Abstract:500 kV AC and DC transmission lines are the primary channel for power transmission,and the tripping fault caused by lightning stroke on 500 kV transmission line is the major reason for line tripping. The electromagnetic transient software ATP - EMTP is used for the mechanism analysis of lightning stroke. By comparing the characteristics of back flashover and shielding failure in 500 kV AC and DC transmission lines,it is shown that there is no essential difference in electrical characteristics of AC and DC lines and the electrical structure of overhead transmission line leads to the frequent shielding failures. The result provides the theoretical basis for applying the experiences of protection against lightning in 500 kV AC transmission line to 500 kV DC transmission line.