Underground Power Cable Life Expectancy

Cable life extension methods.

Underground power cable life expectancy. The lifespan of underground electric power transmission cables has low compared to overhead cables. Underground cable testing and life expectancy diagnostics kevin j. Power transmission through underground power cables is up to 550 kv. Electric power research institute 2010 portfolio underground transmission program 36.

Also cable buried deeper at least code recommended depths and below frost lines would last longer than shallow ones. Costs an underground 230 kv line costs 10 to 15 times the cost of an overhead line due to time materials processes the need to include. For example a household fixed wiring cable with typical electrical loading wired using the appropriate wiring guidelines could be expected to last 20 years. A cable in a underground ductbank concrete encased would afford greater protection to phycial damage than the direct burial ones.

Injection technology otherwise known as cable insulation rejuvenation is a well established option to cable replacement. Life expectancy underground high voltage transmission lines have a life expectancy of 40 years while overhead lines have a life expectancy of more than 80 years. Underground transmission lines have higher life cycle costs than overhead transmission lines when combining construction repair and maintenance costs over the life of the line. Also how it is buried also affects life expectancy of the cables.

The underground electric power transmission cables more benefits of health ecological due to noise reduction and superior plants management. There are a number of challenges in submarine and underground cable study report. The standards that cables are manufactured to do not specify a particular life expectancy. Cable injection technology involves the injection of a diffusive water reactive material into the conductor core of a buried power cable insulated with solid dielectric materials.

Some cable manufacturers will determine a likely life expectancy based on typical conditions.