Difference Between Overhead And Underground Transmission System

July 22, 2020February 25, 2022 CS Electrical And Electronics

Hello Guys, welcome back to my blog. In this article, I will discuss the Difference Between Overhead And Underground Transmission System, what is the overhead transmission system, what is underground transmission system and finally I will give a conclusion about which is best.

If you want an article on another topic then comment below in the comment section. You can also catch me @ Instagram – Chetan Shidling.

Also read – Transmission, Distribution, And Utilization Questions And Answers.

Overhead And Underground Transmission System

What Is Overhead Transmission System?

The overhead lines are nothing but a conductor used to transmit electricity from generating station to a consumer above the ground level. In overhead lines, conductors are drawn above the ground level to transmit energy.

What Is the Underground Transmission System?

Underground cable means cables are drawn below the ground or under the ground to transmit electricity.

Difference Between Overhead And Underground Lines

01. Public Safety
02. Initial Cost
03. Faults
04. Location Of Faults
05. Repair
06. Working Voltage
07. Lightning thunder
08. Supply Interruption
09. Insulation Cost
10. Appearance

Now I will discuss each and every point in detail.

01. Public Safety – In the case of overhead lines, as a conductor is drawn above the ground level it is not safe for human beings because due to the wind, there is a chance of falling conductors, so the overhead line system is not safe. In the case of underground lines, conductors are drawn below the ground level, so it is safer for human beings.

02. Initial Cost – In the case of the overhead line, the initial cost is less expensive whereas, in the case of underground lines, the initial cost is more expensive.

03. Faults – In overhead lines faults occur frequently due to climatic conditions, if there is more wind then there is a more chance of occurring a fault whereas, in the case of underground cables, there is a less or very rare chance of occurring a fault.

04. Location Of Faults – In overhead lines, if faults occur anywhere then the fault can be located very easily whereas in case of underground lines if faults may take place then locating a fault is very difficult.

05. Repair – Repairing of fault can be easily done in case of overhead lines whereas in case of underground lines repairing a fault is very difficult.

06. Working Voltage – The overhead lines can transmit voltage up to 400 KV, 745 KV, or sometimes more whereas underground cables can work up to 66 KV due to insulation difficulties.

07. Lightning Thunder – Overhead lines have more chances of being subjected to lightning whereas underground lines have fewer chances of being subjected to lightning. Therefore, underground cables are safe compared to overhead lines.

08. Supply Interruption – In the case of overhead lines, there is a chance of supply interruption due to climatic conditions such as wind, rain, etc whereas in the case of underground cables there is less chance of supply interruption because cables are drawn below to ground level.

09. Insulation Cost – Insulation cost is less in case of overhead lines whereas in case of underground cables insulation cost is more.

10. Appearance – The overhead lines appearance affects the view of nature whereas underground cables’ appearance is good as wires are not visible.

So, guys, these are some difference between overhead lines and underground cables. Now I will give my opinion about which system is best to use.

Conclusion: My opinion says overhead lines are best to use because it has many advantages compared to underground cables, overhead lines can transmit high voltage more than 745 KV but underground cables can’t be used to transmit voltage above 66 kV, there are still many reasons are there to use overhead lines. According to me, the overhead line system is best.

Guys which system is best according to you tell us in the comment section.

I hope this article may help you all a lot…

Thank You For Reading……..Bye…

Tags: Difference Between Overhead And Underground Transmission System, what is an overhead line, what is an underground line, the difference between overhead and an underground system.

Also, read: