In this paper the impact of a SSSC and a STATCOM on the impedance calculated by a distance relay is investigated. Both analytical analysis and simulations are provided. The STATCOM/SSSC control systems are modeled in detail. It is demonstrated that a SSSC has a greater impact on the calculated impedance by an A-G distance relay element. Several scenarios are considered in the simulations like the impact of the fault conditions, the compensator settings, the power system conditions and so on. All the simulations are carried out in MATLAB/Simulink with detailed models of the SSSC and the STATCOM.