What factor increases the risk of step potential during electrical incidents?

The correct answer highlights the relationship between voltage and step potential, which refers to the voltage difference that a person experiences between their feet when standing on the ground during an electrical incident. When a high voltage is present, it increases the potential difference in the surrounding area if a fault occurs. This increased voltage can cause a higher electrical gradient, leading to a stronger electric field around the incident, which raises the risk of step potential.

As voltage increases, the likelihood of an electric shock caused by stepping on the ground becomes more significant because the user can experience current flowing through their body due to the voltage difference between their feet. Therefore, the presence of higher voltage directly correlates with increased risk in such scenarios, making it a critical factor when assessing safety during electrical incidents.

In contrast to this, the distance from the power source or the type of insulation used play roles in electrical safety but do not directly influence the step potential in the same immediate manner as voltage. The type of shoes worn could also affect the risk slightly but is less significant compared to the impact of high voltage, which is the primary concern in the context of step potential.