What is the maximum Zs for a 40A MCB Type B?

The maximum earth fault loop impedance (Zs) for a 40A MCB Type B is 1.09Ω for 0.4s disconnection time, as listed in BS 7671 Table 41.3 of BS 7671:2018+A2:2022. For on-site testing, the measured value must not exceed 0.87Ω (80% of the tabulated value) to account for conductor temperature rise.

What is the testing limit for a 40A MCB Type B?

The testing limit is 0.87Ω. This is 80% of the tabulated maximum Zs (1.09 × 0.8 = 0.87Ω). When you measure Zs on site at ambient temperature, your reading must be at or below this value. If it falls between 0.87Ω and 1.09Ω, you can perform a more precise temperature correction calculation per IET Guidance Note 3.

What fault current is needed to trip a 40A MCB Type B within 0.4 seconds?

A 40A MCB Type B requires a minimum fault current (Ia) of 200A to guarantee tripping within 0.4 seconds. This is derived from the magnetic trip characteristic: 5 × 40A = 200A. The circuit must be capable of delivering at least this current under fault conditions, which is why max Zs is limited to 1.09Ω.

Max Zs for 40A Type B MCB

BS 7671 Table 41.3 — BS 7671:2018+A2:2022

Max Zs (0.4s)

1.09Ω

Testing Limit

0.87Ω

Max Zs (5s)

1.09Ω

Ia (0.4s)

200A

At a Glance

Device: MCB Type B — 40A
Standard: BS EN 60898
Max Zs (0.4s): 1.09Ω
Max Zs (5s): 1.09Ω
Testing Limit (80%): 0.87Ω
Ia (0.4s): 200A

About MCB Type B

Type B MCBs have a magnetic trip range of 3–5× rated current (In). They are the standard choice for domestic and light commercial circuits — lighting, socket outlets, and water heating. The relatively low trip multiplier means higher permissible Zs values compared to Type C or D, making them suitable for circuits with longer cable runs.

Typical Circuits for 40A Type B MCB

Recommended cable sizes for 40A Type B MCB circuits
Circuit	Cable Size	Notes
Cooker circuit	6.0mm² T&E	Up to 9.2kW freestanding cooker
Electric shower (8.5kW)	6.0mm² T&E	Short runs only

Worked Example: Maximum Cable Run for 40A MCB Type B

Maximum Zs (tabulated) = 1.09Ω (BS 7671 Table 41.3)
Testing limit (80%) = 1.09 × 0.8 = 0.87Ω
Assume Ze = 0.8Ω (typical TN-S supply)
Maximum R1+R2 = 0.87 − 0.8 = 0.07Ω
Using 6mm² T&E: R1+R2 = 6.16 mΩ/m
Maximum cable run = 0.07 ÷ 0.0061600000000000005 = 11.4m

On a TN-S supply with 6mm² cable, the maximum one-way cable run is approximately 11.4m before Zs exceeds the testing limit. In practice, always measure — parallel earth paths and cable route conditions will affect the actual value.

0.4s and 5s Disconnection — Same Values for Type B

For Type B MCBs, the magnetic trip operates at 3–5× In regardless of whether the required time is 0.4s or 5s. The max Zs is 1.09Ω for both disconnection times at 40A. This means the same limit applies whether protecting a final circuit (0.4s) or a distribution circuit (5s).

40A Across Device Types

Device Type	Max Zs (0.4s)	Testing Limit
MCB Type B	1.09Ω	0.87Ω
MCB Type C	0.55Ω	0.44Ω
MCB Type D	0.27Ω	0.22Ω
BS 88 Fuse	0.87Ω	0.7Ω