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JEE Main 2026 Preparation: Question Papers, Solutions, Mock Tests & Strategy Unacademy » JEE Study Material » Physics » MCB & MCCB

MCB & MCCB

Electrical circuit breakers (MCBs) and multi-circuit breakers (MCCBs) are critical components of electric machines that ensure their safe and efficient operation. They are found in the majority of electrical appliances, whether they are used for industrial or domestic purposes.

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MCCB is an abbreviation for Moulded Case Circuit Breaker, whereas MCB is an abbreviation for Miniature Circuit Breaker. When an excessive amount of current flows through a circuit, an automatic switch (MCB) will activate. It is possible to reclose it without the need for any manual replacement. MCBs, on the other hand, must be replaced or rewired after they have been operated, depending on the type of fuse used. Moulded case circuit breakers are excellent for interrupting fault currents in medium and low voltage distribution systems, among other applications. The moulded case circuit breaker consists of a compact design, a sturdy construction, and the ability to operate for an extended period of time.

What exactly is MCB?

Miniature Circuit Breaker (MCB) is an abbreviation for Miniature Circuit Breaker. If there is an abnormal condition in the electrical network, such as an overload or a short circuit, it automatically shuts down the electrical circuits. The fuse, on the other hand, may detect these conditions, but it will need to be replaced even if the MCB can be reset. Overcurrent protection is provided by the MCB, which is an electromechanical device that protects the electric wires and electrical load from any type of fire or electrical hazard. Handling an MCB is relatively safe, and it restores power to the system in a short period of time. When it comes to overload and short circuit protection in residential applications, the miniature circuit breaker (MCB) is the most popular choice. MCBs can be reset in a short period of time and do not require any maintenance. This type of circuit breaker operates on a bi-metal respective principle, which protects against overload current and solenoid short circuit current.

The working principle of the MCB

Because of the overflow of current that occurs through the MCB – Miniature Circuit Breaker – the bimetallic strip becomes heated and deflects, resulting in bending. A latch is released as a result of the deflection of the bimetallic strip. The latch is responsible for turning off the MCB by preventing current from flowing through the circuit. This procedure helps to protect the appliances or devices from the dangers that can occur as a result of an overload or an overcurrent. Manually turning on the MCB is required in order to restart the flow of current.

During short circuit conditions, the current rises suddenly and in an unpredictable manner, causing the electromechanical displacement of the plunger associated with a solenoid to be displaced electromechanically. When the plunger strikes the trip lever, the latch mechanism is automatically released, resulting in the circuit breaker contacts being opened, which is a good thing.

What exactly is MCCB?

Moulded Case Circuit Breaker (MCCB) is an abbreviation for Moulded Case Circuit Breaker. It is a type of electrical protection device that is used when the load current exceeds the limit of a miniature circuit breaker, which is another type of electrical protection device. The MCCB protects against overloads and short circuit faults, and it is also used to switch circuits when necessary. Even in domestic applications, it can be used for higher current ratings and fault levels due to its higher fault level. It is in industrial applications that MCCBs are used because of their wide current ratings and high breaking capacity. MCCBs can be used for a variety of applications, including the protection of capacitor banks, generator protection, and the distribution of main electric feeders. It provides adequate protection whenever discrimination, adjustable overload setting, or earth fault protection are required by an application.

The MCCB’s operating principle

When it comes to providing the overall trip mechanism that is relied on for protection and isolation, the MCCB system makes use of a temperature-sensitive device, also known as the thermal element, and a current-sensitive electromagnetic device, also known as the magnetic element. The thermal element and the magnetic element are both temperature-sensitive devices. To provide protection and isolation, the MCCB device primarily makes use of a temperature-sensitive device known as the thermal element in conjunction with a current-sensitive device known as the magnetic elements. This allows the MCCB device to provide overload protection as well as electrical fault protection from any type of short circuit situations, as well as an electrical switch for immediate disconnection.

What is the Difference Between MCB and MCCB?

The capacity of the MCB and MCCB is the most significant difference between them.

In contrast, MCCBs have adjustable trip characteristics and are used in high circuits. They can provide high amps as high as 2500 amps or as low as 10 amps depending on the requirements, and their interrupting ratings range from 10000 to 200000 amps. MCBs are used in low circuits and have a rating of less than 100 amps with an interrupting rating less than 18000 amps, and their trip characteristics cannot be adjusted.

In areas with low energy requirements, such as small electronic circuits or home wiring, MCBs are used, whereas MCCBs are used in areas with high energy requirements, such as high-power equipment used in industries or for commercial purposes (such as data centres).

MCBs are low voltage circuit breakers, whereas MCCBs are also low voltage circuit breakers in order to comply with standards.

It is not possible to change the trip characteristics of MCBs, but it is possible to change the trip characteristics of MCCBs.

Conclusion

When an excessive amount of current flows through a circuit, an automatic switch (MCB) will activate. In medium and low voltage distribution systems, medium and low voltage circuit breakers (MCCBs) are excellent for fault current interruption. Neither is a safety device, but both are used to protect electrical appliances that are used in either an industrial or a domestic setting. Overcurrent protection is provided by the MCB, which is an electromechanical device that protects the electric wires and electrical load from any type of fire or electrical hazard. Handling an MCB is relatively safe, and it restores power to the system in a short period of time. The MCCB protects against overloads and short circuit faults, and it is also used to switch circuits when necessary.

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Frequently asked questions

Get answers to the most common queries related to the IIT JEE Examination Preparation.

What does the abbreviation MCB stand for?

Ans : MCB is an abbreviation for Miniature Circuit Breaker.

What does the abbreviation MCCB stand for?

Ans : Moulded case circuit breakers (MCCB) are a type of circuit breaker.

In terms of their fundamental differences, what is the difference between MCB and MCCB?

Ans : The capacity of the MCB and MCCB is the most significant difference between them. MCCBs have ...Read full

State a similarity between MCB and MCCB?

Ans : Both are  safety devices, but both are used to protect electrical appliances that are used i...Read full

What are the advantages of using an MCB instead of a fuse?

Ans : The MCB has a higher sensitivity to current than a fuse. It automatically shuts down the elec...Read full

Ans : MCB is an abbreviation for Miniature Circuit Breaker.

Ans : Moulded case circuit breakers (MCCB) are a type of circuit breaker.

Ans : The capacity of the MCB and MCCB is the most significant difference between them. MCCBs have a capacity of up to 2500 amps, whereas MCBs have a capacity of less than 100 amps.

Ans : Both are  safety devices, but both are used to protect electrical appliances that are used in either an industrial or a domestic setting.

Ans : The MCB has a higher sensitivity to current than a fuse. It automatically shuts down the electrical circuit if it detects any abnormalities in the current flowing through it. It is relatively simple to identify the fault zone of an electrical circuit when using an MCB device.

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