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Meaning And Difference Between MCBs and MCCBs

Submitted by sjukunte on Sun, 06/27/2021 - 23:07

MCBs
MCB stands for Miniature Circuit Breaker and is the type of switch that protects the electrical system from the overloaded current that comes into it. They have a fixed tripping circuit, and their pole is available in one, two, and three versions.
Advantages

  • MCBs are more protective of current than fuses and are better than a fuse.
  • It helps quickly against short circuits in the electrical system.
  • Since MCBs are reusable, they save on maintenance costs and replacement costs.
  • The performance of miniature circuit breakers is better in case of earth leakage. 
  • With the use of MCB, the faults in the circuit can easily be identified.

Disadvantages

  • The cost of buying an MCB is higher than that of a fuse.  
  • Even the price of the MCB distribution board is higher than that of a rewirable fuse board.
  • The metal strips within the MCB wear with age could cause the breaker's reaction time to slow.

MCCBs
MCCB stands for Moulded Case Circuit Breaker. They provide overload protection to the environment from over-temperature and faulty situations. Their tripping circuit is usually movable, and the poles are available in single, two, three, and four versions. 
Advantages

  • MCCBs are compact, so they don't take a significant amount of space in the inboard planning system.
  • These circuit breakers are upkeep-free; hence the repeating costs are less.
  • If you buy MCCBs or MCBs online, they have a wide range of options. 
  • The maintenance fee is either free or very less
  • MCCBs are suitable for their working principle in commercial and industrial applications.

Disadvantages

  • MCCBs don't have the longest life span in the systems.
  • They are not suitable for domestic use.

Difference Between MCBs and MCCBs

  • The major difference between the two is their breaking capacity. MCBs are used for low current requirements; on the other hand, MCCB is used for high power consumption to protect the circuit. 
  • Miniature Circuit Breaker protects the system from overload current, and the Moulded Case Circuit Breaker is meant for short circuit faults and over temperature.
  • The removal on and off is only possible in MCCB, not possible in MCB.
  • Though both classify under low voltage circuit breakers, MCCB has much more capacity than the MCB.
  • MCB is meant to be used in residential areas or for domestic purposes, while MCCB is used for official regions and industries. 
  • MCB is less expensive in comparison to the MCCB. 
  • MCCB can trip under-voltage conditions while MCB does not trip under-voltage conditions. 
  • The size of the MCB is smaller in comparison to that of the MCCB.
  • These days MCCBs have an alarm system, while MCBs don't. 
  • The current is less than 100A in MCBs, while MCCB has a current of over 100A. 
  • The interrupt rating of the MCB is upto 1800 amps, while the MCCB has a rating that ranges from 10k-200k amps. 

Check Legrand out for some high-quality electrical goods and switching devices that offer a wide selection of electrical circuit breakers suitable for industrial and residential use. They are also very reliable and long-lasting, which makes it worth the money you pay.