How does protective relay coordination enhance switchgear effectiveness?

Protective relay coordination is essential for efficient switchgear operation, primarily because it ensures that only the faulted section of the power system is isolated during an electrical fault. This means that when an overcurrent or short circuit occurs, the protective relay identifies the exact location of the issue and triggers the circuit breaker in that specific area.

By isolating just the faulted section, the rest of the system can continue functioning normally, minimizing downtime and maintaining service to unaffected areas. This targeted response also helps prevent widespread outages, protects equipment from damage due to fault currents, and enhances the overall reliability of the power system.

In contrast, options like increasing overall voltage, allowing for faster switch operations, and improving aesthetic design do not directly relate to the core function of protective relay coordination, which centers on fault detection and system reliability.