Galvanic Series

Definition

The galvanic series is a ranking of metals by their relative nobility, used to predict the direction and severity of galvanic corrosion. The farther apart two metals are, the higher the driving voltage.

The simplified series runs from most noble (protected cathode) such as titanium, passive stainless steel, copper and brass, lead, cast iron, carbon steel, aluminum, zinc, down to least noble (sacrificial anode) such as magnesium. Exact ranking depends on environment, including chlorides, temperature, and passivity, but the direction is reliable. The series tells the water treater which metal in a couple will corrode and roughly how aggressively.

Related concepts

Nobility · Galvanic Corrosion · Sacrificial metal

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Part of The Blueprint of Water · 🧱 materials