The Solid system of Laying Underground Cables involves laying of cable in open pipes or troughs dug out in earth along the cable route. The troughing employed for solid laying is generally of cast iron, stoneware, asphalt or treated wood.
Once the cable is laid in position, the troughing is filled using a bituminous or asphaltic compound and covered over. Cables laid in this manner are generally plain lead covered because troughing affords good mechanical protection. Solid method of laying underground cables is expensive as compared to direct laying of cables, apart from this is complicated and requires skilled workers.
Disadvantages of Laying Underground Cables using Solid method
- Skilled manpower/workers are required
- The method is expensive as compared to direct laid system
- Favorable weather conditions are required
- Heat dissipation is poor
- Current carrying capacity of cables is reduced due to heat dissipation