In this paper, In view of the high voltage cable terminal operation failure caused by defects, Analysis the mechanism of partial discharge, Using HFCT (high frequency current sensor) partial discharge test technology and the combination of AC variable frequency resonant pressure test, Design a method to determine cable termination happen failure state detect by monitoring partial discharge pattern of cable termination under different test voltage. Through the field test, found the high voltage cable terminal defect effectively. Application of the test methods, solve the problem of high voltage cable project completion acceptance, can be effectively found in cable terminal completion inspection and acceptance imperfections, have obvious effect for judging high voltage cable terminal failure in advance. Can avoid the failure caused by cable terminal malfunction even terminal head explosion accidents.