Electrical energy is playing an increasingly vital role as the primary energy source in everyday life. With the increase in electric power consumption, power facilities are under an increasing stress and must operate at a high capacity. Consequently, the demand for electric power cables in power transmission and distribution lines is rapidly increasing. Underground distribution lines have been steadily replacing the aboveground lines owing to the increase in electric power demand and the need to increase the supply voltage. In addition to line damage, worker safety is of primary concern in this type of underground infrastructure.In this study, to improve the safety of workers dealing with underground transmission lines, we analyzed the electromagnetic field generated around the distribution line and determined the basic criteria for developing a device that can detect a live underground line.
