True or False: Distribution automation gives downstream switchgear the ability to communicate with each other. During a fault on a line, distribution automation switchgear will communicate with each other and will close a feeder and tie switch to feed back upstream and create another open point to isolate the faulted section.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not sure
• D. Sometimes

Answer: (A)

Distribution automation enables communication between downstream switchgear to coordinate switching actions. When a fault occurs on a line, DA devices share fault information and can reconfigure the network by closing a feeder tie switch to feed from an upstream source and creating an open point at the fault to isolate it. This automatic reconfiguration minimizes the outage area while keeping as much of the system energized as possible, which is why the statement is true. The idea that this happens only sometimes or not at all doesn’t reflect how DA is designed to operate—to continuously communicate and coordinate protective actions and reconfiguration to restore service rapidly.