What type of equipment must be coated or protected to minimize corrosion when buried or mounded?

The requirement for equipment to be coated or protected to minimize corrosion specifically applies to metallic equipment. Metal is prone to rust and degradation when exposed to soil, moisture, and other environmental factors, especially when buried or mounded. To enhance the longevity of metallic components, protective coatings such as paint, galvanization, or specialized corrosion-resistant coatings are applied. These protective measures create a barrier that limits direct contact between the metal and corrosive elements in the environment, thus preventing deterioration.

In contrast, non-metallic, plastic, and composite materials generally exhibit greater resistance to corrosion compared to metals, which is why they do not require the same level of protective measures when buried or mounded. Non-metallic components are often utilized in applications where corrosion is a concern but do not need the same coating protections as metals.