What does an increase in impedance typically affect in an AC circuit?

An increase in impedance in an AC circuit primarily affects current flow. Impedance, which combines both resistance and reactance, serves as a measure of how much the circuit opposes the flow of electrical current. According to Ohm's Law, as impedance rises in a circuit, for a constant voltage, the amount of current that can flow through the circuit decreases. This is because higher impedance creates a greater barrier that the electrical flow must overcome.

In practical terms, if a circuit experiences increased impedance—perhaps due to added resistive elements or changes in reactance—then even if the voltage remains stable, the current will proportionately reduce. This forms the foundation of understanding how circuits behave in response to changes in components, which is crucial for lineman apprentices as they deal with intricacies of AC circuits in their work.

Understanding this relationship is vital, as managing current flow is key to ensuring the efficiency and safety of electrical systems.