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Which of the following statements is correct?
Fault can be easily located in underground cables.
Overhead lines are more costly as compared to underground cables.
The location of the fault in overhead lines can be found easily.
The possibility of supply interruption due to lightning is more with underground cables.
The location of the fault in overhead lines can be found easily.
In overhead transmission lines, conductors are exposed and visible, allowing visual inspection and the use of radar-based fault location techniques. Conversely, underground cables are buried, making physical inspection impossible and fault location complex.
IS 7098
In overhead transmission lines, conductors are exposed and visible, allowing visual inspection and the use of radar-based fault location techniques. Conversely, underground cables are buried, making physical inspection impossible and fault location complex.
d=2v├ЧtтАЛ тАФ where d is fault distance, v is velocity of wave propagation, and t is the time of pulse return in TDR
Overhead lines rely on visual observation and surge comparison tests. Underground cables require sophisticated equipment like Murray Loop tests or Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) because the fault is concealed beneath the surface and often involves dielectric breakdown of the insulation layer.
Overhead lines have lower initial costs but are prone to atmospheric disturbances.
Underground cables have high insulation costs and require specialized jointing.
Lightning surges affect overhead lines significantly more than underground cables.
Fault location in buried cables usually involves excavation or precise electronic diagnostics.
Overhead lines: Easier to repair and locate faults.
Underground cables: Aesthetic appeal and higher immunity to weather-related hazards.
Overhead lines: Vulnerable to lightning and mechanical damage.
Underground cables: Difficult to locate faults and higher capital expenditure.
Overhead: Bulk power transmission over long distances.
Underground: Urban distribution and dense residential areas.
| Feature | Overhead Lines | Underground Cables |
|---|---|---|
Fault Location | Easy (Visual/Basic Testing) | Difficult (Complex Diagnostics) |
Initial Cost | Low | High |
Option A is incorrect because fault location in underground cables is notoriously difficult due to concealment.
Option B is incorrect because underground cabling involves expensive insulation, armor, and burial costs.
Option D is incorrect because overhead lines are directly exposed to lightning, whereas underground cables are protected by the earth/soil dielectric.
C is correct тАФ The location of the fault in overhead lines can be found easily.
Always remember that while underground cables offer high reliability against weather, they are significantly more expensive and harder to repair than overhead lines.