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I thought it was significantly more expensive to bury high-voltage transmission lines because the current corrodes the insulation needed to bury the lines, so y
by eastbayjake 5y ago
I thought it was significantly more expensive to bury high-voltage transmission lines because the current corrodes the insulation needed to bury the lines, so you have to dig up and replace every 20-30 years. I was actually quite surprised to learn that above-ground transmission lines in the US are uninsulated for this reason.
- nate_meurer 5y agoNo, the insulation in a solid dielectric transmission lines is cross-linked polyethylene, or paper in fluid-cooled lines. Lines are designed to operate well within the thermal capabilities of the insulation, and there is no such thing as routine replacement of undamaged underground lines. Above-ground transmission lines are uninsulated because they don't need to be, and the extra weight of the insulation would require more expensive towers.