyone ever seen this?

 

[waross]

A zink ingot connected to the iron supports and to the ladder may provide some corrosion protection if/when the manhole floods.
respectfully

 

[Morrand]

Yes, I've designed installations of these anodes on our system. In our case, they're 44 lb. magnesium anodes, protecting lead-covered cables. The anode ties to the cable bonding through a pair of lugs at the manhole neck, apparently so the corrosion engineer can break the circuit to check whether there's enough protection or not.

I see a reference to zinc anodes in our company's specifications book, but haven't installed any of those. The application's probably similar, though.