The spatial resolution of a cable fault location method by frequency domain reflectometry was examined experimentally by giving two abnormalities intentionally along a 31.5‐m coaxial cable. As a result, two clear signal peaks appear, which can locate the presence of two hot spots perfectly if they are separated by more than 30 cm at a position about 15 m from the cable end with a measuring device. In addition, a clear signal peak with a small shoulder is recognized if the two hot spots are 1 cm away. Although the abnormalities were given in this research by heating the cable using tape heaters, the spatial resolution should be theoretically similar for any type of fault in a cable as long as it changes the characteristic impedance of the cable. © 2021 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.