Abstract: This paper describes the detection method used in field application of partial discharge in high voltage XLPE cables and accessories, and the analysis process of test data based on the HFCT sensor. Fields applications have shown that the HFCT sensor is suitable for partial discharge detection because of its high signal sensitivity and convenience to operation. At the same time, the terminal random pulse interference effecting on the testing data should be taken into consideration in the analysis of field detection signal. The detection data should be classified according to the different time domain and frequency domain characteristics of partial discharge signals. The anti-interference techniques based on polarity identification could be used to determine whether the signal is the partial discharge generating inside the cable joints or the interference transmitting along the cable core. For cable PD defect should be analyzed comprehensively to judge the source of signal based on cable data of preventive test and family defect.