In this paper,the electrical field distribution along the polluted cylindrical insu-lator before a nd after the local a re appea rs is calculated with the optim lzed pa rtially cha rge simula-tinn method and measured with the pockels device. Based on the calculating and measuring results,the in fluen ce of the electric field distri bu tion on the propagation of local a re in the flashover ofcyIlndrical insufator under various conditions is analyzed systematieally.