What is the difference between MCB and MCCB circuit breaker?

What is a circuit breaker?

Circuit breakers are electrical safety devices designed to protect an electrical circuit from damage caused by an overcurrent or short circuit. Its basic function is to interrupt current flow to protect equipment and to prevent the risk of fire.

Circuit breakers can be reset (either manually or automatically) to resume normal operation.

Circuit breakers are made in varying sizes, from small devices that protect low-current circuits or individual household appliances, to large switchgear designed to protect high voltage circuits feeding an entire city.

How many types of circuit breakers are there?

MCB, MCCB, RCD, RCCB, and RCBO are all circuit breakers.

The appliances are designed to perform specific functions, It is their particular functionality that makes them different.

Application of different types of circuit breakers

Common in domestic, commercial and industrial low voltage applications less than 1,000 VAC, and include:

MCB, RCDs, and RCCBs : Used for smaller electronic circuits with smaller current ranges, low as 125 amps.

MCCBs: Used for larger circuits with larger current ranges and variances, up to 1600 amps.

What is MCB and how does it work?

MCB is the abbreviation for Miniature circuit breakers.

The MCB is an electromechanical device that switches off the circuit automatically if an abnormality is detected.

The MCB easily senses the overcurrent caused by the short circuit.

The miniature circuit has a very straightforward working principle.

The MCB has two contacts, one fixed and the other movable.

If the current increases, the movable contacts are disconnected from the fixed contacts, making the circuit open and disconnects them from the main supply.

What is MCCB and how does it work?

MCCB is an abbreviation for Molded Case Circuit Breaker. The MCCB is a protective device protecting the circuit from overloading. Additionally, it has a switch that is operated manually for tripping the circuit. The device features two arrangements, one for the overcurrent and one for the over-temperature. Moreover, the MCCB consists of bimetallic contact, which contracts and expands when the MCCB temperature changes.

The contacts enable the current to flow via the circuit during normal operating conditions. However, as the current increases beyond the present value, their contacts warm and expand until the contact are open. Consequently, the circuit disconnects from the main supply and secures the equipment from damage.

Similarity between MCB and MCCB

1. Used as protection devices

Both devices commonly work as protective devices like a breaker.

2. Operation method

Both can be operated automatically or manually for the ON/OFF condition.

3. Control low circuit current

These two circuit breakers are mostly used in low tension or low voltage circuits.

4. Maintain circuit normal

These breakers sense and protect the power circuit from the overcurrent or short circuit condition.

5. Installation and Maintenance

Both breakers require the same installation and maintenance.

Difference between MCB and MCCB

Here is the difference between these two circuit breakers according to their specification.

Epilogue

Circuit breakers play a vital role in protecting wiring systems and humans from electrical accidents.

Circuit breakers ensure that in the event of a short circuit or overload, fire hazards or other electrical problems are circumvented by cutting off the flow of current.

That's why both MCBs and MCCBs should be installed by professionals to minimize the possibility of errors.

It is also important to choose the correct MCB or MCCB to ensure safety. etek electrical offers a wide selection of circuit breakers for residential and commercial use.

ETEK Electric is always for your electrical safety.