ICEA S-70-547

Standard Overview  

ICEA S-70-547 is an industry standard published by the Insulated Cable Engineers Association (ICEA) for Weather-Resistant Polyethylene Covered Conductors. It specifies requirements for overhead distribution conductors designed to withstand environmental exposure, primarily used in electrical power systems rather than telecommunications.  

Key Technical Requirements  

• Conductor Material
  • Aluminum or aluminum alloy conductors with weatherresistant polyethylene (PE) covering.  
  • Covering thickness and adhesion strength comply with ICEA durability criteria.  
• Electrical Properties:
  • Rated for continuous operation at 75°C or 90°C (depending on design).  
  • No inherent voltage rating: Requires installation on insulators/spacers suitable for system voltage (typically ≤ 46 kV).  
• Environmental Resistance
  • Mandatory UV resistance, oxidation stability, and moisture protection per ICEA test protocols.  
  • Covers must resist cracking at –40°C and deformation at +90°C.  

Application  

These conductors are deployed in aerial power distribution networks where environmental resilience is critical:  

• TreeDense Areas: “Tree Wire” configurations minimize faults from vegetation contact
• Coastal/Harsh Climates: Weather-resistant PE prevents corrosion and degradation
• Compact Line Installations: Enables reduced clearance spacing vs. bare conductors

 Related Standards  

•  ANSI/ICEA S121733: Complementary standard for spacer cable systems using covered conductors
•  ANSI/ICEA P79561: Guidelines for messenger wire selection in supported installations
•  IEEE 1517: Overhead distribution design practices referencing ICEA conductors