OVERHEAD Vs UNDERGROUND SYSTEM

COMPARISON OF OVERHEAD AND UNDERGROUND CABLE

·         The distribution system can be over head or underground. The choice between overhead and underground system depends upon a number of widely differing factors. Therefore,  it is desirable to make a comparison between the two.

S.NO	OVERHEAD LINE	UNDERGROUND CABLE
1.	Only bare conductors are used in open place	Insulated conductors are placed in underground
2.	Not very safe	More safe
3.	Conductor size is small	Conductor size is large
4.	Fault occurs due to atmospheric conditions such as snow, severe rain, storms, lightning, fires, tree touching, etc.	Chances of fault are very rare
5.	Insulation cost is less	Insulation cost is more
6.	Conductor is less expensive	Conductor is costlier
7.	Easier expansion and replacement is possible	Expansion is difficult
8.	Low initial cost	High initial cost
9.	Fault detection is easy	Fault detection is difficult
10.	Causes interference with communication lines	No such problems
11.	it is used for long transmission	Due to charging current it is not used for long transmission
12.	Appearance is not good	It gives better appearance
13.	Useful life time is less	Useful life time is two times that of O.H lines