To solve the problem of automatic recognition wave head of the incident wave and reflection , Put forward a method of traveling wave head automatic identification based on the wavelet transform and modulus maxima. Based on the analysis of wavelet transform and the principle of mutation point detection, Using the voltage traveling wave signal collected in traction substation, more scales a dimensional discrete wavelet transform, Choosed db6 of the Daubechies wavelet family as basic wavelet, And used the searching modulus maxima method and the constraint function decision,to automatic recognition the wave head position of initial wave and reflection in the modulus maximum points. Theoretical analysis and the data validate the results indicate that the algorithm is practical and effective and combined with sampling points between the initial wave and reflection data,so as to obtained time difference between traveling wave pulseof the initial wave and wave reflected from fault point.