Why do MCBs trip frequently? How to avoid MCB tripping?

Electrical faults can potentially destroy many lives due to overloads or short circuits, and to protect from overloads & short circuit, an MCB is used. Miniature Circuit Breakers (MCBs) are electromechanical devices which are used to protect an electrical circuit from an Overload & Short Circuit. The main reasons for an overcurrent could be a short circuit, overload or even a faulty design. And here in this blog, we will be telling you the reason for MCB tripping frequently and the ways to avoid it. Here, have a look!

Advantages of MCB:

● The electrical circuit automatically switches off when an abnormal condition of the network arises

● The faulty zone of the electrical circuit can easily be identified, as the operating knob gets off position during tripping

● Quick restoration of supply is possible in case of MCB

● MCB is more electrically safer than a fuse

Characteristics:

● Rates current not more than 100A

● Trip characteristics are normally not adjustable

● Thermal and magnetic operation

Features and benefits of MCB

1. Protection against shock and fire:

First and the most important feature of MCB is that it helps in the elimination of accidental contact. It is operated and controlled without any problem.

2. Anti welding contacts:

Due to its anti-welding property, it ensures higher life and more safety.

3. Safety terminal or captive screws:

Box type terminal design provides proper termination and avoids loose connection.

Reasons why MCBs trip frequently

There are 3 reasons of MCBs tripping frequently:

1. Overloaded circuit

Circuit overloading is known to be the most common reason for circuit breaker tripping. It simply means that we’re running too many heavy power-consuming devices at the same time on the same circuit.

2. Short circuit

The next most dangerous cause is a short circuit. A short circuit happens when a wire/phase touches another wire/phase or touches a “neutral” wire in the circuit. A high current flows when these two wires touch creating heavy current flow, more than the circuit can handle.

3. Ground fault

A ground fault is almost similar to a short circuit. This case occurs when a hot wire touches the ground wire.

Essentially, we can say that the moment when the circuit breaks, it means that the current exceeds the AMPs that your system can’t handle, i.e. the system is overloaded.

Breakers are a safety device. It is designed to protect not only the equipment but the wiring and the house as well. So, when an MCB trips, there is a reason and this indicator should be taken very seriously. And when you reset the MCB, and it immediately trips again, then it is usually indicative of a direct short.

Another common cause for the breaker to trip are loose electrical connections and can easily be corrected by tightening them.

Some essential tips to avoid MCBs tripping

● We should unplug all the devices when it’s not in use

● We should be aware of how many appliances are plugged in during hot or cold weather

● Should make sure that none of your appliance cord is damaged or broken

● Avoid using the extension cable and the power strips if you have few outlets

Short circuits

Circuit breaker trips arise when either your electrical system or one of the applications you are using has a short. In some homes, it is difficult to identify where the short is. And to figure out short in an appliance, use the process of elimination. Turn the power on and plug each appliance one by one. See whether a particular appliance causes a breaker trip.

So, this is why MCB trips frequently and ways to avoid MCB tripping.