We're Going To Have To Cut Down A Lot Of Big Trees To Upgrade The Electric Grid For EVs

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30. Transmission Professionals Group: Overhead vs. Underground Power: Why Do We Use Both Locations?

Overhead vs. Underground Power: Why Do We Use Both Locations?

EMILY NEWTON
Editor-In-Chief, Revolutionized Magazine
Emily Newton is the Editor-in-Chief at Revolutionized Magazine. She enjoys writing articles in the energy industry as well as other industrial sectors.

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On average, overhead lines also typically last several decades longer than underground versions before needing to be replaced. However, the life span estimates of both may vary.

Fault-finding and repair for overhead lines are typically faster, resulting in shorter power disruptions and improved uptime. The same is not true for underground cables, which often require a more involved and less speedy fault-finding and repair process.

If the problem’s location is not immediately obvious, the repair crew must employ various fault-finding techniques to determine where the line has failed. Some strategies, like cable thumping, can add more strain and potentially damage insulation and shorten life span.

Overhead lines can also withstand overloads more readily than underground lines due to their thermal capacity. Cables that are buried rather than exposed to air will radiate heat less quickly, making them more susceptible to overheating during an overload.

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