Installing the necessary safety precautions and following protocol is crucial while dealing with electric circuits. Utilising self-operating electrical switches is one such safety measure. They are very good at shielding electrical appliances from explosions, which helps to avoid mishaps. These switches, known as miniature circuit breakers, MCB, and moulded case circuit breakers, MCCB, are utilised extensively in every area. However, despite having many similarities in their operations, they differ in a few ways.
Today, in this article, we shall discuss the main differences between MCB and MCCB.
What is MCB?
Miniature Circuit Breaker, abbreviated as MCB, works when the electrical network is abnormal, like an overload or short circuit. It automatically switches the electrical circuit off in such situations. The MCB can be re-start but if the fuse detects these conditions, consider replacing it.
The MCB, an electromechanical appliance, protects the electrical load and wires from overcurrent. It prevents any form of fire or electrical risks. The current supply is rapidly restored, and handling MCB is much safer. MCBs are the most popular preference for overload and short-circuit protection in residential applications.
The MCB is extremely quick to reset and requires no ongoing maintenance. In addition, the bi-metal respective principle, which is the basis for MCB operation, protects against overload current and solenoid short circuit current.
What is MCCB?
Moulded Case Circuit Breaker or MCCB works when the load current exceeds the small circuit breaker limit. It is another sort of electrical protection mechanism. The MCCB switches the circuits and safeguards against overload and short-circuits failures.
MCCB can be installed for high current ratings and fault levels, even for domestic applications. Therefore, MCCB is used in industrial applications because of its high current ratings and breaking capacity.
MCCBs can be used for main electric feeder distribution, generator protection, and capacitor bank protection.
Difference between MCB and MCCB
The differences between MCB and MCCB are as follows:
1- An MCCB’s current rating ranges from 10 to 200 amperes, whereas an MCB’s current rating is 100 amperes.
2- MCCB’s interrupt rating is from 10k to 200k amperes, whereas MCB’s interrupt rating is up to 1800 amperes.
3- A movable tripping circuit is present in an MCCB, but an MCB has a permanent tripping circuit.
4- The pole designates the quantity of switching and safety phases current for maximum protection in circuit breakers. While the MCCB can have up to 4 poles, an MCB typically has 1 to 3 poles.
5- MCCB is mainly for requirements with both low and high breaking potentials, whereas MCBs are mostly utilised for low Breaking capacity requirements, primarily domestic, based on their power capacities.
6- Since they are intended for low circuits, MCB’s trip characteristics are typically not adaptable. Both fixed and adjustable trip currents are available for overload and magnetic settings.
Final Words
When it comes to safeguarding you and your electrical appliances from mishaps, MCB and MCCB are both excellent options. Hopefully, the differences discussed might have made it understandable which option is best for your needs. The main difference between MCB and MCCB is that An MCB is for low-current circuits, but an MCCB is utilised for high-current circuits.
