Things You Need To Know About Underground Power Cable Installation
Power transmission is carried out using two main approaches: underground power installation or overhead power cable installation. This blog describes what underground power cables are, their architecture, types, different applications, and their strengths.
What is an underground power cable?
The transmission achieved through a cable laid underground is called an underground power cable. The expense of installing these cables is high, but they are considered reliable for both commercial and residential underground power. Its principal function is to maneuver power between different locations, including power sources, substations, load centres, etc.
Underground power cable system architecture-
Underground cable framework consists of various components such as temperature and condition checking systems, grounding and bonding systems, cable joints, junction boxes, and ground termination points.Â
Cable joint- Low, medium and high voltage cables are connected using cable joints.
Grounding and bonding system- Grounding or boarding is done to limit and stabilize the voltage to the ground. The bonding system provides electrical continuity and conductivity.
Junction box- It acts as an enclosure for many wires that connect to a common point or junction.
Ground termination point- This includes installing terminator devices from one end to the other of the transmission line to prevent signal reflections and power loss.
Underground power cable structural components-
The underground cable consists of the following components:
Conductor: Supports the transport of electric current.
Insulation: It is the separation layer between the cable conductor and the bedding at ground potential.
Bedding: It acts as a protective barrier between the inner and outer layers of the facility cable.
Armour: Provides mechanical resistance and protection of the cable core. It can withstand higher stress. Armour is typically used as the "ground wire" for equipment supplied over cables.
Outer sheath: This layer protects the inner metal sheath and acts as an insulator to withstand inductive and transient voltages.
Applications of underground power cables-
Power is transmitted and distributed through these cables.
Used in places where it is not possible to lay overhead cables
The advantages of underground cables are-
Transmission loss is negligible
Higher safety than fictitious cables.
Less susceptible to heavy rain, wind and thunderstorms.
Completely eliminates ground electric and magnetic fields that can threaten health concerns.



















