A new method of faulty line selection method based on model recognition for Petersen coil grounded system is presented. The equivalent circuit of every line is modeled as capacitance during fault characteristic frequency band. The initial value of capacitance is calculated by transient information through least square fitting. Then capacitance value calculated by the steady-state signal is compared with the initial value. It is found that fault line does not meet the established capacitance model and model error is large; while the sound line is basically in accordance with the established capacitance model and the model error is close to zero. Based on these characteristics, faulty line selection criteria is constructed. This method has a bootstrap characteristic. Simulation and field recording data show that the proposed method is feasible. This work is supported by Science and Technology Project of State Grid Corporation of China “Research of Key Technologies for Fast Handling of Distribution Network Single-phase Grounding Fault Considering Personal Safety Protection”.