Reducing galvanic corrosion consists of eliminating one of these three conditions. However, it is impossible for us to eliminate the water or the nature of the metals in contact.

It is possible for us to avoid electrical contact, we will see how. Some materials, such as iron, rust by themselves in water, this is self-corrosion and will not be detailed in what follows. We will focus on galvanic corrosion which is much more problematic. Galvanic corrosion is like a shorted battery.

The term galvanic refers to an electric current flowing between two metals with movement of metal ions.

Metal 1 corroded is called anode: the steel releases metal ions (Fe2+ for example)

An electric current circulates between these two metals: Electrons.

The metal 2 which is charged with metal ions is the cathode.

The table below summarizes the metals that should be avoided.