If you're developing a piece of rural land, then you might need to set up power connections. The land you're building on might not be on the grid yet.
So you might need to design and install powerlines. While some people opt for underground lines, you might find it easier to go with an overground connection. What are the advantages of installing overhead powerlines?
1. Get a Faster Build
Underground powerlines can take some time to build. This isn't always an easy or straightforward job.
For example, you have to dig trenches for the lines from your original power source to your site. If your ground is difficult to dig, say if it is rocky, then this can take some time. You then have to lay all your cabling, make sure that it has the right environmental protection and then fill in the trenches again.
If you install overhead powerlines, then your work speeds up. You simply have to install poles at key points and attach cables to them.
2. Save on Installation Costs
Underground powerlines are likely to eat into your budget more than overhead alternatives. For example, you have to pay for the costs of trench work. If you need to hire specialist equipment to work on difficult ground, then your costs increase.
Plus, you have to buy specialist cables. Underground power cables need extra protection compared to overhead products. They need insulation against moisture and corrosion because they are sited completely in the ground.
The extra time it takes to create underground powerlines can also increase your costs. You're likely to need a bigger crew working on the job for longer.
If you build overhead powerlines, then you save money. You simply need to buy poles and standard cables. Their quicker installation times also reduce your labour costs.
3. Reduce Future Maintenance Costs
Underground powerlines benefit from some natural positional protection. The fact that cables sit in the ground means that they are safe from damage.
However, this position also has its problems. If you have a power problem, then you can't easily identify its source because you can't see your cables and connections. You'll have to dig out your original trenches to find the problem area. This takes time and money.
Overhead powerline problems are much easier to diagnose and fix. You can see poles, cables and connections. So you get a quicker fix at a lower cost.
To find out more about overhead powerlines and whether they are the right choice for your development, contact power installation contractors.
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