Guide to the Wiring Regulations

3 Appendix 3 – Limiting earth fault loop impedance tables

from BS 7671: 2008
Table 41.2 Maximum earth fault loop impedance (Zs) for fuses, for 0.4 s disconnection time with U0 of
230 V (see Regulation 411.4.6).
(a) General purpose (gG) fuses to BS 88–2.2 and BS 88–6

Rating (A) 6 10 16 20 25 32

Zs (Ω) 8.52 5.11 2.70 1.77 1.44 1.04

(b) Fuses to BS 1361

Rating (A) 5 15 20 30

Zs (Ω) 10.45 3.28 1.70 1.15

(c) Fuses to BS 3036 (d) Fuses to BS 1362

Rating (A) 5 15 20 30 Rating (A) 3 13

Zs (Ω) 9.58 2.55 1.77 1.09 Zs (Ω) 16.4 2.42

NOTE: The circuit loop impedances given in the table should not be exceeded when the conductors are at their normal
operating temperature. If the conductors are at a different temperature when tested, the reading should be
adjusted accordingly.

Table 41.3 Maximum earth fault loop impedance (Zs) for circuit breakers with U0 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.
(a) Type B circuit breakers to BS EN 60898 and the overcurrent characteristics of RCBOs to BS EN 61009

Rating 3 6 10 16 20 25 32 40 50 63 80 100 125 In

(A)

Zs (Ω) 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

Rating 6 10 16 20 25 32 40 50 63 80 100 125 In

(A)

Zs (Ω) 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

Rating 6 10 16 20 25 32 40 50 63 80 100 125 In

(A)

Zs (Ω) 1.92 0.72 0.46 0.29 0.18 0.11 11.5/In

1.15 0.57 0.36 0.23 0.14 0.09
NOTE: The circuit loop impedances given in the table should not be exceeded when the conductors are at their normal
operating temperature. If the conductors are at a different temperature when tested, the reading should be
adjusted accordingly.

Guide to the Wiring Regulations: 17th Edition IEE Wiring Regulations (BS 7671: 2008) Darrell Locke
© 2008 John Wiley & Sons Ltd. ISBN: 978-0-470-51685-0

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 Appendices

Table 41.4 Maximum earth fault loop impedance (Zs) for fuses, for 5 s disconnection time with U0 of 230
V (see Regulation 411.4.8).
(a) General purpose (gG) fuses to BS 88–2.2 and BS 88–6

Rating (A) 6 10 16 20 25 32 40 50

Zs (Ω) 13.5 7.42 4.18 2.91 2.30 1.84 1.35 1.04

Rating (A) 63 80 100 125 160 200

Zs (Ω) 0.82 0.57 0.42 0.33 0.25 0.19

(b) Fuses to BS 1361

Rating (A) 5 15 20 30 45 60 80 100

Zs (Ω) 16.4 5.00 2.80 1.84 0.96 0.70 0.50 0.36

(c) Fuses to BS 3036

Rating (A) 5 15 20 30 45 60 100

Zs (Ω) 17.7 5.35 3.83 2.64 1.59 1.12 0.53

(d) Fuses to BS 1362

Rating (A) 3 13

Zs (Ω) 23.2 3.83

NOTE: The circuit loop impedances given in the table should not be exceeded when the conductors are at their normal
operating temperature. If the conductors are at a different temperature when tested, the reading should be
adjusted accordingly.

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