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Difference Between MCB & MCCB: Circuit Breaker

The document compares Miniature Circuit Breakers (MCBs) and Moulded Case Circuit Breakers (MCCBs). MCBs are used for low current circuits up to 1800 amps, while MCCBs are used for higher current circuits between 10k-200k amps. Other key differences include that MCBs have fixed tripping circuits, support single to three poles, and are not remotely operable, while MCCBs have movable tripping circuits, support single to four poles, and can be remotely operated. Both devices protect electrical equipment from overcurrent, but MCCBs also protect against overtemperature. MCBs are primarily used for domestic applications, while MCCBs are used for commercial and industrial equipment requiring adjustable

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39 views

Difference Between MCB & MCCB: Circuit Breaker

The document compares Miniature Circuit Breakers (MCBs) and Moulded Case Circuit Breakers (MCCBs). MCBs are used for low current circuits up to 1800 amps, while MCCBs are used for higher current circuits between 10k-200k amps. Other key differences include that MCBs have fixed tripping circuits, support single to three poles, and are not remotely operable, while MCCBs have movable tripping circuits, support single to four poles, and can be remotely operated. Both devices protect electrical equipment from overcurrent, but MCCBs also protect against overtemperature. MCBs are primarily used for domestic applications, while MCCBs are used for commercial and industrial equipment requiring adjustable

Uploaded by

ajay
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Difference Between MCB & MCCB

One of the major difference between the MCB (Miniature circuit breaker) and MCCB (Moulded case circuit
breaker) is that the interrupt rating of the MCB is up to 1800 amps whereas the interrupt rating of the MCCB
is between 10k – 200k amps. The other differences between them are explained below in details.
Comparison Chart
Basis for
MCB MCCB
Comparison

Definition Type of switch which protects the Protects the equipment from over
system from overloaded current. temperature and fault current.

Abbreviation Miniature Circuit Breaker Moulded case circuit breaker.

Tripping circuit Fixed Movable

Pole Available in single, two and three Available in single, two, three and
versions. four versions.

Interrupting 1800 A 10k -200k


Rating

Remote on / off Not Possible Possible

Rating Current 100 amps 10 - 200 amps

Applications In lightning circuit and for low loads. In heavy current circuit

Uses For domestic purpose. For commercial and industrial use.

Miniature Circuit Breaker (MCB)


The miniature circuit breaker is an electromechanical device which, automatically, switch off the circuit
whenever the abnormal condition occurs. It easily
senses the overcurrent caused by the short circuit.

The working principle of the miniature circuit is


very simple. Their main function is to protect the
equipment from overcurrent. It has two contacts
one is movable, and the other one is fixed. When
the current increases from the predefined limit,
their movable contacts are disconnected from the
fixed contacts which make the circuit open and
disconnects them from the main supply.
Moulded Case Circuit Breaker (MCCB)
The MCCB stands for moulded case circuit
breaker. It is a protecting device which protects the
circuit from overloading. It is mainly used in a
place where adjustable tripping requires. The
current rating of MCCB is up to 2500 amps. It is
mainly used for high current applications. The
MCCB has a manually operated switch for tripping
the circuit.
The  MCCB has two arrangements. One for the over temperature and the other for the over current. It
consists bimetallic contact which expands and contracts when the temperature of the MCCB changes.
During the normal operating conditions, the contact allows the current to flow through the circuit. But as the
current rises beyond the predefined value, then their contacts will warm and expand until the contacts are
open. Thus, disconnected the circuit from the main supply and protects the equipment from damage.

Key Differences Between MCB and MCCB


1. The MCB is a type of switch which protects the system from overloaded current whereas the
MCCB protects the system from over temperature and short circuit current.
2. The MCB stands for Miniature circuit breaker whereas the MCCB stands for moulded case
circuit breaker.
3. The tripping circuit of the MCB is fixed whereas in MCCB it is movable.
 Note: The tripping circuit turn on and off the flow of electrical current. When over
current flows through the MCB and MCCB it shuts off the switch and hence protects
the equipment from damage.
4. The MCB has single, two, or three pole version, whereas the MCCB has single, two three or
four pole version.
 Note: Pole in MCB is the number of phases uses by the circuit breaker for the
switching and protection.
5. The interrupting current of the MCB is the 1800amps, and for MCCB it is 10k -200 k.
 Note: The interrupting current is the maximum current that the circuit breaker can
interrupt without being disrupted.
6. The remote on / off is not possible in MCB whereas it is possible in MCCB by the use of shunt
wire.
7. The rating current of MCB is 100 amps whereas the rating current of MCCB is 10 – 200 amps.
 Note: The rated current is the maximum current that the circuit breaker should draw.
8. The MCB is mainly used in low current circuit whereas MCCB is used for the heavy current
circuit.
9. The MCCB is used for the domestic purpose, and MCCB is used in large industries.
The MCB and MCCB both are the thermomagnetic devices and are classified under low voltages breaker..

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