In order to study the electromagnetic radiation distribution characteristics of power line communication (PLC) system in engineering applications, electromagnetic radiation testing and simulation analysis are carried out for PLC system used in power meter reading. For the straight power lines, longitudinal distribution of PLC radiation is fluctuant, and radiated lateral attenuation is rapid with a perceived range of 100~150 m. The spatial distribution of radiation generated by crossed vertical power lines fluctuates remarkably. The simulation model of PLC is established based on method of moment. A numerical analysis method is proposed to compare the measured values of PLC radiation, the calculated values of PLC radiation and the measured values of background noise. By adjusting the model parameters, the effect law of typical influence factors on PLC radiation is obtained. It is verified by comparison and analysis with the measured data that the modeling method can effectively predict the electromagnetic radiation distribution of PLC system.