Electronic rust prevention ???

[Alchemy]

Trying to figure out if this is one of those gimmicky gadgets that has no scientific base or whether it's the real deal,
They bolt onto a car (or perhaps a telescope left out in the weather ;) ) and supposedly have some sort of a current that then provides extra electrons preventing rust..... I'm skeptical as if it worked everyone would have one.
I know we have plenty of science minded people who could clarify this.

Thanks for any input

Clive

[GTB_an_Owl]

i seem to remember something about zinc ingots and electricity in large steel ships

geoff

[AndrewJ]

Just google "anodic" or "cathodic" protection.
It works well in many situations, but i have
severe doubts it would be useful on a tripod
( unless it was supporting an oil rig ;) )

Plus, sticking sacrificial anodes on the legs would
be a rather ugly solution relevant to a bit of WD40

Andrew

[tlgerdes]

Why do you think the original VW Golf had a +ve body, and telephone lines run at -40v.

Electrolisys has issues with negative voltages.

[marki]

Cathodic protection works well. Iron rusts as it loses electrons through oxidation when exposed to water and oxygen in the atmosphere. If you supply electrons in the form of a small current you will prevent the oxidation process and thus prevent rusting. It will work in many applications though some will be less elegant then others.

Mark

[Alchemy]

Thanks for the confirmation, will give it a go soon

Cheers Clive