Ac-loss and coupling current time constant measurements were performed with a large variety of Bi-2223 tape conductors at 4.2 and at 77 K. Single tapes in a perpendicular field as well as stacks of tapes in perpendicular and parallel fields were investigated. The frequency dependence of the coupling loss curve has a maximum which is set in correlation to the separately measured time constant. The theoretical treatment of the time constant and loss measurements using a slab model shows a very good agreement between the position of loss maxima and measured time constants. Eddy currents in the silver matrix, which are described by a second smaller time constant, contribute substantially to the losses in the higher frequency range and may lead to the appearance of a second maximum in the loss curve.