35KV Cable Installation Cost Comparison

[7carisfast]

Does anyone know of a spreadsheet or website to compare the difference in price for different installation practices for MV power cable? Looking to compare ACSR, Direct Bury and underground ductbank.

 

[dpc]

Underground will be roughly 10X the cost of overhead, in my experience.

 

[7carisfast]

Thx dpc. I knew it was more expensive, but never thought 10x, although I can understand why. It's also likely based off of distance. I'm basically looking at a small 200 foot run and the client is looking for a price to go U/G. More of a cosmetic decision.

 

[dpc]

Well, 200 feet is probably not going to be 10X since you won't need much additional kit. Sounds like a short UG run from a riser pole to a transformer or something? You can probably get pricing for the 34.5 kV cable to give you an idea. Things get more expensive when you get about 25 kV class - at least in the US.

 

[SolarPrestige]

I would have thought that for a short run you wouldn't even consider overhead, unless it is extending an existing overhead system. It would also depend on what the two terminations are, but even then, changing from overhead to underground is really common.

I would either put it in the ground in a PVC conduit or direct bury with mechanical protection over the top. I'm not in the US so might be different for you.

 

[7carisfast]

Lets assume 35KV aerial is available on nearby road and load is approx 450 feet away.

 

[dpc]

Then OH as far as possible will be much less expensive than UG.