MCBs (miniature circuit breakers) and MCCBs (Moulded Case Circuit Breakers) are two common circuit breakers that safeguard electrical systems. Although both circuit breakers are used for the same purpose, their characteristics and applications differ. Learn the main distinctions between MCBs and MCCBs to pick the right one for your application.
Differences Between MCB and MCCB
A few key distinctions separate MCB from MCCB:
Acronym And Explanation
A miniature circuit breaker, or MCB. The moulded case circuit breaker is an abbreviation for this item. Both gadgets prevent damage from overcurrent and short circuits in fixed installations. They can also act as dividers. You can quickly and easily cut power to the load using convenient handles.
The Current Score
Legrand’s Miniature circuit breakers typically have a maximum amperage of 125A. Nonetheless, MCCBs typically operate at 3200A. The current capacity of MCCBs is greater. Moulded-case circuit breakers’ flexibility in application stems from their wide range of current ratings.
Tensile Strengths
To ensure that moulded case circuit breakers and miniature circuit breakers are suitable and safe, they are given ratings for their maximum interruption capacity, known as Icu and Ics, respectively. MCCBs have significantly greater breaking capacities than MCBs. It means an MCCB has greater resistance to higher currents and breaking capability.
Communication
Connectivity between MCCBs is possible through the use of modules or electronic models. All protection, monitoring, and control data can be transmitted back to a central location via digital trip units’ built-in communication options. This characteristic is absent from MCBs.
Modifications To The Current And Delay Time
MCCBs can adjust their tripping current via dipswitches, potentiometers, or trip units. An MCB’s long-delay tripping characteristics are usually set in stone, while those of an mccb can be tweaked. Electronic MCCBs with adjustable long-delay tripping characteristics make achieving the protective features required for distribution applications simple.
Where It Is In The Circuit
Upstream MCCB breakers are used, but MCBs are more common in branch circuits. Large commercial and industrial facilities often use MCCBs in their upstream courses. In both commercial and residential settings, MCBs are used to supply power to smaller sub-circuits.
Maintenance
Because of its foolproof design, MCB doesn’t need regular checks or upkeep from technicians. However, the MCCB has many new components and requires thorough maintenance and inspection. Therefore, applications requiring frequent short-circuit interruption are not good candidates for mcb.
Conclusion
MCBs and MCCBs serve as overcurrent and short-circuit protection devices in electrical circuits. MCCBs are used as upstream breakers in large commercial and industrial installations, while mcbs are preferred in branch circuits due to their smaller size.
Compared to MCBs, MCCBs are more versatile and can handle higher currents thanks to their varying current ratings and breaking capacities. In contrast to MCBs, which have a simple and safe structure that does not need maintenance or inspections, these have more accessory options and can communicate with one another.
When deciding between MCB and MCCB, it’s important to consider the application’s specific requirements. Everyone is familiar with Legrand’s modular mcb.
