A method of recognizing partial discharges emitted inside or outside electrical equipment after at least one partial discharge activity has been detected Partial discharge patterns are recorded beforehand in a data base, each pattern being associated with the type of fault that generated it. A new partial discharge (Pd) pattern is acquired. The new partial discharge pattern is compared with discharge patterns that are already recorded in the data base The matching fault in the equipment is obtained by deduction, and the result is recorded in the data base.