In order to reduce grounding circulation

the cross-bonded（CB） grounding method is widely adopted in HV cable systems. As the sheaths of three-phase cables have been transferred through cross-bonding link-boxes

it is difficult to localize which phase of the three phases and which section of a partial discharge（PD） signal have emanated from. For the purpose of solving this problem

we experimentally studied attenuation of PD signals propagating in cables as well as the coupling effect between the conductor and insulation of cables. The corresponding attenuation coefficient and coupling coefficient were obtained. Then a complete cross-bonding cable section was used as an example to build a simulation model

and we used the model to study the partial discharge waveforms of PD source at various places obtained by high frequency current transformers（HFCTs） installed in different cross-bonding link-boxes. Comparison between the waveforms indicates that the location of PD source corresponds to particular polarity and amplitude of the signals detected by HFCTs. Based on the results

we presented a set of principles for locating PD in cross-bonded HV cable systems. It can be applied to compare the amplitudes and polarities of signals from six HFCTs and determine the section and phase that PD sources locate in.