This paper presents a single-ended time domain fault location method for distribution network cable single-phase earth fault based on RLC model. The method uses the transient information at a distribution network cable single-phase ground fault to establish the time-domain ranging equation combining with fault state network and fault zero-mode network. The transition resistance and the equivalent capacitance to ground are identified and evaluated. The algorithm avoids the effect on the location accuracy by such factors as weak steady-state residual current caused by the fault arc suppression coil compensation, transition resistance, fault initial angle and the neutral point operation mode. EMTP digital simulation results verify the correctness of the algorithm, and show it has a high accuracy of identification and location. The ranging average error is within 10 m, the maximum relative error is less than 0.113%, and the maximum relative error of calculating the transition resistance is less than 1. 637%, which meets the needs of practical application.