MCB and MCCB: A Comparative Analysis of Circuit Breakers

Miniature Circuit Breaker is shortened to mcb, whereas moulded case circuit breaker is shortened to mccb. If you want to be familiar with the capabilities and applications of MCB and MCCB, you should be aware of the distinctions between the two. Because of its peculiarities, each serves a unique purpose in a circuit.

MCB

The miniature circuit breakers are referred to as mcbs. If an electrical fault is discovered, the MCB will immediately cut power to the circuit. The MCB is quick to detect the overcurrent from the short circuit. The tiny circuit relies on a very simple premise. Another feature is the inclusion of both fixed and moveable contacts.

If the current is high enough, the movable contacts will separate from the fixed contacts, opening the circuit and cutting them off from power.

MCCB

Moulded Case Circuit Breaker, alternatively, is an acronym for this term. The MCCB is a safety feature that prevents damage to the circuit due to overheating. There’s also a manual switch you can use to trip the circuit. The gadget has separate over-current and over-temperature configurations. Moreover, the mccb comprises bimetallic contact, shrinks and swells as its temperature varies.

Under normal conditions, the connections allow electricity to flow through the circuit. Yet, after the current exceeds the present value, their contacts warm and expand, eventually opening. Hence, the circuit cuts power to the apparatus and prevents any further malfunction.

Comparison of MCB and MCCB

• Some of the shared capabilities and characteristics of MCB and MCCB:
• They both offer some level of safety.
•  The mcb and MCCB sense a short circuit or overcurrent and protect the power circuit from it.
• Their primary application is in circuits with low tension or voltage.

Key Differences Between MCB and MCCB

1. A MCB is a switch that guards against the system overloaded with current, whereas MCCB guards against the system being overheated and subjected to a short circuit.
2. The miniature circuit breakers are called MCBs, while a moulded case circuit breaker is called an MCCB.
3. The circuit that trips the MCB is fixed, while the one that trips the MCCB can be moved.
4. The MCB comes in single, two, or three-pole versions, while the MCCB comes in single, two, three, or four-pole versions.
5. The MCB’s interrupting current is 1800 amps, while that of an MCCB ranges from 10,000 to 200,000 volts.
6. An MCB can’t be turned on or off from a distance, but an MCCB can, using a shunt wire.
7. The MCB is rated for 100 amps, while the MCCB is rated for between 10 and 200 amps.
8. The MCCB is used at home, and MCCB is used in big businesses.

Conclusion

Regarding safeguarding electrical appliances from dangerous voltage fluctuations, MCB and MCCB are both excellent choices. The most notable distinction is that an MCB is typically used in low-current circuits, and an MCCB is commonly used in high-current circuits. Legrand is your best option if you’re considering an MCB or MCCB.