What are the advantages and disadvantages of overhead and underground cables?
The situation is different for distribution and transmission. Underground distribution pros: – esthetically preferable – requires smaller right-of-way – right-of-way can be shared – fewer problems with vegetation, automobile accidents, lightning, or vandalism Underground distribution cons: – higher cost of construction – higher repair cost – potential risk from careless digging In general, underground distribution is a practical option for new construction and in some jurisdictions, is required (eg, all new construction in New York must be underground). There are three major factors with underground transmission: – the cost is FAR greater than overhead. Underground transmission is almost always reserved for situations where right-of-way is extremely limited – eg, metropolitan areas – or for water crossings. – reactive control – this can be a big problem. The shunt capacitance is greater with underground cables than it is with overhead, and at the same time, the series reactance is lowe
