Can someone please tell me about the advantages and disadvantages of using underground electric cables?

Question

Instead of overhead cables...

Answer 1

Underground is more attractive since they don't intrude on your views. Being out of the way they are less likely to get damaged by ice-storms or windstorms.

Underground is more expensive to install than overhead because of need for trenches and conduit and access chambers. The cables are more expensive per foot. . Underground is more liable to construction damage. Underground is harder to troubleshoot or to repair if there is a fault.

Answer 2

There are many advantages and disadvantages to each. overhead cables are ridiculously easy to install and maintain, but they are easily damaged by wind, trees, ice, little kids, etc.

I personally would recommend underground cables. They are nearly impregnable in their underground fortress. Try to think of something that could compromise them... there's hardly anything! snow, ice, trees, wind, nothing can touch them.

the only disadvantages to underground cables are 1) you have to dig a trench to install them, and 2) you have to remember where you put them so you don't hit them when you're digging a hole later. unless of course you're smart enough to put them somewhere where you won't have to dig.

Answer 3

The most obvious disadvantage that everybody seemed to miss is price, underground cables are more expensive because the wires need to be insulated from one another (and from ground obviously), and when they're in poles they can be without any insulation, because they're spaced apart, therefore are cheaper.

Answer 4

Advantages:
Not a visual blight.
Not as easily damaged from the elements.

Disadvantages:
Needs to be dug up if repairs are needed.
Could be accidentally damaged if someone was digging and did not bother to call Undergound Service Alert.

Answer 5

Our neighborhood has all buried services. Visually it is very appealing. Repairs/upgrades require digging.

Instead of utility poles you get these green boxes that house transformers, other boxes hold telephone and cable TV equipment.

Less issue with vehicle crashes and weather though. I think it is safer.

Answer 6

Underground -- more visually pleasing and can't be damaged by wind or ice.

Disadvantage, when they break, you have to dig them up to fix them and it's the same if you want to increase your service rating .

Answer 7

Advantage
1.Nice appearance
2.much more safer


disadvan
1.not flexible
2.very high cost
3.error detection difficult