Overhead vs. Underground Power Transmission: Why the Latter Is a Worthwhile Option
Both residential and commercial setups across Australia use either overhead or underground power transmission lines. But there are good reasons why underground transmission is gaining popularity. It's cost-effective, reliable, safe and aesthetically pleasing.
There are multiple advantages of choosing this out-of-sight power transmission system compared to overhead types, including the following.
Simple Siting and Cost-Effective
Indeed, siting power transmission projects is highly challenging in metropolitan or urban-based locales. The overhead transmission will mean acquiring land to erect support structures such as poles, towers or overhead conductors. Other challenges include structure removal to give way for the power line, which is inherently expensive.
On the flip side, underground lines do not require obtaining the right-of-way and can be installed in densely populated areas. Compared to overhead cabling, underground power transmission is much more economical since it doesn't involve costly land acquisition.
Little Effect on the Visual Environment
Underground power cabling will always maintain land value and preserve its natural beauty. Since they are out-of-sight, these lines solve the aesthetic concern posed by overhead transmission. While their impact may vary by location, overhead transmission can permanently change the look of residential, historic or scenic sites. But while the aesthetic effect isn't the primary concern, it presents long-term impacts that are hard to mitigate.
Durability and Reliability of the System
Power transmission cables installed underground are less affected by atmospheric conditions. That is, except for endpoints where there is the exposure of cables on substations, poles and other terminations.
Underground power transmission is ultimately the most dependable solution at a time where electrical system reliability is a top priority for most utilities. Underground transmission lines will survive even the most extreme conditions, including typhoons, storms, hurricanes, landslides, vandalism and terrorism.
Safety Advantage
Burying power transmission lines is much safer since underground cables are electrically shielded, highly insulated and out-of-sight. On the surface, where accessories such as substations or terminal towers are exposed, underground cabling poses a minimum risk. That means that there are no:
-
Electrocution hazards for wildlife and people
-
Collision hazards for helicopters and smaller planes
-
Fire risks to homes and environment
Public Support
The local community, including residents, landowners, environmental groups and businesses rally behind underground power transmission due to its low impact while delivering reliable power. This way, the installation project goes on without any hitches and completed on time.
The bottom line?
An underground power transmission system is indeed a worthwhile option compared to overhead transmission. It offers solutions to different requirements stakeholders have been expecting when it comes to electrical transmission lines.
For more information, contact a power installation service.