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Difference between MCB and MCCB
A circuit breaker is a device which makes or breaks the circuit for normal switching and in case of any fault in the circuit. Based on the application, a number of circuit breakers are designed such as MCB, RCCB, MCCB, ELCB, ACB, OCB, etc.
In this article, we will discuss the major differences between MCB and MCCB by considering various parameters such as basic definition, tripping circuit, poles, rating, applications, etc. We also added a short description of MCB and MCCB for your reference.
What is an MCB?
MCB stands for Miniature Circuit Breaker. It is an electromechanical switch which can turn a circuit ON and OFF. Whenever, there is a fault in the circuit, it automatically operates to turn OFF the circuit. Generally, MCB provides short-circuit protection to a circuit. It senses the overcurrent in the circuit caused by short-circuit and trips the circuit.
An MCB consists of two contacts, one is moving contact and the other is a fixed contact. When the circuit current becomes abnormally high, the movable contact separated from the fixed contact to make the circuit open and disconnect it from the supply mains. Therefore, the primary function of an MCB is to provide protection to a circuit against overcurrent. The MCBs are commonly used in lighting circuits to provide overcurrent and short-circuit protection. The MCBs come in various poles like single-pole, double-pole, 3-poles.
What is an MCCB?
MCCB stands for Molded Case Circuit Breaker. MCCBs are the protecting devices having trip circuit thermal or thermomagnetic or electronic type. The MCCBs provide protection against overcurrent due to short circuit, earth fault, under voltage, etc.
The common applications of molded case circuit breakers are protecting the loads over 100 A and motor protection circuits. The MCCBs come in single-pole, double-pole, triple-pole, four-pole versions.
Difference between MCB and MCCB
Both MCB and MCCB are the most extensively used circuit breakers in several applications. However, there are many differences between MCB and MCCB that the following table highlights-
| Basis of Difference | MCB | MCCB |
|---|---|---|
| Full Form | MCB stands for Miniature Circuit Breaker. | MCCB stands for Molded Case Circuit Breaker. |
| Description | An MCB is an automatic electrical switch designed to prevent damage to an electric circuit due to excessive current. | An MCCB is also an electrical protection device which is used to protect the high current circuit. |
| Current rating | The current rating of an MCB ranges from 6 A to 125 A. | MCCBs usually have high current ratings ranges from 16 A to 1600 A. |
| Short circuit current rating | The usual short-circuit current ratings of MCBs are 4.5 kA, 6 kA, 10 kA, 15 kA. | MCCBs have short-circuit current ratings up to 100 kA. |
| Short circuit time | For an MCB, the short circuit time is about 3 ms. | The short circuit time for an MCCB is about 9 ms. |
| Interrupting current rating | MCBs have interrupting current rating up to 1800 A. | MCCBs have relatively high interrupting current rating, ranging from about 10 kA to 200 kA. |
| Trip characteristics | The trip characteristics of an MCB is normally non-adjustable. | An MCCB may have fixed or adjustable trip characteristics. |
| Trip circuit | An MCB has a fixed tripping circuit. | An MCCB has a movable tripping circuit. |
| Remote operation | It is not possible to operate an MCB remotely. It needs to be turned ON and OFF on site. | The remote operation of an MCCB is possible. |
| Number of poles | An MCB usually has single-pole, double-pole or triple-poles. | An MCCB can have up to 4 poles. |
| Applications | MCBs are commonly used for lower electrical loads and smaller appliances such as lighting circuits. | MCCBs are best suited for industrial purposes such as to protect heavy duty appliances and machinery. |
Conclusion
Both MCB and MCCB are the great circuit breakers for protecting the electrical appliances under abnormal conditions. However, there are many differences between MCB and MCCB that are listed in the above table. The most significant difference is that an MCB is used for low-current circuits, while an MCCB is used for high-current circuits.
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