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Maximum Zs for a 16 A curve C breaker

Earth fault loop impedance calculator

+1 reference

Worked to AS/NZS 3000:2018. Tables checked 27 Sept 2026.

Maximum permitted Zs

1.92Ω

Earth fault loop impedance
0.89Ω
Maximum length at Zs
86.94m
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This result is a design aid. Verify it against the current standard.

A drawn result card from the Loop Impedance tool: earth fault loop impedance 0.89 Ω; checked.

A 16 A curve C circuit breaker allows a maximum earth fault loop impedance of 1.92 Ω at 230 V. The tool reads it from AS/NZS 3000:2018 Table 8.1. A measured or calculated Zs at or below that value disconnects a fault in time.

The case

The circuit is 30 m of 2.5 mm² copper PVC cable with a 2.5 mm² earth, on a supply with Ze of 0.35 Ω. R1 + R2 is 0.54 Ω, so Zs is 0.89 Ω, well inside the limit. The longest run that still meets the limit is 86.94 m.

What changes the answer

The curve sets the limit. A 16 A curve B breaker trips at a lower multiple of its rating, so it allows 3.59 Ω, and the same cable can run 180.01 m.

A higher Ze shortens every run. Measure Ze at the board before you rely on a calculated Zs.

See also: AS/NZS 3000 Table 8.1 maximum Zs explained and Earth fault loop impedance and disconnection time.

Try it with these inputs

Active conductor size
2.5 mm²
Device curve
Curve C
Earth conductor size
2.5 mm²
Insulation
PVC 75 °C
Standard
NZ · AS/NZS 3008.1.2
Run length
30 m
Material
Copper
Device rating
16 A
Voltage
230 V
External impedance Ze
0.35 Ω
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Where next

The ideas behind it

More worked examples

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