Abstract: AC de-icing is an important technical approach to addressing conductor icing in distribution networks. This paper presents a comparative analysis of four typical non-power-electronic AC de-icing techniques: short-circuit de-icing, reactive power circulation de-icing, phase-shifting transformer de-icing, and zero-sequence current de-icing. For each technique, the working principle, device configuration, and key parameters are elaborated, and the applicable engineering scenarios and technical limitations are evaluated. The analysis indicates that short-circuit de-icing is well-established but requires power interruption; reactive power circulation and zero-sequence current de-icing enable online operation, yet are constrained by equipment transportability and safety validation, respectively; phase-shifting transformer de-icing offers flexible regulation but imposes higher demands on protection coordination. This comparison provides a reference for the selection and engineering application of online de-icing schemes in distribution networks.