Residential
Powered Anode Rod
What is a Powered Anode Rod?
A powered anode rod is an innovative device to protect your water heater from corrosion. Unlike traditional sacrificial anode rods made of magnesium or aluminum, which gradually dissolve to prevent tank corrosion, powered anode rods use an electrical current to achieve the same purpose without degrading over time.
How Do Powered Anode Rods Work?
Powered anode rods operate based on simple electrical principles. Unlike traditional rods, which sacrifice themselves, they use a small electrical current to prevent corrosion. Titanium is commonly used in these rods due to its high corrosion resistance and ability to conduct electricity effectively.
Benefits of Powered Anode Rods
Stops Tank Corrosion
Our Corro-Protec anode combined with electrical current will provide added corrosion protection and increase the life of your hot water heater. Our system provides a layer of permanent corrosion protection on the internal welding seams and weak points of the tank. This technology is recognized by corrosion specialists and has been laboratory tested.
24-Hour Sulfur Smell Elimination
No matter what causes the rotten egg smell in your water, the Corro-Protec Powered Anode Rod can solve this problem in just a few hours. Once the system is operational, the energy projected by the system will prevent these unpleasant smells for years to come!
Reduces Limescale Accumulation
Limescale deposits cause significant costs for the rehabilitation of water pipes and heating installations and are also responsible for significant energy losses. The energy sent by the Corro-Protec imposed current anode is used to destabilize the calcium molecule found within the water, which has the effect of preventing the chemical reaction that normally creates calcite.
Automatically Adapts
The Corro-Protec automatically adapts to the type of water present in your tank in order to offer you optimal protection. No matter if your water comes from the city or a well, our products will be able to protect your tank!
One-Time Quick and Easy Installation
This anode will be the last you ever buy. We’ve included step-by-step instructions to make it easier to replace your old water heater hex-head anode with our Corro-Protec with easy-to-follow directions for beginners. If you need help during installation, you can call us or email us.
Lead-Free Certified
Thanks to our special titanium mixed metal oxide rod, the Corro-Protec anode is lead-free and received the gold seal by the Water Quality Association. We are proud to manufacture safe products both for your home and the environment. These Corro-Protec’s anode rods are tested and certified by WQA against SF/ANSI/CAN 372 : 96386, 96387 & 96388.
Why Powered Anode Rods Are Better
Standard
Magnesium Anode Rod
Deteriorates over time
The magnesium anode rod will sacrifice itself, deteriorate over time, to protect the water heater.
Anode will corrode
Since corrosion always attacks weaker metals first, the magnesium anode will corrode until it is about 50% consumed. After that, the tank will start to rust and will last a couple years.
Reduces lifespan
Making water more aggressive, water softeners also reduce the life of the sacrificial anode rod.
Corro-Protec
Powered Anode Rod
Better for Your Hot Water Tank
These rods prevent the “stink rod” effect, ensuring your hot water remains odor-free. This is especially beneficial for households using well water, where the interaction between water and magnesium rods can cause unpleasant “rotten egg” smells.
Enhanced Durability
Powered anode rods improve the lifespan of your water heater. They provide robust and long-lasting protection against corrosion and limescale buildup.
Longevity and Maintenance
Powered anode rods are designed to be long-lasting. They do not corrode like traditional rods, requiring almost no maintenance. To ensure optimal performance, check the electrical connections and inspect the rod periodically.
Sacrificial Anode Rods
Traditional sacrificial anode rods are made of magnesium or aluminum and designed to corrode over time, protecting the water heater tank from rust. However, they have several drawbacks:
– Frequent Replacement: Sacrificial anode rods need to be checked and replaced periodically, which can be inconvenient and costly. As the anode rod depletes, it becomes less efficient at protecting the hot water tank from corrosion and bacteria.
– Odor Issues: Magnesium anode rods can react with certain water types, producing an unpleasant sulfur smell. They also do not eliminate the smell of sulfur, which causes bacteria to be found in the water.
– Residue: As the sacrificial rod corrodes, it can leave minerals and sediment at the bottom of the water tank, potentially causing issues in the future.
FAQ
Yes, powered anodes does work. They are a proven and effective technology used to protect the metal in your water heater from corrosion and rotten egg smell in hot water.
They work by producing a small electric current that counteracts the electrochemical reaction that would cause your water heater to rust.
Powered anode rods have been used in the water heater industry for many years due to their effectiveness in combating corrosion. Here are some reasons and historical context illustrating why they work well:
- Scientific Basis: The functionality of powered anodes is based on the well-understood principles of electrochemistry. By creating a small current, these anodes prevent the corrosive reaction that would normally occur in the water heater.
- Industry Adoption: Impressed-current anodes (another name for powered anodes) were first patented in the early 1960s and have been used in various industrial applications since, including water heaters, underground tanks, and marine structures. Their long history of use is a testament to their effectiveness.
- Adaptable to Water Conditions: Unlike sacrificial anodes, powered anodes can adjust to different water conditions, making them effective in a variety of environments.
- Longevity: The use of powered anodes can significantly extend the lifespan of water heaters, which has been observed and documented over the years.
- Solves the “Rotten Egg” Smell: Powered anodes can also prevent the sulfur smell often associated with sacrificial anodes, proving their effectiveness in improving the overall water quality.
Given this history and their continued use in various industries, powered anode rods have a proven track record of effectiveness.
Why Corro-Protec is Unrivalled?
One of the top brands in the industry is Corro-Protec. They specialize in producing high-quality powered anodes that are designed to work with all types of water heaters and conditions. The Corro-Protec anodes are known for their reliability, durability, and superior performance.
While it’s true that Corro-Protec anodes are more expensive initially compared to traditional sacrificial anodes, they can offer substantial savings in the long run. Here’s why:
- Longevity: A powered anode rod such as the ones made by Corro-Protec is designed to last significantly longer than a standard sacrificial anode. Whereas a sacrificial anode may need to be replaced every few years, a powered anode can potentially last for the life of the water heater.
- Preventive Protection: By preventing corrosion more effectively, a powered anode can prolong the lifespan of your water heater. This means you won’t need to replace the entire heater as frequently, saving you a significant amount over time.
- Maintenance Costs: Traditional anodes require regular checks and replacement, which involves labor costs if you’re hiring a professional or time and effort if you’re doing it yourself. With a powered anode, once it’s installed, it requires minimal maintenance.
- Odor Prevention: Corro-Protec anodes are designed to stop the sulfurous “rotten egg” smell that can sometimes occur with sacrificial anodes. This not only improves the quality of your water, but also means you won’t need to spend extra money trying to fix this issue.
So while the upfront cost of a Corro-Protec powered anode is higher, the investment can pay off in the form of lower maintenance costs, a longer-lasting water heater, and better water quality.
A powered anode is a non-sacrificial anodes that use a current rectifier, plugged into an electrical outlet, which sends current in the hot water tank through a titanium anode.
Unlike sacrificial anodes, powered anodes are maintenance free and designed to last for years. Plus, they are well known to solve rotten egg odor problems in hot water tanks.
For your water heater, you have the choice between a sacrificial anode rod or an impressed current anode. As its name suggests, the magnesium or aluminum sacrificial anode dissolves over time to protect the surface of your water heater. The Corro-Protec impressed current anode forms a permanent protective layer on the tank walls.
We’ve developed different models that can be installed in all water heater brands starting from 10 gallons to 120 gallons, including specific models for Bradford White and Bedarus water heaters. Corro-Protec fits on electric, gas, solar, hybrid, indirect and geothermal water heaters.
Frequently Asked Questions
An electric anode rod uses a small electrical current to prevent corrosion, unlike traditional rods that corrode over time. This method ensures consistent and long-lasting protection.
Powered anode rods rely on an electrical current to protect the tank, eliminating the need for a large sacrificial metal rod. This allows them to be more compact.
Powered anode rods offer superior corrosion protection, eliminate odor issues, and require less maintenance than traditional sacrificial anode rods.
This lifespan often extends over a decade, with some high-quality brands like Corro-Protec offering powered anode rods designed to last more than 20 years. However, the lifespan can vary based on water quality and usage patterns.
Corrosion is a chemical reaction when metal reacts with water and oxygen, leading to rust and deterioration. In water heaters, this can cause leaks and damage over time.
Installing a powered anode rod is highly recommended, even if you have a water softener. The water softener generally makes water more aggressive to hot water tanks, which reduces the life of your tank and creates a more conducive environment for developing sulfur-reducing bacteria that produce the rotten egg smell in hot water.
Does a Powered Anode Rod Void My Water Heater Warranty ?
No, the Corro-Protec powered anode rod does not void your water heater warranty. In fact, manufacturers consider powered anode rods to be maintenance parts that support the proper functioning and longevity of the tank.
In the United States, this is protected under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, and in Canada, under the Canadian Competition Act. The only exception permitted by law is if a manufacturer offers an equivalent part using the same technology at no cost, which never happens.
Keeping the tank energy-efficient saves you approximately 10% in energy costs after one year (avg. US $40/year)*.
Estimated savings after one year of installation, based on internal testing and independent sources. Results may vary depending on the water heater unit, water quality, and usage patterns. In Canada, the estimated savings are $30 CAD.
The Corro-Protec does not require any special maintenance. Leave it connected at all times, and it will work only if necessary. Even if you turn off the hot water tank, if there is still water in the tank, the Corro-Protec will remain functional to prevent corrosion.
If you empty the tank, the Corro-Protec will turn off automatically because the water acts as a conductor between the anode and the ground.
An impressed current anode does not function as a heating element. There is no danger in emptying the water from the tank without disconnecting the anode.
The voltage automatically adjusts based on the resistance of your water. If there’s a very low voltage, it suggests that your water is highly conductive. In such situations, the anode doesn’t require a large current to ensure adequate protection. The key factor to consider is the mA level within the water heater. Importantly, there’s no need to measure the voltage; if any issue arises, the Corro-Protec power supply’s green light will turn off. This light is designed to illuminate only when a specific current threshold is achieved, indicating that the protection mechanism is operational.
For ease of installation, the Corro-Protec comes equipped with a power supply cord that spans an ample length of 12 feet, offering flexibility in its placement..
There are several names you can use when talking about an impressed current anode. Impressed current anode rod is simply a synonym for Powered Anode Rod, electronic anode or ICCP system.
Corro-Protec fits the vast majority of water heaters sold on the market. It works with nearly all storage tank-style models, but not with tankless, stainless steel, or plastic-lined units, as these do not use an anode.
Need Assistance?
Our technical support team created great step-by-step installation guides. They are also ready to answer all your questions and help you solve any problems you are experiencing.
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