MCCB Vs MCB Vs RCBO: What Do They Mean?

An MCCB is a molded case circuit breaker, and an MCB is a miniaturised circuit breaker. They are both used in electrical circuits to provide overcurrent protection. MCCBs are typically used in larger systems, while MCBs are used in smaller circuits.

An RCBO is a combination of an MCCB and an MCB. It is used in circuits where both overcurrent and short-circuit protection are required. RCBOs are less common than MCCBs or MCBs, but they are growing in popularity due to their ability to provide two types of protection in one device.

MCCBs, MCBs, and RCBOs all serve the same basic function: to protect electrical circuits from damage due to excessive current conditions. However, they each have their own advantages and disadvantages. MCCBs are the largest and most expensive of the three options, but they can handle higher currents and have a longer lifespan.

MCBs are smaller and less expensive, but they have a shorter lifespan and can only handle lower currents. RCBOs are the most advanced option, and they offer the benefits of both MCCBs and MCBs in one device.

When there’s an abnormality detected in a circuit, an MCB or miniature circuit breaker automatically switches the circuit off. MCBs are designed to easily sense when there’s an excessive current, which often happens when there’s a short circuit.

How does an MCB work? There are two types of contacts in an MCB – one fixed and the other movable. When the current flowing through the circuit increases, it causes the movable contacts to disconnect from the fixed contacts. This effectively “opens” the circuit and stops the flow of electricity from the main supply. In other words, the MCB acts as a safety measure to protect circuits from overloads and damage.

MCCB (Molded Case Circuit Breaker)

MCCBs are designed to protect your circuit from overloading. They feature two arrangements: one for overcurrent and one for over-temperature. MCCBs also have a manually operated switch for tripping the circuit, as well as bimetallic contacts that expand or contract when the MCCB’s temperature changes.

All of these elements come together to create a reliable, durable device that can help keep your circuit safe. Thanks to its design, an MCCB can be a great choice for a variety of applications.

An MCCB is a circuit breaker that helps to protect equipment from damage by disconnecting the main supply when the current exceeds a preset value. When the current increases, the contacts in the MCCB expand and warm until they open, thereby breaking the circuit. This prevents further damage by securing the equipment from the main supply.

What Makes MCCB & MCB Similar?

MCCBs and MCBs are both circuit breakers that provide an element of protection to the power circuit. They are mostly used in low voltage circuits and are designed to sense and protect the circuit from short circuits or overcurrent situations.

While they share many similarities, MCCBs are typically used for larger circuits or those with higher currents, while MCBs are more suited for smaller circuits. Both types of circuit breaker play an important role in ensuring the safety of electrical systems.

What Differentiates MCCB From MCB?

The main difference between an MCB and MCCB is their capacity. An MCB has a rating of under 100 amps with an under 18,000 amps interrupting rating, while an MCCB provides amps as low as 10 and as high as 2,500. In addition, the MCCB features an adjustable trip element for the more advanced models. As a result, the MCCB is more suitable for circuits that require a higher capacity.

Following are a few more essential differences between the two types of circuit breakers:

An MCCB is a specific type of circuit breaker that is used to control and protect electrical systems. MCBs are also circuit breakers but they differ in that they are used for household appliances and low energy requirements.

MCCBs can be used for high energy requirement regions, such as large industries.

MCBs have a fixed tripping circuit while on MCCBs, the tripping circuit is movable.

In terms of amps, MCBs have less than 100 amps while MCCBs can have as high as 2500 amps.

It is not possible to remotely turn on and off an MCB while it is possible to do so with an MCCB by using a shunt wire.

MCCBs are mainly used in situations where there is a very heavy current while MCBs can be used in any low current circuit.

So, if you need a circuit breaker for your home, you would use an MCB but if you needed one for an industrial setting, you would use an MCCB.