Why might outages in underground electrical lines be more lengthy compared to overhead lines?

Outages in underground electrical lines can be more lengthy due to their inaccessibility for repair. Unlike overhead lines, which can be more easily accessed for inspections and repairs, underground lines require extensive digging and excavation to reach the fault or damaged area. This process can involve significant time and resources, slowing down the repair efforts. Additionally, factors such as the depth of burial, soil conditions, and the presence of other utilities can complicate access, further prolonging the outage duration. The combination of these accessibility challenges means that addressing issues in underground lines typically takes longer, which is why this is identified as the correct reason for longer outage times.