What is the maximum Zs for a 50A MCB Type C?

The maximum earth fault loop impedance (Zs) for a 50A MCB Type C is 0.44Ω 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 0.35Ω (80% of the tabulated value) to account for conductor temperature rise.

What is the testing limit for a 50A MCB Type C?

The testing limit is 0.35Ω. This is 80% of the tabulated maximum Zs (0.44 × 0.8 = 0.35Ω). When you measure Zs on site at ambient temperature, your reading must be at or below this value. If it falls between 0.35Ω and 0.44Ω, you can perform a more precise temperature correction calculation per IET Guidance Note 3.

What fault current is needed to trip a 50A MCB Type C within 0.4 seconds?

A 50A MCB Type C requires a minimum fault current (Ia) of 500A to guarantee tripping within 0.4 seconds. This is derived from the magnetic trip characteristic: 10 × 50A = 500A. The circuit must be capable of delivering at least this current under fault conditions, which is why max Zs is limited to 0.44Ω.

Max Zs for 50A Type C MCB

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

Max Zs (0.4s)

0.44Ω

Testing Limit

0.35Ω

Max Zs (5s)

0.44Ω

Ia (0.4s)

500A

At a Glance

Device: MCB Type C — 50A
Standard: BS EN 60898
Max Zs (0.4s): 0.44Ω
Max Zs (5s): 0.44Ω
Testing Limit (80%): 0.35Ω
Ia (0.4s): 500A

About MCB Type C

Type C MCBs trip magnetically at 5–10× In. They are designed for circuits with moderate inrush current — motor-driven equipment, air conditioning, and discharge lighting. The higher trip multiplier means lower maximum Zs values, so circuit impedance must be kept tighter than with Type B devices.

Typical Circuits for 50A Type C MCB

Recommended cable sizes for 50A Type C MCB circuits
Circuit	Cable Size	Notes
Large industrial motor	10mm²	Heavier workshop or factory plant

Worked Example: Maximum Cable Run for 50A MCB Type C

Maximum Zs (tabulated) = 0.44Ω (BS 7671 Table 41.3)
Testing limit (80%) = 0.44 × 0.8 = 0.35Ω
Assume Ze = 0.8Ω (typical TN-S supply)
Maximum R1+R2 = 0.35 − 0.8 = —Ω
Using 10mm² T&E: R1+R2 = 3.66 mΩ/m
The available R1+R2 margin is insufficient for standard cable — verify the earthing arrangement.

The tight Zs limit for this device means cable runs must be very short. Verify the supply earthing type and consider whether a lower-rated or different device type is more appropriate.

0.4s vs 5s Disconnection — Different Values for Type C

At 50A, the max Zs values are the same for both disconnection times: 0.44Ω.

50A Across Device Types

Device Type	Max Zs (0.4s)	Testing Limit
MCB Type B	0.87Ω	0.7Ω
MCB Type C	0.44Ω	0.35Ω
MCB Type D	0.22Ω	0.18Ω
BS 88 Fuse	0.57Ω	0.46Ω