Molly Ayala
Underground electrical lines are safer and more efficient than overhead lines, offering uninterrupted power supply and zero obstruction. The process of installing them involves trenching, HDD (horizontal directional drilling), and vibratory ploughing. Trenching is the most common method, with trenches typically 1.5m deep and 0.45m wide, and filled with sand. HDD is used for existing landscapes, and vibratory ploughing is used for streetlight wires, as other wires could suffer insulation damage. Unguided pneumatic piercing tools and microtrenching systems are also used. Underground cable laying requires permissions and has high installation costs, but it is more protected from external factors and has a lower risk of service interruption.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Advantages | Reduced risk of electrocution, reduced risk of fire, reduced risk of outages during storms, aesthetically pleasing |
| Disadvantages | High installation and maintenance costs, vegetation must be cleared to allow for construction, heavy equipment can destroy habitats, soil compaction can limit biodiversity, routine maintenance is difficult, repairs can take a long time, corrosion, possibility of unintentionally severing a cable |
| Installation Methods | Trenching, directional drilling |
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What You'll Learn
Power lines are safer underground but more costly
The high cost of underground power lines is due to the expense of digging trenches and laying cables. The process of trenching requires utility companies to dig trenches, lay down wires, and then refill the trenches. This method can be disruptive to the community as traffic needs to be rerouted, and it can damage environmentally sensitive areas. Directional drilling, a less invasive but more expensive technique, involves carefully driving pipes through pre-planned channels, minimizing disruption at street level.
Underground power lines also present challenges when it comes to repairs and maintenance. Locating faults in underground cables can take days or weeks, and excavation and restoration of the area are necessary for repairs. In addition, underground cables are more susceptible to corrosion and unintentional severing, and they may be affected by flooding or frozen ground.
Despite the higher initial cost, underground power lines may offer long-term cost savings by reducing power outages and their associated costs. They also provide safety benefits by eliminating the risk of electrocution from downed power lines and reducing the risk of wildfires. However, the cost factor remains a significant barrier to implementing underground power lines, especially in the context of balancing cost-effectiveness and reliable electricity supply.
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Underground repairs are harder and take longer
Underground cables are also more susceptible to flood damage, particularly from saltwater, which can cause issues in certain geographical areas. Underground lines must also be insulated to protect against heat, which cannot dissipate through the soil as it would with overhead lines. This insulation adds another step to the installation process and an additional expense.
In addition, underground wires are more prone to corrosion and often don't last as long as overhead wires. They are also at risk of being unintentionally severed, which can be dangerous and carries a similar risk to damaging underground gas lines.
Finally, underground repairs can be more disruptive to the environment. Vegetation must be cleared to allow for construction and vehicular access, and heavy equipment can destroy habitats and limit biodiversity through soil compaction.
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Underground lines are more environmentally disruptive
Underground electrical lines are installed using two main methods: trenching and directional drilling. Trenching is the less expensive option, where utility companies dig trenches, lay down wires, and then replace the earth. This method is more disruptive to the environment as it involves significant excavation and vegetation clearance for construction and vehicular access. Directional drilling, on the other hand, is based on techniques from the oil and gas industry, where pipes are driven through pre-planned channels, minimizing disruption at street level. While this method is more expensive, it can be more environmentally friendly by reducing surface disruption.
Underground lines are considered more environmentally disruptive due to several factors. Firstly, during the installation process, vegetation must be cleared, and heavy equipment can destroy habitats. Soil compaction is another issue, as it can limit biodiversity in the area. Additionally, long-term vegetation management is necessary to prevent deep-rooted plants from damaging the underground lines. This ongoing maintenance can further impact the environment.
The construction of underground lines can also lead to challenges with routine maintenance and service restoration. Locating faults in underground cables can be difficult, and repairs may take significantly longer than for overhead lines. This can result in extended disruptions and higher environmental impacts during the restoration process, including excavation and repaving or landscaping.
Furthermore, underground lines may not be suitable for all geographical areas. In regions with high water tables or rocky subsoil, undergrounding is not feasible. In such cases, the only option may be to use above-ground power lines, which can have their own environmental consequences, such as an increased risk of wildfires.
While underground lines offer benefits in terms of safety and reliability, their environmental impact is more complex. The initial cost of installation is significantly higher, and the long-term maintenance requirements can further add to their environmental footprint. Therefore, it is essential to carefully consider the specific context and explore alternative solutions, such as vegetation management, to minimize power outages and reduce environmental disruption.
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Underground lines are insulated to prevent heat dissipation
Underground power lines are a safer alternative to overhead power lines, as they reduce the risk of electrocution and electrical fires. They are also more aesthetically pleasing and less susceptible to damage from harsh weather conditions and falling trees. Despite these advantages, the majority of power lines are still located above ground due to the high costs associated with installing and maintaining underground power lines.
Underground power lines are insulated to prevent heat dissipation. Transmission lines designed for open-air use produce heat that cannot escape when buried underground. Therefore, to prevent heat from building up and potentially damaging the surrounding area, underground lines must be insulated. This insulation adds an extra layer of complexity and expense to the process of installing underground power lines.
The type of insulation used depends on the depth of the trench and the type of conduit and wire or cable used. For example, galvanized rigid metal electrical conduits with individual insulated wires are installed at a depth of six inches. In contrast, PVC conduits with individual insulated wires are installed at a depth of 18 inches. The wires are typically pulled through the conduit once the entire conduit run is complete.
The process of installing underground power lines can be done through trenching or directional drilling. Trenching is the less expensive method, where utility companies dig trenches, lay down the wires, and then refill the trenches. Directional drilling, on the other hand, is a less invasive but more expensive method adapted from the oil and gas industry, where pipes are carefully driven through pre-planned channels.
While underground power lines offer improved safety and reliability, the high costs and maintenance challenges associated with their installation have hindered their widespread adoption.
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Underground lines are harder to upgrade
Underground electrical lines are harder to upgrade for several reasons. Firstly, underground cables cannot be uprated like overhead lines can. Overhead lines can easily be modified to carry more power by adjusting line clearances and reinforcing power poles. In contrast, underground cables must be supplemented or replaced entirely to increase their capacity. This limitation of underground lines makes it more challenging to upgrade the electrical infrastructure when demand increases or when newer technology becomes available.
Another challenge with upgrading underground electrical lines is the difficulty of accessing and repairing them. When issues arise with underground cables, it can be challenging to pinpoint the exact location of the problem, leading to longer service restoration times. In comparison, repairs to overhead lines are typically faster and more straightforward, as issues are easier to identify and access. This accessibility advantage of overhead lines is crucial when it comes to performing maintenance, upgrades, or expansions of the electrical infrastructure.
The high cost associated with underground electrical lines is also a significant factor in the difficulty of upgrading them. Burying power lines can be significantly more expensive than overhead lines due to factors such as trenching, excavation, insulation, and the need for specialised equipment. These higher costs can deter utility companies and governing bodies from investing in upgrades or expansions of underground electrical lines, especially when faced with budget constraints.
Additionally, underground electrical lines are susceptible to certain environmental factors that can impact their performance and longevity. For example, underground lines are vulnerable to flooding, which can cause extensive damage and require costly repairs or replacements. Moreover, the high reactive power of underground cables produces large charging currents, making voltage control more challenging. These environmental considerations can further complicate the process of upgrading underground electrical lines, requiring additional measures to ensure their resilience and functionality.
In summary, underground electrical lines pose challenges when it comes to upgrades due to their limited upgradability, difficult access, high costs, and environmental vulnerabilities. These factors collectively contribute to the complexity and expense of upgrading underground electrical infrastructure, which can deter utility companies and governing bodies from undertaking such projects.
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Frequently asked questions
The primary reason power lines are not underground is the cost. In the US, the installation cost of an overhead power line is around $284,000 per mile, while an equivalent underground line costs $1.5 million per mile. Underground lines are also more expensive to repair and maintain, as it can be difficult to identify the fault and access the line.
Underground power lines are less susceptible to damage from severe weather conditions, falling trees, and automobile accidents. They also reduce the risk of electrical supply interruptions during storms and the risk of electrocution from downed power lines. Underground lines are also considered more aesthetically pleasing.
There are two main methods for installing underground electrical lines: trenching and directional drilling. Trenching is the less expensive method, where utility companies dig trenches, lay down wires, and then refill the trenches. Directional drilling is less invasive but more expensive, as it involves carefully driving pipes through pre-planned channels over long distances.
