Difference Between An Overhead Cable And An Underground Cable

The two types of power lines that are used are underground and overhead power lines. Both are extremely common on Earth up to this day, with overhead lines more popular over long distances and in rural areas and underground lines more common over short distances in cities.
Underground cables are becoming more and more prevalent today, even though they are more expensive. So, what are the common differences between underground and overhead cables?
Overhead cables are exclusively made of aluminum because their properties work best with overhead power lines. Aluminum Bare Transmission cables and Aluminum Overhead Service Drop Cable are the two types of cables commonly used in power lines.
Underground cables are also made of aluminum most of the time, but copper varieties are possible if the utility services are willing to put their money towards it. Aluminum URD cables are the most common type of cable used in underground power lines.
Cost: Underground cables are more expensive to produce since they have superior insulation that has to be resistant to many different risk factors. Overhead wires are way cheaper as there are fewer utility demands placed on them. In addition to being more expensive, underground
Installation: Overhead cables are easier to install than underground ones since the latter may come in conflict with other utility lines or soil/water. In that case, it would take a longer time for professionals to complete the installation.
Conductor size: Underground cables have bigger conductor sizes than overhead ones because they cannot cool off naturally as overhead wires do. Bigger conductors are made to protect underground power lines from potential fire hazards.
Repair Costs: Logically, it is easier to maintain overhead power lines because detecting faults is easier. Overhead power lines are built in a way that makes it easy to repair them. Finding what is wrong with underground power lines will take way longer; hence, it is more expensive to do so.
Safety: Though all of the factors discussed above tend to speak in favor of overhead power lines, underground lines are, in fact, much safer for the general public because people cannot get in contact with underground power lines. Underground power lines are not impacted by natural disasters nearly as much as they do overhead ones.
The Quality of the Signal: Overhead power lines are prone to more signal interference than underground power lines. They also are more likely to suffer from voltage drops because they are exposed to the influence of the environment.
Environmental Concerns: Underground power cables are considered better for the environment because they do not produce as much noise as overhead power lines and are not involved in as many accidents with forests and wildlife, which is especially profound given the current state of climatic issues in the world.
If you are looking to purchase utility cables, Nassau National Cable has a wonderful selection of utility wires and cable at the best prices that will satisfy all of your needs.