Abstract: The dynamic behavior of active distribution network(ADN) is more complex than that of traditional power grid, so it is urgent to solve the problem of fault detection and location. Aiming at the application of micro phasor measurement unit(μPMU) in distribution system, a complex fault location strategy based on limited number μPMUs is proposed. Firstly, according to the considerable μPMU optimal configuration scheme of the whole network under any line fault, the equivalent model of short circuit and broken line fault is established. Through the analysis model, the current fault component is equivalent to the adjacent nodes at both ends to form a virtual injected current vector. Secondly, the compressive sensing theory is used to solve the voltage equation of fault network nodes, and the suspected fault nodes are obtained according to the positions of non-zero elements in the reconstructed current vector. The dynamic candidate fault domain is divided based on the suspected fault nodes and μPMU configuration positions. Finally, the short circuit and broken line area criteria are constructed respectively to determine the fault interval, then the line criterion is constructed according to the estimated voltage at both ends of the area to accurately judge the fault line and type. Based on the improved IEEE 33-node distribution system, the simulation results show that the complex fault location strategy based on limited μPMUs is feasible, and the strategy can effectively determine the exact location of the fault.