Above or Below: What Type of Method Should You Use to Connect to the Electrical Grid?
Electricity is perhaps the most important utility there is, as it powers most of the devices Australians use on a daily basis. From your TV to your toaster, it is important that your electrical connection is secure so that you can freely use whatever appliance you want, for as long as you want. With that in mind, the power installation choice you make, either above or below ground, is vital. Here is a quick rundown of the pros and cons of both options, along with a simple rule of thumb that should make this choice easier for all new home and business owners looking to decide.
Above ground
The reason most people in residential areas choose above-ground power installation is simple: the cost. It is an effective, and simple way to access the electrical grid that's installation can take less than a day. To add on to this initial lower cost, ongoing maintenance costs are also much lower because you can more easily access the problems, instead of having to excavate the wire to fix it. The longer this distance is, the bigger the savings. However, above-ground power installations are far more susceptible to even the most simple problems, such as twigs and leaves falling on them and scratching or outright snapping the lines entirely.
Below ground
If you have the money or are looking to future proof your home, then below ground power connections should be your first choice. The reliability of these connections should not be underrated, especially when Australia is known for many strong storms and harsh weather conditions that often affect power lines placed above ground. However, just know that the actual installation time may be quite a bit longer, as the physical process of digging and laying your wire can take time.
Which option should I choose?
There is no one size fits all rule when it comes to power installation. Still, most electricians would advise those in the city, whose properties are closer to the street (and therefore power connection) to use below ground installations. That is because while the initial cost is higher, it is not unmanageable, and the security you have far outweighs the downsides. This goes doubly for commercial business, where access to electricity at all times is a must. On the other hand, rural properties that may have several hundred metres from the entrance of their property to the home should probably stick with an above-ground power installation. The cost at that distance can be in the hundreds of thousands, which is simply not something most could justify.
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