Sodium nitrite is widely used as one of the popular corrosion inhibitors for the protection of ferrous metal in closed cooling water system, such as a diesel engine and a chiller. The optimum treatment conditions are studied through laboratory tests using linear polarization resistance (LPR) technique. Corrosion rate of the carbon steel electrode could be maintained less than $2.5{ imes}10^{-3}$ mmpy in the test condition of 500 ppm as ${NO_2}^-$, 200 ppm as $Cl^-$, $70^{circ}C$ and pH 6.8. The pH control is confirmed not to be an important factor in the protection of carbon steel by sodium nitrite inhibitor. The addition of tolyltriazole was needed for the protection of the copper alloy in the sodium nitrite treatment system.