Location method for single-phase earth fault of power distribution network based on genetic algorithm and location device

The invention relates to a section location method and a location device for a single-phase earth fault of a power distribution network. The location method comprises the steps that terminals mounted at different positions of a line captures zero-sequence current transient signals at two cycles before and after zero-sequence current exceeds a start value, conduct wavelet transformation and reconstruction on the zero-sequence current transient signals, and are encoded according to reconstructed detail components, and a section where a fault point is located is searched by a genetic algorithm. The location device consists of the terminals and a master station, wherein the terminals are mounted on overhead line towers or in cable ring main units; input ends of the terminals receive zero-sequence current signals synthesized by phase current signals of CT (Current Transformer) secondary sides of distribution lines (comprising overhead lines and cables); the terminals are connected with the master station through optical fiber communication or mobile communication; and the master station is mounted in a transformer substation or a dispatch center, comprises an optical fiber communication module and a mobile communication module and receives signals sent by the terminals. The location method and the location device are mature in technology and high in reliability.