The propagation of initial fault traveling waves in distribution lines is highly complex due to non‑transposition

considerable transmission attenuation

and numerous wave‑impedance discontinuities

which affect the quality of traveling‑wave acquisition and the accuracy of wavefront identification. This paper investigates the propagation characteristics of initial fault traveling waves in distribution lines and analyzes the effects of non‑transposition and transmission attenuation. In addition

the refraction and reflection characteristics of initial fault voltage and current traveling waves at various wave‑impedance discontinuities are qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed

including line branch points

busbars

junctions between different conductor types

line terminals

and distributed generation interconnection points. On this basis

the attenuation and superposition characteristics of the initial fault traveling waves are revealed. Finally

a simulation model is established in PSCAD/EMTDC to verify the analytical results

and recommendations are proposed for the placement of traveling‑wave fault‑location devices on distribution lines

providing useful guidance for device deployment and fault location performance evaluation in engineering applications.