Fast and reliable location of single-phase-to-ground fault is an important technical mean to improve the reliability of power supply in distribution network. However, the faults of cable combustion are really common in the situation of long time over voltage, and it is difficult to locate the faults by traditional single-phase-to-ground fault positioning technology. Firstly, the adaptability of line wave spacing technology in the single-phase-to-ground fault location of distribution network is discussed. Then, it is used to analyze the fault characteristics of transient zero-mode and line-mode traveling waves by modulus analysis method when single-phase-to-ground faults occur in distribution lines, and a method of double ended traveling wave fault location based on the time difference of zero-mode and line-mode is proposed. Finally, on the basis of simulation model of distribution network, the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed algorithm are verified by the comparision of single-phase-to-ground fault location among proposed algorithm and other algorithms. The simulation results show that the proposed algorithm is not affected by transition resistance and traveling wave-head reflection. Also it is with no need of time synchronization, and has a good prospect for engineering application.