Overhead cables are the backbone of reliable outdoor power transmission and distribution. Depending on your project’s voltage, span, and environment, your grid requires specific solutions to ensure safety and efficiency.To meet these global demands, RS Power & Cable manufactures two distinct categories of overhead solutions:
Bare Conductors (AAC/AAAC/ACSR/ACAR) for high-voltage, medium-to-long-distance transmission
Insulated Overhead Cables (ABC) for safer urban and rural distribution
All our overhead cables are built in full compliance with IEC, ICEA, and ASTM international standards.

ABC Cable
Bundles insulated phase cores with a bare or insulated neutral messenger. The UV-resistant XLPE insulation effectively prevents short circuits, tree contact, and weather-related faults, making it perfect for crowded urban grids and rural electrification.
Urban Power Distribution
IEC 60502-1

AAAC Cable
Made from high quality aluminum alloy, offering excellent corrosion resistance and high mechanical strength. Ideal for medium to high-tension transmission in coastal or highly corrosive environments.
Long-Distance Transmission
IEC 61089

ACSR Cable
Combines high aluminum conductivity with a high-strength galvanized steel core. The industry standard for large-span overhead transmission grids.
Long-Distance Transmission
IEC 61089
Central Galvanized Steel Core
Overhead Cable: IEC & ICEA Common Models, Structures
IEC standards for overhead cables are primarily defined by IEC 60502-1/-2 (insulated aerial cables), IEC 61089 (bare overhead conductors), and IEC 60228 (conductor specifications).
| Model | Standard | Structure |
|---|---|---|
| AAC | IEC 61089 | Concentric-stranded 1350 aluminum wires; uncompacted/compacted |
| AAAC | IEC 61089 | Concentric-stranded 6201 aluminum alloy wires |
| ACSR | IEC 61089 | Central galvanized steel core + concentric aluminum strands |
| Aerial Insulated Cable | IEC 60502-1/-2 | Stranded aluminum/copper conductor + XLPE/PE insulation (UV-resistant) |
| ABC | IEC 60502-1 | 2–5 insulated phase cores + bare neutral messenger (AAC/AAAC/ACSR) |
ICEA standards focus on North American overhead applications, with key specs in ICEA S-76-474 (service drop cables), S-66-524 (spacer cables), and S-121-733 (tree wire).
| Model | Standard | Structure |
|---|---|---|
| Duplex/Triplex/Quadruplex Service Drop | ICEA S-76-474 | Insulated 1350-H19 Al phase conductor + bare neutral messenger (AAC/ACSR/AAAC) |
| SAC (Spacer Cable) | ICEA S-66-524 | Stranded Al conductor + dual-layer insulation (inner natural PE/XLPE; outer UV-resistant PE/XLPE) |
| Tree Wire (Covered Overhead Conductor) | ICEA S-121-733 | AAC/AAAC/ACSR conductor + single/dual-layer track-resistant HDPE/XLPE |
| ABC | ICEA S-76-474 | Insulated phase cores + bare neutral messenger (stranded Al alloy) |
Application Categories of Overhead Cable
Overhead cable is a highly efficient and widely used power transmission solution designed for safe, stable, and long‑service power delivery. Based on actual project demands and installation environments, XWA overhead cable can be clearly classified into three major application categories, fully compliant with IEC and ICEA standards to satisfy global industrial and utility requirements.

Urban Power Distribution Overhead Cable
Urban power distribution overhead cable is specially engineered for city power grids, residential areas, commercial zones, and street lighting systems. It features excellent insulation performance, UV resistance, and weatherproof properties, effectively reducing short circuits and external interference. XWA urban overhead cable supports low and medium voltage applications, ensuring stable power supply for dense urban areas while enhancing public safety and aesthetic layout.

Rural & Long‑Distance Transmission Overhead Cable
Rural and long‑distance transmission overhead cable focuses on high mechanical strength, low sag, and corrosion resistance. Ideal for rural power grids, remote areas, and long‑span transmission lines, it supports high‑voltage power transmission with stable conductivity and strong environmental adaptability. XWA rural overhead cable improves power coverage and reliability, making it the preferred choice for rural electrification and large‑scale energy delivery projects.

Industrial & Construction Site Overhead Cable
Industrial and construction site overhead cable provides heavy‑duty performance for factories, mines, infrastructure construction, and temporary power systems. It features outstanding wear resistance, impact resistance, and overload capacity, adapting to harsh working conditions including dust, moisture, and mechanical stress. XWA industrial overhead cable ensures safe and continuous power supply, supporting efficient operation in various industrial and construction scenarios.
