To achieve high-sensitivity live detection for partial discharge(PD)pulses in high-voltage switch cabi-nets,a detection method based on a second-order circuit is proposed.Firstly,a pulse detection circuit that includes a charged display device and a detection impedance is constructed,and then the electrical parameters of the sensing and display units are measured and analyzed.Subsequently,a second-order circuit suitable for live detection is in-troduced,and the impact of second-order circuit,capacitance,and inductance parameters of the charged display device on safety,reliability and detection sensitivity is studied.Finally,a test is carried out on the proposed method using a 10 kV metal-clad switchgear and a charged display device.The results reveal that the detection impedance of the second-order circuit does not undermine the safe operation of the switchgear and the charged display device.Its detection sensitivity is 1.6 times that of the high-frequency current transformer mounted on the earth wire of the switchgear.