This paper analyzes the voltage characteristics of the faulted phase for EHV transmission lines with shunt reactor， as well as the power frequency component， low frequency component， and the frequency of free component. A new criterion using the beat frequency characteristics is proposed， which can distinguish the temporary faults from permanent faults perfectly. Theoretical analysis and EMTDC simulation tests show that this novel criterion is correct and practical， which provides a simple and reliable method for the realization of single-pole adaptive reclosure.