The invention provides an overhead type rectangular wet electric precipitator. The main body section of the electric precipitator is of a rectangular cylindrical structure and comprises a spray washing system, an anode module, a cathode module, a spray humidification system and a uniform distribution device; the electric precipitator is also provided with a shell self-supporting structure which comprises an inner column, an outer column, a main truss, an auxiliary truss and an annular truss; the inner column provided with the main truss is adhered to the outer wall of an absorption tower, and the top end of the main truss is used for supporting the wet electric precipitator; the main truss and the auxiliary truss are spaced from each other and are connected mutually to transfer load; the top end of the outer column provided with the auxiliary truss is used for supporting the wet electric precipitator; the annular truss is attached to the outer wall of the absorption tower; the inner column is arranged on the annular truss. Uniform partition in the precipitator can be realized, the cathode system and the anode system are produced in a modularized manner; the self-supporting structure does not need to occupy land and has no influence on the mounting and the overhauling of the original absorption tower; the effective dust collection area is increased, and the dust removal efficiency is improved.