Zero-sequence voltage and current based single-phase grounding (SPG) fault detection and location methods in non-effectively grounded distribution network have limitations in practical use due to lack of zero-sequence CT and PT in some cases. To deal with this problem, the phase current characteristics under SPG fault are analysed and the SPG fault detection method and section location method is proposed. PSCAD-based simulation results and fault recording data show that the proposed method behaves well when SPG fault with different impedances occurs in different sections. The proposed method can select the faulty phase automatically without using voltage signals, which is suitable for all IEDs.