Is your business trying to decide between underground and overhead electrical distribution? Both options have advantages and considerations. Conducting a power distribution comparison is one of the best ways to find the most suitable option for your needs. Learn about the pros and cons of power lines above- and below-ground in this quick guide.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Power Distribution
Before diving into the pros and cons of power line options, consider a few factors to help you narrow down your options:
- Cost: Establish a budget to determine how much you’re willing to invest in power distribution.
- Reliability: If you require continuous electricity, you must choose an option that gives you a reliable flow of power.
- Maintenance: While all power systems require maintenance, some solutions necessitate more effort, time and money. Evaluate how much you’re willing to invest in maintenance before selecting a distribution system.
- Environmental impact: Whether you choose overhead or underground power lines, they’ll affect the environment in certain ways.
Underground Distribution Pros
Here are some of the most significant advantages of underground power distribution.
1. Less Chance of Damage
Underground electrical distribution systems aren’t exposed to harsh weather elements like wind, rain and snow, lessening the chance of damage. The ground offers a layer of protection and insulation, making these systems reliable and less prone to downtime. They’re protected from external factors, like vehicles and humans, which can also cause damage.
2. Less Visible and Noisy
While your power lines should be practical, you may also care about how they impact the appearance of the surrounding environment. If “hiding” your system is important to you, underground cables and lines might be a more viable option. These systems are also less noisy than the alternative, which can help reduce noise pollution.
3. Reduced Power Outages
Because they’re underground and not exposed to damage-causing elements, underground distribution lines are less vulnerable to power outages due to damage. Still, as overhead energy distribution systems feed underground power lines, outages in the primary energy source above ground could impact the power supply of underground systems, so they aren’t entirely safe from outages.
4. Increased Safety
Overall, choosing underground power distribution is a safe option, reducing opportunities for accidents. Unlike overhead distribution systems that feature objects like poles positioned near roads, underground power equipment is less susceptible to damage from cars. Additionally, since underground distribution systems aren’t exposed, people are less likely to be electrocuted due to accidental contact.
Underground power lines don’t require workers to spend a lot of time on ladders or platforms during installations or repairs. There’s a smaller chance of employees falling from heights.
Underground Distribution Cons
While underground distribution lines have many benefits, they might not be the best fit for your business in some situations:
- Higher installation costs: Underground distribution lines require more parts and equipment, making them expensive investments. The upfront costs can be steep, and repairs and services can also be on the higher end. If you have a smaller budget, assess whether you can commit to these costs.
- Maintenance challenges: If your underground power supply is damaged, it can be difficult to repair it. Repairing these systems takes considerable time and effort, as doing so requires digging. These maintenance tasks can also disturb the surrounding environment.
- Flood risks: While these power lines are protected from severe weather above ground, they’re prone to flood damage. In order to mitigate flood risks, it’s important to ensure all parts are adequately insulated.
- Damage from digging: Whether you need to dig into the ground to reach your power distribution system or someone else in the area is digging, systems can be damaged from dig-ins if the people working do not have information on the precise location and depth of the power supply.
- Limited voltage: Not all voltage levels are suited for underground housing, so you may have to select from limited power options.
Overhead Distribution Pros
Here are some of the most significant overhead distribution system advantages.
1. More Affordable
Consider overhead distribution lines if you’re looking for a more cost-effective option. Since they require less equipment, time and effort to install and repair, your business can save money with these installations.
2. Easier Damage Detection
Since overhead power lines are above the ground, you can do visual inspections without needing to dig. When lines are underground, you might only notice issues once there’s a power outage.
Overhead energy systems make it easy to practice preventive maintenance since you can catch potential issues and prevent them from worsening. They’re also easier to work on, so repairs and services don’t take much time or cause extended power interruptions.
3. Ideal for Any Terrain
While underground power lines may be limited in their placement due to factors like flood risk and housing locations, overhead distribution options are suitable for any terrain. They’re also more flexible because they can easily be rerouted and modified without any major construction. This allows you to implement newer technologies as they arise and adapt to power changes as needed.
Overhead Distribution Cons
Let’s look at some of the pros of choosing overhead distribution for your energy needs:
- Susceptible to weather damage: Ice, wind and snow can easily impact overhead lines, causing outages. They’re also more prone to lightning damage, which can lead to fires.
- Vulnerable to tree damage: Trees and vegetation can interfere with power lines. Prolonged contact with trees can cause service interruptions, and trees that fall onto power lines can cause damage.
- Damage from vehicle collisions: Since many overhead lines run along roads and highways, it’s easier for cars and trucks to hit them.
- Increased blinks: Blinks occur when the energy supply is interrupted due to something touching a power line. Because overhead lines are outside, the chances of trees, vehicles, people or animals coming into contact with the lines and causing a blink are much higher.
Contact Sunbelt Solomon for Your Power Needs
The decision between underground and overhead power distribution systems depends on your unique situation as a business. While underground systems are less likely to endure damage and cause visual disruptions, they’re costlier to install and repair. At the same time, overhead power lines are more affordable and easier to maintain, but they’re more susceptible to different kinds of damage.
Whether you choose underground or overhead distributors, reliability is crucial, and the right distribution partner can help. Sunbelt Solomon can assist you with your energy needs. We offer various turnkey services to help you get the most out of your distribution systems and can advise you on the right option based on your requirements.
Whether you want to buy a transformer, rent temporary power equipment or need in-field maintenance for your electric systems, we offer high-quality equipment you can access quickly to keep your business running. Sunbelt Solomon is your one-stop shop for all of your distribution electrical equipment needs, offering products that are built to last and provide continuous benefits.
Ready to get started? Use our tool to get a quote, or contact us for more information.
