HomePricingEICR SoftwareElectrical Certificate SoftwareElectrical Testing SoftwareElectrical Contractor SoftwareEICR Certificate SoftwareBest EICR SoftwareFree EICR SoftwareElectrical Certificate AppElectrical Certificate Software PricingFree Tools2391-52 Mock ExamMax Zs CalculatorCable CalculatorPFC CalculatorCode BreakerRing CalculatorMax Demand CalculatorBlogPressPrivacyTermsAll Pages
TestFast Logo - Professional Electrical Testing SoftwareTestFast
FeaturesHow It WorksWhy Us?PricingFAQFree Tools
LoginGet Started
Free Tools
Max Zs Calculator
32A Type 1 (BS 3871)

Max Zs for 32A Type 1 (BS 3871)

Maximum earth fault loop impedance per BS 7671:2018+A4:2026

BS 7671:2018+A4:2026
BS 3871 Type 1 MCB
32A rated current — Formula: 230×0.95/(multiplier×In)
Maximum Zs (80% for ambient testing)
Recommended for Testing
1.36Ω

Use this value when testing at ambient temperature (per Appendix 14)

100% BS 7671 Table Value1.71Ω
Raw Table Value
Standard
BS 3871
Type
Type 1
Rating
32A
All Type 1 (BS 3871) Max Zs Values
Quick reference for all available ratings (80% values)
5A
8.74Ω
6A
7.28Ω
10A
4.36Ω
15A
2.91Ω
16A
2.72Ω
20A
2.18Ω
25A
1.75Ω
30A
1.45Ω
32A
1.36Ω
40A
1.09Ω
45A
0.96Ω
50A
0.87Ω
63A
0.69Ω
80A
0.54Ω
100A
0.44Ω

Download the Complete Max Zs Cheat Sheet

All BS 7671 tables in a printable A4 PDF. Perfect for the van.

Download PDF

Need the Full Calculator?

Compare measured values, switch between devices, and more.

Open Calculator
Understanding Max Zs for 32A Type 1 (BS 3871)

The maximum earth fault loop impedance (Zs) of 1.36Ω for a 32A BS 3871 Type 1 MCB ensures automatic disconnection of supply within the required time under fault conditions as specified in BS 7671:2018+A4:2026.

Why 80% Values?

When testing at ambient temperature, conductor resistance is lower than at operating temperature. BS 7671 Appendix 14 recommends using 80% of tabulated values.

Testing Requirements

  • • Final circuits ≤63A: disconnect within 0.4s
  • • Distribution/fixed equipment: 5s allowed
  • • Measured Zs must be ≤ 1.36Ω

EICR Testing Note

During an EICR, if measured Zs exceeds the maximum permitted value, record as Code C2 or C3 depending on the degree of non-compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum Zs for a 32A Type 1 (BS 3871)?

The maximum earth fault loop impedance (Zs) for a 32A BS 3871 Type 1 MCB is 1.36Ω when testing at ambient temperature. This is 80% of the BS 7671 table value of 1.71Ω, as recommended by Appendix 14 for testing purposes.

Why use 80% of the BS 7671 Zs value?

BS 7671 Appendix 14 recommends using 80% of tabulated Zs values when testing at ambient temperature. This accounts for increased conductor resistance at normal operating temperature. The correction factor ensures your measured values will still comply when the circuit is under load and conductors are at their maximum operating temperature.

What if measured Zs exceeds 1.36Ω?

If the measured Zs exceeds 1.36Ω for a 32A Type 1 (BS 3871), the protective device may not disconnect within the required time (0.4s for final circuits up to 63A, 5s for distribution circuits). This should be recorded as Code C2 (potentially dangerous) or C3 (improvement recommended) on an EICR, depending on the severity and risk assessment.

Which BS 7671 table is this value from?

The Max Zs value for 32A BS 3871 Type 1 MCB comes from Formula: 230×0.95/(multiplier×In). This table provides maximum earth fault loop impedance values to ensure automatic disconnection within the required time for the BS 3871 standard.

Ready for the Full Experience?

These free tools are just a taste. TestFast automates your entire EICR workflow with the observation builder, handwriting & consumer unit OCR, and instant certificate generation.

Start Today For Free
TestFast LogoTestFast

Product

  • Home
  • Features
  • Pricing
  • How It Works
  • FAQ

Free Tools

  • All Free Tools
  • 2391-52 Mock Exam
  • Max Zs Calculator
  • Voltage Drop & Cable Size Calculator
  • Observation Builder
  • Max Demand Calculator
  • R1+R2 & Ring Continuity Calculator
  • PFC Calculator

Legal

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • Sitemap
Try TestFast Now

Software

  • EICR Software
  • Electrical Certificate Software
  • Electrical Testing Software
  • Electrical Contractor Software
  • EICR Certificate Software
  • Best EICR Software
  • Free EICR Software
  • Electrical Certificate App
  • Electrical Certificate Software Pricing

Resources

  • Blog
  • Press
  • Partners
  • Testimonials
  • About Us
ICO registered with the Information Commissioner's Office

© 2026 TestFast. All rights reserved.

TestFast LogoTestFast

Work you'd sign - EICR Software for electricians who refuse to compromise.

Built in Scotland

ICO registered with the Information Commissioner's Office

Product

  • Home
  • Features
  • Pricing
  • How It Works
  • FAQ

Software

  • EICR Software
  • Electrical Certificate Software
  • Electrical Testing Software
  • Electrical Contractor Software
  • EICR Certificate Software
  • Best EICR Software
  • Free EICR Software
  • Electrical Certificate App
  • Electrical Certificate Software Pricing

Free Tools

  • All Free Tools
  • 2391-52 Mock Exam
  • Max Zs Calculator
  • Voltage Drop & Cable Size Calculator
  • Observation Builder
  • Max Demand Calculator
  • R1+R2 & Ring Continuity Calculator
  • PFC Calculator

Resources

  • Blog
  • Press
  • Partners
  • Testimonials
  • About Us

Legal

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • Sitemap
Try TestFast Now

© 2026 TestFast. All rights reserved.