• Health and Safety Forum

  Red Lead Wire (RLW) – Has anyone else encountered this and how are you managing

  Posted by Rodie Macrae on 18 September 2026 at 9:50 am

  Good morning everyone,

  We have recently been provided with some information regarding an older low-voltage overhead conductor known as Red Lead Wire (RLW), also described as a red cambric-covered aerial conductor. Testing undertaken on samples from other networks found the covering to be an organic fiber (not asbestos), however lead was subsequently identified within the red impregnated coating on the conductor covering.

  The conductor is understood to have been used historically for both hot water control circuits and LV distribution circuits and may still exist on some South Island networks. The material was reported to be quite frangible, with the red coating readily transferring to gloves during handling.

  I am interested to hear from other EDBs and contractors:

  • Have you identified RLW or similar red cambric-covered conductors on your network?
  • Have you undertaken any lead testing, occupational exposure monitoring, or health monitoring associated with this asset?
  • Do you have specific procedures or controls for handling, removal, disposal, or replacement?
  • Is the conductor being managed as a hazardous material?
  • Have any networks undertaken targeted replacement programmes because of the lead contamination concerns?
  • Are there any industry guidelines, historical specifications, or lessons learned that you would be willing to share?

  Any information on how others have approached the management of this conductor type would be greatly appreciated.

  Thanks in advance.

  nwl365-my.sharepoint.com

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  Rodie Macrae replied 6 days, 15 hours ago 1 Member · 0 Replies
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