Abstract:The insulation breakdown of 220 kV high - voltage prefabricated cable joint,which occurs several times during the trial line charging and AC voltage withstand test process,is analyzed. The comparisons of discharge channels,installation procedures etc. are done to find out the main reason of joint faults. After the disassembly of broken - down joints,similar features are found. Discharge channels starts at the edge of semiconducting band which is winded around the metal connecting pipe, and surface discharges on the main insulation of cable are found in each broken - down joint. The installation procedure in critical parts is found to be changed,such as the expanding process of prefabricated cable joint and the treatment process of metal connecting pipe. Based on these phenomena,it is concluded that the change of installation procedure in critical parts, which leads to poor performance of the prefabricated cable joint after installation,is the main reason of insulation breakdown.