Undergrounding of overhead power lines

Undergrounding or overhead power lines? There are many benefits of both, but if you still don't know what way is better, read this article and have your own firm opinion.

For those who are not familiar yet with the undergrounding, it is a replacement of the overhead power lines providing telecommunication or power with cables under the ground. Although many say that the undergrounding is performed for aesthetic purpose, it has a lot of benefits over the overhead cables. Laying underground cables affect the rights of the owners of the land on which the power line is used, to a degree similar to the erection of an overhead line. Below you can read the main advantages and disadvantages of both undergrounding and overhead power lines.

Ecological perspective - Watching the things from this perspective, the undergrounding is in advantage. Despite the aesthetics, the underground cables radiate heat which has an effect on soil humidity.

Costs – The overhead power lines are in better position, as undergrounding has higher costs of installation, electric power transmission and maintaining, although it might decrease the operational costs over the lifetime of the cables. Also, the costs for repairing some underground cable issue are bigger, having in mind that we will need to dig at least 500 meters.

Damages – The overhead power lines are more exposed to damages, such as air elements, debris, tree branches, high wind or ice-loading conditions.Undergrounding however, are significantly less vulnerable to any kind of damages, mainly weather conditions like lighting, freezing or wind.

Repair time – A repair of overhead power line can be accomplished in just a few hours, while underground repairs can take a few days, or even weeks. For this reason, overhead power lines are on run.

Reduced emission – As you all know, the cables produce a magnetic field. Close grouping of underground power cables reduces the resultant external magnetic field and further magnetic shielding might be provided.

Possible line outages – Storm-related flooding, salt-water flooding or ground movement can cause outages in the underground lines. It can also shorten the life and increase the regular maintenance of the underground system.

More secure - Undergrounding means much less subjects exposed to theft, sabotage and illegal connecting.

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