In order to study the effect of grounding defect on XLPE cable terminal,ANSYS finite element analysis software is used to establish the cable terminal simulation model and the physical simulation experiment is carried out in the laboratory.Study on the effect of grounding defects on XLPE cable terminal was conducted in 3 aspects:XLPE cable terminal electric parameter calculation,temperature distribution as well as product analysis.The results of simulation and physical simulation show that the grounding defect will lead to serious heating of high voltage XLPE cable terminal.Research conclusion shows that terminal grounding fault will cause voltage suspension,large current through insulation shield,abnormal temperature rise of XLPE cable terminal,with metal oxides,carboxylic acids and other compounds produced,which will cause serious impact on the safe operation of XLPE cable.