The invention relates to a method for enhancing infrared detection sensitivity of sulfur hexafluoride gas and apparatus. The method comprises: the radiation energy on indoor detected equipment by infrared-band light is enhanced to enhance reflection of the equipment and increase the contrast formed by infrared-band light absorption by SF6 gas; and then an infrared imager is used for detection. Inaddition, the apparatus consists of an insulating handle; a mounting plate is formed at the upper end of the insulating handle in an integrated manner; a silicon carbide tube is fixedly installed at the mounting plate; a nickel-chromium alloy resistance wire extending along the silicon carbide tube is installed in the silicon carbide tube; and the outside of the silicon carbide tube is coated witha coating layer. An illumination power line connecting the nickel-chromium alloy resistance wire penetrates the bottom of the insulating handle. According to the invention, an infrared illumination light radiates infrared light with the wavelength of 3.5 to 13 microns, so that the infrared reflection of the equipment at the infrared band is enhanced; and the infrared imaging leakage detection method is assisted in discovering and localizing an SF6 gas leakage point of the indoor GIS equipment rapidly, accurately, and conveniently.