This paper overviews the partial discharge detection techniques and partial discharge source location for cross-linked polyethene（XLPE） power cable.According to different detection principles and chosen sensors

current methods for XLPE power cable partial discharge detection are classified into acoustic emission

capacitive coupling

inductive coupling

ultra high frequency and directional coupling

etc.As the significant importance of source location to power cable

widely used location methods including time domain reflectometry and improved techniques

are presented on the basis of transmission line model.The characteristics and applications of different detection methods are also compared and briefly analyzed respectively.In addition

the tendency of research is summarized and forecasted.