Why can connected motors increase the damage at the fault point?

Connected motors can increase the damage at the fault point due to their behavior during faults, particularly when they are in a decelerating state. When a fault occurs, such as a short circuit, the motors that are connected to the system can react by generating additional current. This happens because as the motor slows down (decelerates), it can begin to function as a generator due to the kinetic energy stored in its rotor.

When a motor operates in this manner, it can feed energy back into the electrical circuit, thereby elevating the fault current beyond what might be expected from the fault alone. This increased fault current can exacerbate the damage at the fault point by causing higher thermal and mechanical stresses on equipment and conductors, leading to a greater likelihood of equipment failure, insulation breakdown, or even fire hazards.

In contrast, motors generally do not affect fault current in a positive way, operate less efficiently during faults, and do not reduce the overall load on the circuit. These factors illustrate why the behavior of motors in a fault condition is critical to understanding the dynamics of electrical systems and the potential risks involved.