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, XWA 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.
AAC Cable
Lightweight and cost-effective, primarily used for short-distance, low-tension power distribution in areas with standard weather conditions.
- Short-to-Medium-Distance Transmission
- IEC 61089
- Uncompacted/Compacted
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
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
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
Overhead Cable: IEC & ICEA Common Models, Structures
| 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) |
Why Choose XWA Overhead Cable
Reliable Electrical & Mechanical Performance
High-quality aluminum and steel-reinforced conductors provide excellent conductivity, low line loss, and strong tensile performance for long-span transmission.
Complete Product Range
From AAC and AAAC for distribution to ACSR for high-voltage transmission and ABC for insulated networks, XWA offers a full portfolio for diverse applications.
International Standard Compliance
Manufactured according to IEC, ASTM, and ICEA standards, ensuring full compatibility with global utility and infrastructure projects.
Custom Engineering Solutions
Flexible customization of conductor size, structure, voltage level, and insulation to meet specific project requirements.
Strict Quality Control
Each cable undergoes comprehensive electrical, mechanical, and environmental testing to ensure consistent quality and reliability.
Global Experience & Fast Delivery
Exporting to 60+ countries with strong production capacity and professional support for international projects.
FAQs for XWA Overhead Cable
What application scenarios are XWA overhead cable suitable for?
What are the main differences between AAAC vs. ACSR cables?
Both are excellent bare overhead conductors, but they serve different needs:
- ACSR Cable: Uses a steel core for maximum tensile strength, making it the best choice for extra-long spans and high-voltage transmission lines across difficult terrain.
- AAAC Cable: Made entirely of high-strength aluminum alloy. It lacks a steel core, making it lighter and highly resistant to corrosion. AAAC is the ideal overhead cable for coastal areas or industrial zones where steel might rust.
AAC vs. AAAC conductors: Which overhead cable should I choose for my project?
The choice depends on your required tension and span length:
- AAC Cable: Highly cost-effective with excellent conductivity. It is best suited for short-distance, low-tension power distribution in urban areas where high mechanical strength is not required.
- AAAC Cable: Offers a much better strength-to-weight ratio than AAC. Choose AAAC if your overhead power distribution requires medium-to-high tension across longer spans between utility poles.
When should I use an Aerial Bundled Cable (ABC) instead of bare overhead conductors?
Bare conductors (like an ACSR conductor or AAC cable) are designed for high-voltage power transmission where lines are safely out of reach. You should choose an ABC Cable for low and medium voltage (0.6/1kV to 35kV) urban or rural distribution. Because ABC cables feature UV-resistant insulation, they prevent short circuits caused by heavy winds, falling branches, or wildlife, making them much safer for residential areas.
What standards do XWA overhead cable products follow?
How can I get the best factory price for bulk ACSR and AAAC cable orders?
Because XWA Power is a direct manufacturer, you avoid third-party markups when buying directly from our factory. To get the most competitive factory price for ACSR cable, AAAC, or AAC conductor orders, simply contact our sales team with your required cross-section (e.g., 50mm2, 100mm2), and total project length.
Does XWA provide customized overhead cable solutions?
Yes, XWA supports customized overhead cable solutions including conductor material, cross-section, voltage level, insulation type, and structural design to meet different project requirements.
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.