MAHARASHTRA STATE BOARD OF

TECHNICAL EDUCATION

The Shetkari Shikshan Mandal’s

BHIVARABAI SAWANT COLLEGE OF
ENGINEERING& RESEARCH, POLYTECHNIC,
NARHE, PUNE -41

MICRO PROJECT
Guidelines For UseOf
Under Ground Cable System And
Overhead Conductor System A Long
With Cost Benefit Analysis

Program: Electrical Engineering Program Code: EE-6I

Course: Electrical Estimation And Contracting Course Code: 22627

1
 MAHARASHTRA STATE
BOARD OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION

Certificate
This is to certify that Miss. Sayali Santosh Kapade Roll No 22 of Sixth
Semester of Diploma in Electrical Engineering of Institute, TSSM’s
BSCOER POLYTECHNIC (Institute Code: 1606) has completed the Micro
Project satisfactorily in Subject –Electrical Estimation And Contracting
(22627) for the Academic Year 2023-2024 as prescribed in the curriculum.

Place: Narhe Enrollment No:2216060033

Date: / /2024 Exam. Seat No:

Subject Teacher Head of the Department Principal

2
 GROUP DETAILS

Enrollment
Sr. No. Name of group members Roll No. Seat No.
No.

1 Sayali Santosh Kapade 22 2216060033

Name of Guide : Prof. More.R.V

3
 INDEX

SR. NO. CONTENT PAGE NO.

1 Abstract 5

2 Introduction 6

3 Types and methods of measurement 7

4 Specific Factors in Take‐off and Pricing 10

Overview of Labor, Material, Equipment, Indirect Costs,
5 and Approach to Mark‐ups 11

6. Special Risk Considerations 14

7. Ratios and Analysis 15

8. Misc. Pertinent Information 15

9. Sample Sketch 16

10. Sample Take‐Off and Pricing 17

11. Glossary 18

12. Weekly Progress Report 19

13. Conclusion 20

14. Annexure II 21

4
Introduction

Distribution of electricity involves the transfer of electrical energy from one electric substation
to another electrical substation ( like from 220/33 KV S/S to 33/11 KV S/S and 33/11 KV S/S
to 11/0.4 KV Distribution Transformer S/S etc) through sub- transmission and distribution lines.
These lines may be Overhead lines or Undergroundcables. Each of the two types has its
benefits as well as demerits.The choice of Overhead Network or Underground network
depends on many factors like safety requirement, Right of way, cost ,aesthetic look and other
factors. Despite being expensive, Underground cables have several advantages over OH lines.
These are mostly used where safe clearances for Overhead Network is not available as well as in
densely populated areas where Overhead Network cannot be used., whereas, Overhead Network
is cheaper, easy to install/upgrade and easy to attend the fault etc.

5
Overhead Network

In overhead power lines, a structure based network is used to transmit electrical energyfrom one
point to another. It consists of adequate size of conductors , commonly three conductor in 66
KV , 33 KV or 11 KV lines or four conductor in 11 KV lines or 5 conductor in LT lines ( 5th
conductor for street lighting) for three phase lines and two conductors for single phase lines etc
suspended by towers or poles and generally comprising of the items- such as Poles, Conductors,
Cross arms, pin insulators, Stay Wires, Stay Rod, Stay Anchor, Guy Insulator, earthing
materials, Guard wire, Barbed wire and Danger plate etc

The Poles for the electrical network may be a Steel Poles (Tubular Poles, Rolled Steel Joists and
Rails),Concrete Poles (RCC Poles, PCC poles and Pre-Stressed Concrete - PSC) Pole) of various
heights of 9 meters to 13 meters (IS: 5613 (Part 1, 2, 3) depending on site location, minimum
safety clearance and Voltage (230Volts, 415Volts, 11KV and 33KV etc.) of the overhead
network system. Along with these poles, Rail poles, which have more strength then other poles,
are generally used in overhead network along and across the Road, Public Places, Residential
areas, River crossing etc.

Sometimes, for supporting different voltages on the same poles and to maintain the adequate
clearance between the different lines of different voltage levels, poles with higher heights are
used, and in such cases, guard wires are also provided to prevent accidental over charging of
lines of lower voltage system due to conductor snapping etc.

The conductors for the overhead network can be a bare conductor or an insulated conductor
( ABC) depending on the requirement. It is an important component of overhead electrical
transmission and distribution systems. The choice of conductor depends on the power carrying
capacity, cost, growth of the load, and reliability & efficiency. While selecting an ideal
conductor, some of the following features such as -i)maximum electrical & thermal capacity and
cost effectiveness etc are considered.

6
As per CEA(Technical Standards for construction of Electrical Plants and Electric Lines)
regulations 2010, as amended upto date, adequate capacity AAC (All Aluminium
Conductor), AAAC (All Aluminum Alloy Conductor), ACSR (Aluminum Conductor Steel
Reinforced), ACAR (Aluminum Conductor, Aluminum Reinforce) or any new technology
higher current carrying conductors (AL-59, HLTS etc) may be used in sub –transmission
and Distribution system. Since, the insulations between the conductors is provided by air,
overhead power lines are generally the lowest-cost method of power transmission for large
quantities of electric energy from one point to another.

In addition to above types of bare conductors, Insulated conductors (Aerial Bunched

cables) may also be used in Overhead network system. The use of Aerial Bunched Cables
(ABC) is a good concept for overhead power LT distribution where the electrical clearance
is not available or where theft is there. When compared with the overhead distribution
system with conventional bare conductors, ABC provides higher safety and reliability and
system economy by reducing theft in the area of installation. .This system is ideal for rural
distribution and especially attractive for installation in difficult terrains such as hilly areas,
forest areas, coastal areas etc. Aerial Bunched Cables is also considered to be the best

7
 choice for power distribution in congested urban areas with narrow lanes and by-lanes.

Some other advantages of use of ABC are-

 ABC provide safety to human life when used in congested area and narrowlane
areas.
 ABC provides flexibility to use multiple circuits of different voltages strung onthe
same set of poles without using separate poles.
 ABC provides better adaptability to run concurrently with other overhead
system with bare conductor and also with communication lines without any
interference.
 ABC provides insulation resistance to earth in all seasons and negligible
leakage of currents and thereby, the low losses of leakage.
 ABC is unaffected by pollution in the atmosphere.
 ABC, at the same time also reduces the theft of energy as it can not betapped
i.e it prevents the use of illegal hooks etc on LT lines in the theftprone areas
and helps to improve the AT&C losses of the system.

8
Underground Network

In Under Ground cable system, the power is transferred from one point to another through
underground cables laid in the ground in place of overhead lines on poles/ towers. As these cables
are not exposed to the air/ atmosphere, this makes the U/G cabling system less susceptible to outages
due to various atmospheric conditions like high wind, storm, thunder storms, heavy snow or ice
storms etc. As these cables are not visible on ground, these provide an aesthetic look to the area where
these are laid as compare to OH lines. However, the U/G cables have to be laid in the proper tranches
and also have more restoration time in case of any fault as compare to OH lines.

While selecting the rating of cables to be used, some of the parameters such as Current
carrying capacity, Voltage drop and short circuit rating are important factors toselect the
economical and optimum size of cable.

The cable generally comprises of the conductor, insulation material, bedding, beading/
armoring, and outer sheath etc. Although, the armoring and outer sheath takes care of the

9
physical safety of cable , adequate care has to be taken by cable manufactures during
manufacturing of the cable.

Normally the lifespan of a cable is about 40 to 50 years. But over the time, the insulation of
cable may get damaged or weakened due to ageing. Wrong handling of cabals, such as
damages due to wrong handling/laying of cable also weakens the insulation of the cables.
Normally, some of cable faults may be as-

1. a short circuit fault between two conductor due to failure of insulation between thetwo
conductors
2. a earth fault, i.e., fault between conductor and ground due to failure of outerinsulation
sheath
3. an open circuit fault, caused due to disconnection of the conductor etc.

The choice of whether to use overhead line (OHL) or underground cable (UGC) mustbe
made keeping in view the safety, reliability and operational constraints. The choice between
OHL and UGC is driven by technical, environmental and economic considerations.

10
Comparison Of Ug System And Oh System - Feasibility Analysis:-
Feasibility study of Overhead and Underground line on various points is classifiedbelow :

1. Cost Of Installation:-

Underground network installation is more expensive than OH lines , since the cost of cables
include cable charges along with road restoration charges which make the per unit coat of
U/G cabling system several times greater than overhead system.

2. Fault Location Identification & Repairing Time:-

The identification of fault finding and repairing on overhead wire is easy as compare to UG
cables as UG cables are buried in the ground and it require specialized techniques to find out
the fault location as compare to OH lines. Some time, it may take several days or weeks to
find and repair the fault in underground system.

3. Cost Of Repair A Fault:-

In underground cables, when a fault occurs, the cost of finding its location, trenching,
cable splicing, and re-embedment is sometimes five to 10 times more expensive than
repairing a fault in an overhead line where the conductors are visible, readily
accessible and easier to repair.

4. Line Outage Durations:-

As extended repair time is required in underground system, services to customers

may be disrupted for a long time in UG system. However, the time duration of
customer outages can be reduced by using additional feeders with Ring Main Units
(RTUs) in UG system which involves much more cost as compare to OH system.

11
5. Line Modifications:-

Overhead power lines are easily tapped, rerouted or modified to serve customers;while
underground lines are more difficult to modify after the cables have been laid. Such
modifications to underground power lines are more expensive becauseof the inability
to readily access lines or relocate sections of lines.

6. Effect From Weather Conditions:-

Overhead Lines are more prone to damage from severe weather conditions (mainly
lightning, hurricanes/cyclones/typhoons, tornados, other winds, and freezing) than
Underground Network.

7. Range Of Electromagnetic Fields (Emf) Emission:-

The electric current in the conductor produces a magnetic field around it but the closer
grouping of underground power cables reduces the resultant external magnetic field and
hence provide less magnetic effect as compare to OH line conductors. Further to reduce the
magnetic effect in cables, a shielding is also provided over the cables which further reduces
the magnetic effect in surrounding areas.

8. Space Requirement:-

Underground cables do not need physical ground space as these are laid under the ground in
the dedicated tranches whereas an overhead line requires a corridor on ground along with
surrounding clearance strip permanently clear for safety, maintenance and repair.

12
9. Hazard To Wildlife:-

Underground cables generally pose no hazard to wildlife as compared to overhead network.

10.Illegal Connection/Theft Of Power /Pilferage:-

In underground cabling system , it is generally impossible to have illegal connection by

tapping the conductor for theft of power. These are also less susceptive for sabotage, and
damage from armed conflict.

11.Aesthetics:-
As UG cables are not visible from outside, these provide a clean and aesthetic viewof the
city /town where UG cables are laid. The above space may be used for any other purposes
like making of roads, providing green environment/trees on sidewalks etc having
environmental benefits and increase of property values etc.

12.Flexibility To Increase Line Capacity:-

Overhead lines can easily be upgraded/ augmented by modifying line clearances and power
poles to carry more power while underground cables cannot be up-rated and must be
supplemented by laying another cables or to be replaced to increase the capacity.

13.Line Life:-
Insulation deterioration takes place in underground cables much faster because of
various loading cycles during their lifetimes as compare to OH conductor whichdo
not have any insulation layering. As time passes, the cables insulation weakens, which
increases the potential for a line fault.

14.Safety:-

As OH conductor are exposed in air, a minimum safety clearance is required for the
overhead line from any surrounding like surrounding building /trees etc which may not

13
be available in densely populated areas, while underground cables do not require such
clearances . Also, the snapping of the overhead conductors in densely populated areas poses
serious safety hazard. Hence, UG cables are preferred in the densely populated areas.

14
 Cost Analysis

As discussed above, the estimated cost of the UG cabling system is about 3-4 times than the
equivalent OH system ( like the Est cost of 11 KV OH S/C line with Dog conductor is around Rs
5-6 Lakh/ km while the Est cost of 1 km of 3 x300 sq mm 11 KV cabling system would be
around Rs 20 Lakh/km). The tentative unit costs of 11 KV OH lines and UGcabling system
are given in Annex. These are only the suggestive figures and the actual costs may vary frm
utility to utility based on there technical requirement / schedule rates etc.Following is the cost
comparison for installation of one kilometer of underground and Overhead lines:

Voltage Tentative Est Cost Per km (lacs)

S No.
Level OH UG ABC
1 LT 3.5 13 8
1 11 kV 5.0 20 13.5
3 33 kV 12.0 35
5 66 kV 45.0 80

The above cost may vary depending upon road restoration cost for installation of the
underground cables/ overhead poles. The cost is much higher for installation of underground
cables depending on the nature of the road surface to be disturbed and area of installation
(Metropolitan/Rural area etc).

15
 TYPICAL COST ESTIMATE FOR 1KM 11 KV (SINGLE CIRCUIT) OVERHEAD
HT LINE WITH DOG CONDUCTOR ON STEEL TUBULAR
POLE
S. No Particulars Unit Qty Rate Amount(Rs
)
1 ST Pole 9 Mtr. No. 25 2904 72600
X-arm M.S. Angle 65x65x6mm
2 No. 25 597 14925
V Type
3 Cross arms holding clamps No. 25 57 1425
11 kV Pin insulators with
4 Nos 75 67 5025
GI Pins(320CD)
5 45 kN disc insulators Nos 6 533 3198
F-bracket for fitting top
6 No. 25 228 5700
insulator
7 ACSR Dog conductor Km 3.09 59579 184099
8 Jointing sleeve for ACSR DOG No. 3 171 513
9 Danger Plate Nos 25 155 3875
10 Barbed wire Kg. 8 68 544
11 Stay Set Complete No. 8 1140 9120
Sectional D/P on Steel
12 No. 1 45593 45593
Tubular Pole
13 Concreting of supports ST Pole No. 25 969 24225
14 Stone pad 300x300x75mm No. 25 182 4550
15 Earthing complete No. 6 570 3420
Material Cost in Rs 378812
Misc. Items (Like Nut
&
Bolts,Clamps,Binding
0.50% 1894

Wire,Aluminium Tape etc) @

0.5 % of the material cost
Contingency @3% of
3% 11365
Material Cost
Total Material Cost (Part-I) 392090
*Labour Cost for execution
of the Scheme, Overhead
charges including
Transportation, Establishment
& Supervision Charges for 14% 54893
Erection, Testing &
Commissioning
(Part-II)

Total Cost (Part-I+Part-II) 447082

Say in Rs. Lakhs 4.47

16
 TYPICAL COST ESTIMATE FOR 1 KM HT OVERHEAD LINE WITH 11KV ABC CABLE WITH SPAN
30 METERS
Sl.No Particulars Unit Qty Rate Amount(Rs
)
1 PCC Poles 11 M No. 35 5465 191275
2 ABC Cable 3CX150+150 mm2 Kms 1.02 760013 775213.26
Clamp Suspension LT ABC 3X120-
3 EA 35 244 8540
150 SQMM
EYE HOOK ANCHOR/ SUSPENSION
4 EA 35 118 4130
CLAMP 300MM
Anchor HT ABC 3CX120 TO
5 EA 10 349 3490
150 SQMM
EYE HOOK ANCHOR/ SUSPENSION
6 EA 10 118 1180
CLAMP 300MM
7 Stay Set Complete No 10 1140 11400
8 Stay Wire GI,7/8 SWG kg 100 65 6500
Full clamp assembly (alongwith
9 No 10 57 570
Nuts,Bolts and Washers) for stay
10 Egg insulators No 10 13 130
11 Barbed wire kg 35 68 2380
Pipe earth G.I. 40MMX2.5/3 M
12 EA 40 706 28240
'B'CLASS
13 PIPE HDPE SIZE 25 MM EA 120 22 2640
14 WIRE STAY GI 7/10 SWG KG 400 65 26000
LUG AL Crimping 70 SQMM
15 EA 160 20 3200
XLPE SINGLE HOLE
16 GI Strip 25x6 mm , 9 meter for earthing No 7 570 3990
Phase plate for each phase set of 3 (on
17 Set 35 57 1995
each H-Pole & 4-Pole)
18 Danger Plate No 35 155 5425
19 Number Plate No 35 70 2450
JT. KIT O/D HT ABC
20 EA 12 1797 21564
3CX150+1CX150 HS ONE
COVER INSULATION
21 EA 9 2251 20259
REOPENABLE ON INSULATOR
22 CHANNEL MS SIZE 75X40MM KG 89 65 5785
23 ANGLE MS SIZE 50X50X6MM KG 41 33 1353
24 FLAT GI SIZE 50X6MM KG 15 123 1845
Total Material Cost(Part-I) 1129554
*Labour Cost for execution of the
Scheme,Overhead charges including
Transportation, Establishment &
Supervision Charges for Erection, Testing 14% 163651
&Commissioning @14% of Total Material
Cost(Part-II)
Total cost in Rs.(Part-I+Part-II) 1332688
Say(Rs. In Lakhs) 13.33

17
Conclusion

This micro project is a contribution to the understanding of guidelines for use of

underground cable system and overhead conductor system along with cost
benefit analysis. It may be seen that both overhead & underground network have their
own advantage and disadvantage over each other and also have virtually no cost
comparison for cost benefit analysis. As a sub-transmission and distribution line cover the
landscape and population structure within the city/town/village throughout its length, the
choice between OH and U/G cabling system has be taken based on safety, esthetic look,
clearance available, rules and regulations in force and other factors . The sub transmission
and distribution lines may also be a mix of both as per actual site conditions. Underground
power distribution system is an expensive choice but is mandatory to supply electricity in
highly populated areas.

18
 WEEKLY PROGRESS REPORT

MICRO PROJECT

SIGNATURE
SR.NO. WEEK ACTIVITY PERFORMED DATE
OF GUIDE

1 1st Discussion and finalization of topic

2 2nd Preparation and submission of Abstract

3 3rd Collection of Data

4 4th Discussion and outline of Content

5 5th Formulation of Content

6 6th Editing and proof Reading of Content

7 7th Compilation of Report and Presentation

8 8th Seminar / Viva

9 9th Final submission of Micro Project

Sign of the student Sign of the faculty

19
 ANEEXURE II
Evaluation Sheet for the Micro Project

Academic Year: 2023-24 Name of the Faculty: Prof. More.R.V.

Course: Electrical Estimation And Contracting Course code: 22627
Semester: Sixth

Title of the project: Guidelines for use of underground cable system

and overhead conductor system along with cost benefit analysis

CO’s addressed by the Micro Project:

1) Prepare estimate of domestic and commercial electrical
installation.
2) Prepare estimate of industrial electrical installation.

Major Learning outcomes achieved by students by doing the Project:

(a)Practical Outcome: 1) Basic Knowledge
2) Discipline Knowledge
3) Experiment And Practice
4) Engineering Tools
5) Communication
6) Life Long Learning
(b) Unit Outcomes in cognitive Domain:-
1) Estimate materials required for the given domestic and commercial installations.
2) Estimate materials required for the specified service connection.
3) Estimate materials required for the given industrial installation.

(c) Outcomes in affective Domain:-

Marks out of 4
Marks out of 6
for performance
Roll for performance Total out
Student Name in oral/
No. in group activity of 10
presentation
(D5 Col. 8)
(D5 Col. 9)

22 Sayali Santosh Kapade

Signature of Faculty

20
21