Seattle City Light will be upgrading the underground electrical system in the Broadmoor neighborhood starting in early April.
As underground cables age, their protective insulation deteriorates. When a crack forms, and water or dirt reach the wires, it can lead to an unplanned power outage. Seattle City Light is working with a company called UtilX to help avoid such outages by using a silicon injection process. The silicon fills the cracks and extends the life of the cable by 20+ years.
What You Can Expect
- Planned Power outages so crews can safely do the work.
- Up to (but no more than) three planned outages and NOT on consecutive days
- Work hours are 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday
Q) What is the history of Broadmoor's cable?
A) Installed in 1920; rebuilt in 1980.
Q) Why not just replace with a new system?
A) Cable injection is less expensive and lasts just as long as the new cable.
Q) What is in the conduit?
A) Conduit is made of non-conductive material and has an electric cable inside.
Q) Do you inject the electrical service to individual homes?
A) No, just distribution wires feeding the neighborhood.
Q) How does the map shown in the community meeting relate to outages?
A) It does not--it just shows the project's boundaries.
Q) What is it about the project that has City Light doing the work?
A) Cable is aging.
Q) What are the criteria for an injection?
A) Whether it is in conduit or not, cable is first tested. If it is found suitable, it is then injected.
4/11/2013 Update:
This project will be taking place at the following locations:
- E. Prospect Street to E. McGilvra Street
- 38th Avenue E. to Arboretum Drive E.
Work will begin on April 15.
