In Amtech Software, how to reduce the external loop impedance at the supply end of cable?

you mention external  loop impedance - by which I assume the DNO network, which is not part of your design. What is the external earthing arrangement ? If it is TNCS/PME/MEN then as Andy notes if hte impedance is too hihg to trip the breaker, then the supply will also suffer voltage drop problems as well - or in other words you have a breaker that is too large for the available supply. If it is TT, then of course it will be high and the incomer or panel needs to incorporate some kind of earth fault trip (which may still be set to several amps) or RCD.

For TN-S it is possible though unusual in practice for the external earth loop resistance  to be higher than the L-N loop and the default values may reflect this.

Is this a software only problem, or are the figures you are using in your calculation based on site survey or test results ? Ideally use the right figures for the site, or treat as TT and add earth fault protection.

Mike

you mention external  loop impedance - by which I assume the DNO network, which is not part of your design. What is the external earthing arrangement ? If it is TNCS/PME/MEN then as Andy notes if hte impedance is too hihg to trip the breaker, then the supply will also suffer voltage drop problems as well - or in other words you have a breaker that is too large for the available supply. If it is TT, then of course it will be high and the incomer or panel needs to incorporate some kind of earth fault trip (which may still be set to several amps) or RCD.

For TN-S it is possible though unusual in practice for the external earth loop resistance  to be higher than the L-N loop and the default values may reflect this.

Is this a software only problem, or are the figures you are using in your calculation based on site survey or test results ? Ideally use the right figures for the site, or treat as TT and add earth fault protection.

Mike