Reference Electrodes – Operating Instructions

Jun 12, 2025 | Electrochemistry Theory, Technical Articles

All EDT directION electrodes and sensors are shipped with the measuring tip covered with a soaker teat or bottle filled with the appropriate soaking solution. Prior to use remove the soaker teat from the electrode and keep in a safe place for future storage. If there is a white crystalline precipitate around the teat or on the electrode shaft rinse off with tap water. After rinsing the sensing end with deionised water, the electrode is ready for use.
Image showing a double junction reference electrode.
Electrode Storage

Reference and combination electrodes including ORP should be stored in 3.0 Molar KCl (Potassium Chloride) solution. Double Junction reference electrodes should be stored in the outer junction solution being used in the outer electrode chamber.

Electrode Care & Cleaning

Slow response and non-reproducible measurements are signs that the electrodes tip has become coated or the reference junction blocked.

Reference electrodes use a liquid junction for electrical contact to the solution being measured.If the Junction becomes blocked or coated the reference becomes erratic and the electrode potential usually rises. Cleaning with Methyl Alcohol (Methanol) or 0.1 Molar HCl (Hydrochloric acid) periodically will enhance the electrodes performance. Storage should be in slightly acidic 3 Molar KCL or in the filling solution being used in that particular reference electrode.

 

Filling Solutions

Calomel Reference Electrodes: Use Saturated KCl. EDT Catalogue Number E8064
Ag/AgCl Reference electrodes: Use Saturated KCl saturated with Ag/Cl. EDT Cat. No. E8067

Filling Instructions

Slide down the plastic ring to reveal the side fill hole. Using a small syringe or pipette fill the outer part of the electrode (via the hole) with the appropriate solution until the filling level is just below the hole. Slide the plastic ring back to cover the hole during storage. The hole should be uncovered during prolonged use.

More articles on Reference Electrodes:

Which Reference Electrode Should I Use?

It is important to know which reference electrode to use for your application. Using the wrong electrode can ruin your results. In this article we will guide you through which electrodes are suitable for each application & Half Cell.

Reference Electrodes: Storage & Filling Solutions

Electrode storage and maintenence is important for many reasons. This article will guide you through which filling and storage solutions are suitable for your reference electrode.

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