The invention discloses a state detection apparatus and detection method for a lead of overhead contact line equipment. The apparatus comprises a plurality of detection modules and a signal processing device. The detection modules comprise lasers, fixation plates with divergent devices arranged in the middle, four-quadrant light cell panels and wireless transmission modules. The laser are fixed on a support at one end of the overhead contact line equipment, the fixation plates are fixed on the lead of the overhead contact line equipment, the four-quadrant light cell panels are installed on a support at the other end of the overhead contact line equipment, and the wireless transmission modules are connected with the signal processing device. When the lead of the overhead contact line equipment is not deviated, the centers of the emission light of the lasers, the centers of the divergent devices and the centers of the four-quadrant light cell panels are disposed at the same straight line. According to the method, whether the lead is deviated, a deviation direction and a deviation size can be calculated in accordance with the size of acquired voltage signals generated by each cell and the position relations among the lasers, the divergent devices and the four-quadrant light cell panels. The method has the advantages of simplicity, reliability, good real-time performance, low cost, convenient installation and easy maintenance.