Abstract: High-altitude electromagnetic pulses (HEMP) can readily penetrate equipment via cables connected to sensors, disrupting sensor operation or causing damage. Therefore, investigating the coupling mechanisms of HEMP to above-ground cables is significant. This study employs CST software to simulate the coupling characteristics of high-altitude nuclear electromagnetic pulse (HEMP) to above-ground cables. It systematically investigates the coupling effects under various parameters (cable length, height above ground, terminating load impedance, and plane wave incidence angle). Simulation results indicate that the induced cable current exhibits a consistent trend: a rapid initial rise followed by gradual decay and stabilization. The magnitude of the induced current increases with cable length, height above ground, and elevation angle of incidence, but decreases with increasing terminating load impedance.