This work focuses on a multiscale analysis of the fretting-fatigue endurance of aluminum strands within overhead conductors. Based on experimental results, Crossland, Fatemi Socie and SWT fatigue criteria were applied using a Finite Element Method (FEM) modeling. These were used with the critical distance method calibrated on the fretting-fatigue failure of crossed monocontact strands. With this strategy, the SWT criterion gave the best lifetime estimates as well as the shorter critical distance. By conducting a stress gradient analysis, it is concluded that the shorter the critical distance, the better the contact stress description and finally the better the prediction. This optimized critical distancestress gradient strategy is then transposed to the complete 3D simulation of a complete multi-strand cable structure subjected to vibrational bending loadings. The comparison with real structural tests confirms the capacity of the proposal to estimate the fretting-fatigue risk.