Underground Power Cables - Athalassa-Papacosta (Sopaz)

The measurements were performed on the 05th of March 2010 at 10:30 am during cloudy weather conditions. The EMF measurements were performed in the area located above the underground cable “Athalassa-Papacosta (Sopaz)”. The following figures provide pictures of the area where EMF measurements were recorded. 

The underground cables are rated at a nominal voltage of 132 kV and a maximum current capacity of 1280A (two cables with maximum permissible current capacity of 640 A). At the time when the measurements were performed, the load of the underground cable “Athalassa-Papacosta (Sopaz)” was 256 A which represents the 20% of its maximum current capacity.

Limiting exposure values have been provided by the ICNIRP recommendations and are guidelines to many countries and organisations. The exposure limits at 50 Hz are tabulated in the following table according to the limits given by ICNIRP.

Table 1: ICNIRP exposure limits for Occupational and General public exposure

The maximum obtained values are represented below and compared to the ICNIRP specified limits of General Public standards. The highest magnetic field was observed directly above the underground cable, with a value 7.54 μT (4 m away from the starting point) and a percentage of 7.54 % as compared to the ICNIRP General Public standard.

Table 2: Maximum field measurements of underground power cables area

The highest electric field was observed above the underground cable, with a value 1.68 V/m (4.5 m away from the starting point) and a percentage of 0.03 % as compared to the ICNIRP General Public standard.

The following table summarizes the highest recorded measured values for electric field.

Table 2: Maximum Electric field measurements of underground power cables area