Compare between overhead and underground transmission line
Answers
Answer:
Electrical power is transmitted through either overhead power lines or underground cables. Each of the two types of cables has its benefits as well as pitfalls as well as places where it is commonly used.
The choice of which method to use is influenced by voltage, cost, safety, type of application, and other factors. Whereas, the overhead lines are cheap, easy to install, troubleshoot and upgrade, the same cannot be said about the underground cables. Underground cables have their place too, and despite being expensive, they have several advantages. These are mostly used where it is dangerous to have overhead lines such as densely populated areas as well as in providing the missing link in areas where overhead lines cannot be used.
Due to cost, physical and environmental factors, the two types of cables are usually combined together in most situations. To understand how the two cable types differ from one another, below are the notable differences between the two.
A comparison between underground and overhead transmission cables:
Construction
Underground cables are more expensive to construct since they have to be electrically insulated and have protection against moisture, corrosion, mechanical damage and other environmental impacts from the soil. Construction of the cables is more complicated compared to the overhead cables which are simple to construct, and do not require insulation and sheathing. The overhead cables have lesser requirements and cheaper to construct.