Based on the experience of field diagnosis of power cables faults

this paper analyzes the detection principles

application scope

advantages and disadvantages of such coarse location methods as low voltage pulse-echo method

twice pulse method

thrice pulse method

thrice DC pulse method

as well as such fine location methods as audio signal induction method

acoustic measurement method

magneto-acoustic synchronous method

and step voltage method.Their detection precisions and reliabilities are compared

respectively.Precision is considered the key factor for selecting a special field cable fault detection method if location method is appropriate.Moreover

different diagnostic method suitable for each power cable fault type is concluded to offer a reference for rapid detection and location of power cable faults.