The invention discloses a device and method for detecting a working state of a spark probe. The device comprises a radiation source and a slide rail located at an outer side of the radiation source. Aslide base which carries out reciprocating motion along the slide rail is set on the slide rail. A mounting cavity for mounting the spark probe is set on the slide base. The slide base is vertical toa direction of a connection line of the radiation source and the slide rail, along a reciprocating motion direction of the slide rail. Sparks are simulated through utilization of the radiation source. The spark probe carries out the reciprocating motion within certain straight range. Scales are marked on a table surface of the slide rail, thereby recording slide distance of the spark probe. Underthe condition that certain distance is kept between the radiation source and the table surface of the slide rail, a response angel of the spark detector can be measured very conveniently. The deviceand the method are simple in structure and operation and are easy to detect the working state of the spark probe.