A novel fault location algorithm for overhead-cable mixed lines based on fault section fast identification is proposed. The fault section is determined according to the phase characteristics of fault section recognition function at the line connection points

and then the fault distance on the fault section is calculated precisely by using the fault distance expression deduced by the positive-sequence fault location equation of mixed lines. The proposed algorithm does not need to judge the fault type

it has no dead-zone when the fault section is near the line connection points.No iterative search and pseudo-root recognition are required during fault location

and the proposed algorithm has small calculation amount and is easy to be programmed. Simulative tests show that the proposed algorithm is not affected by such factors as fault location

transition resistance and load current

and satisfies the engineering requirements for accuracy.