T Table 41.

3 of BS 7671 Maximum earth fault loop impedance (Zs) for circuit-breakers with Uq of 230 V,
for instantaneous operation giving compliance with the 0.4 s disconnection time of Regulation
411.3.2.2 and 5 s disconnection time of Regulation 411.3.2.3

(for RCBOs see also Regulation 411.4.9)

(a) Type B circuit-breakers to BS EN 60898 and the overcurrent characteristics of RCBOs to

BS EN 61009-1
Rating 3 6 10 16 20 25 32 40 50 63 80 100 125 In
(amperes)
Zs (ohms) 7.67 2.87 1.84 1.15 0.73 0.46 46/In
15.33 4.60 2.30 1.44 0.92 0.57 0.37

(b) Type C circuit-breakers to BS EN 60898 and the overcurrent characteristics of RCBOs to BS

EN 61009-1
Rating 6 10 16 20 25 32 40 50 63 80 100 125 In
(amperes)
Zs (ohms) 3.83 1.44 0.92 0.57 0.36 0.23 23/In
2.30 1.15 0.72 0.46 0.29 0.18

(c) Type D circuit-breakers to BS EN 60898 and the overcurrent characteristics of RCBOs to

BS EN 61009-1
Rating 6 10 16 20 25 32 40 50 63 80 100 125 In
(amperes)
Zs (ohms) 1.92 0.72 0.46 0.29 0.18 0.11 11.5/
1.15 0.57 0.36 0.23 0.14 0.09 In

Note: The circuit loop impedances given in the table should not be exceeded when the conductors are at their
norm al operating tem perature. If the conductors are at a different tem perature when tested, the reading
should be adjusted accordingly. See Appendix 14.

Table 4i 9.3.2 Earth fault loop impedance corrections for temperature

When carrying out testing of an installation, the conductors will not be at their operating
temperature of say 70 °C for thermoplastic insulated cable. They will be at the site
ambient temperature. Consequently, Tables 41.2 to 41.4 in BS 7671 cannot be used
for test comparison purposes without adjustment. Resistances at 70 °C are 20 % higher
than at say 20 °C, so test figures must be lower than the design values (Z4i) or those
taken from Table 41.2 etc.

The simplest approach is to apply the correction factor Cr also used in Chapter 6 .
See Table F.3 in Appendix F which shows conductor temperature correction factor Cr,
correcting from 20 °C to conductor operating temperature.

For simple conversion to 20 °C, Ztest = Z41/Q

For conversion to another ambient (not 20 °C), Ztest = Z 41CF2/Q

See Table F.2 in Appendix F, which shows the ambient temperature multipliers Cf2 to
be applied to Table F.l resistances to convert resistances at 20 °C to other ambient
temperatures. See also section 10.2.

Calculations for Electricians and Designers

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