MCB is short for miniature circuit breaker, and MCCB is short for Molded Case Circuit Breaker. There are differences between MCBs and MCCBs that must be recognized to understand their characteristics and applications. Their differences affect the activity in the electrical circuit.
What is MCB?
MCB stands for Miniature Circuit Breaker. It automatically turns off the electrical circuit in any abnormal electrical conditions such as overload and short circuit.
However, the fuse can sense these conditions but must be replaced even if the MCB can be reset. MCB is an electrical device that protects electrical cables and electrical loads against excessive current to avoid any fires or electrical hazards. MCB control is quite safe and restores supply quickly.
When it comes to household applications, MCBs are the preferred control for overload and short circuit protection. The MCB can be reinstalled very quickly and has no maintenance costs. MCB works on the basis of two-wire connection, which provides protection against overload current and solenoid short circuit.
What is MCCB?
MCCB stands for Molded Case Circuit Breaker. This is another type of lightning protection device used when the load current exceeds the limit of the minimum resistor.
The MCCB provides protection against overload, short circuits and is also used for circuit switching. It can also be applied to higher current rating error levels in domestic applications.
The wide current ratings and high breaking capacity of MCCB finds its application in industrial applications. The MCCB can be used to protect capacitor banks, protect generators, and distribute mains.
It provides adequate protection whenever a difference is required, to establish a correctable overload or to protect against ground faults.
Difference between MCB and MCCB
| MCB | MCCB |
| These are used for low energy requirements such as small electronic circuits or home wiring. | MCCBs are used in high energy requirement applications such as high-power equipment in industries or for commercial purposes. |
| MCBs have ratings under 100 amps. | MCCBs goes as high as 2500 amps. |
| It is a low-voltage circuit breaker. | It is also of low voltage to meet IEC947 standards. |
| Trip characteristics cannot be adjusted. | Trip characteristics can be adjusted. |
| Interrupting rating under 18000 amps. | Interrupting rating ranges from 10000 to 200000 amps. |
