What effect does increasing line impedance have on fault current?

Increasing line impedance has the effect of reducing fault current. When the impedance of a line increases, it presents a greater opposition to the flow of electrical current. In the case of a fault, such as a short circuit, the fault current is essentially the current that flows through the system in response to the disturbance.

As the line impedance increases, the amount of current that can flow during a fault decreases, leading to a lower fault current. This relationship is fundamental to understanding how electrical systems are designed for safety and protection; that is, higher impedance can be an intentional design choice to limit fault currents and prevent equipment damage or hazards.

If the impedance were to remain unchanged or even decrease, fault currents could increase, resulting in a greater risk of damage to equipment and safety hazards. Therefore, it becomes crucial in electrical system design to account for line impedance in order to manage fault currents effectively.