Difference Between MCCB and MCB (With Table)

The differences in between MCB and MCCB are sometimes erroneous. Even though they will be both embedded system breakers, there are major differences in them that enable them to be tailor-made for specific applications.

But, before we get into the intricacies of both devices, it’s important to understand what these acronyms stand for. The operations of these two electronic items are extremely different since “MCB” stands for “Miniature Circuit Breakers” and “MCCB” stands for “Molded Case Circuit Breaker.” The difference between the two gadgets, and the applications for which they are used, are discussed in this article.

MCCB vs MCB

The main difference between MCCB and MCB is that MCCB means ‘Molded Case Circuit Breaker’ whereas MCB means ‘Miniature Circuit Breaker’. Based on their power capacity, MCBs are mostly utilized for low-energy demands such as house wiring or tiny electronic circuitry. The MCCB, on the other side, is better suited to supplying energy to high-power devices.

MCCB is an abbreviation for manufactured case circuit breaker. It is a safeguard that prevents the circuits from becoming overloaded. It is mostly employed in situations when adjustable tripping is required. MCCBs have a current rating of up to 2500 amps. It is mostly utilized in high current applications. To trip the connection, the MCCB features a mechanically actuated switch.

The MCCB has two options. One is for overheating and the other is for excessive current. It is made up of a bimetal contact that expands and contracts when the heat of the MCCB varies.

The micro fuse box or miniature circuit box (mcb) is an electromechanical device that converts off the circuit immediately when an abnormal situation arises. It detects the fault currents induced by the short circuit with ease. The small circuit operates on a fairly basic premise. Their primary role is to keep the equipment safe from overcurrent.

Comparison Table Between MCCB and MCB

Parameters of Comparison

MCCB

MCB

Full Form

MCCB is the acronym for Molded Case Circuit Breaker. It is an advanced form of MCB.

MCB is the acronym for  Miniature Circuit Breaker.

Interrupting Range

It has an interrupting range for 10 to 88kA.

It has an interrupting current rating of less than 10 to 15kA.

Resistance

An MCCB has higher resistance when compared to a MCB. 

An MCB has a lower resistance when compared to the MCCB.

Range

Upto 125 Amperes. The range can vary a bit.

Upto 1600 Amperes.

Usage

MCCB is mostly used in the industrial sector for low and high breakage capacity needs.

Based on their power capacities, MCBs are best suited for the low-breaking-capacity domestic sector.

What is MCCB?

MCCB stands for ‘Molded Case Circuit Breaker’. When it comes to operational principles, the MCCB has two: one for overheating and one for excess power. It has a sintered metal copper-nickel connection that expands and contracts when the material is heated outside the typical range.

Under normal operating conditions, the contact allows electricity to flow across the circuitry. However, if the concentrations exceed the predetermined limit, the connections will grow hot and strain until they burst. As a result, the circuit is disconnected from the electrical grid, preventing damage to the equipment and infrastructure.

An MCCB with a variable trip function is available in multiple. Based on the circumstances, this type of circuit breaker may generate as many as 2,500 amps or as little as 10. They are rated for interruptions varying from 10,000 to 200,000 amps. The MCCB is best suited for supplying power to high-power applications.

The MCCB guards against overflowing, fault conditions failures, including circuit changes. It can also be used in household uses for higher current rates and fault levels. MCCBs are employed in industrial applications that require high breakdown capacity and broad estimated average ratings.

What is MCB?

A Miniature Circuit Breaker (MCB) is a working electromechanical instrument that prevents electronic wiring from heating and causing fires. A fault current is an electrical issue caused by an overload or a short – circuit.

Previously when this issue seemed intractable, we employed fuse wire to protect against over again and overflow problems in circuits. The idea was straightforward: an overcurrent might “break” the fuse wires by quickly heating and burning them, ruining the electrical connection and safeguarding the rest of the circuits.

Its operation is straightforward. The MCB contains two interfaces, one of which is adjustable and the other permanent. Even as current exceeds the predetermined limit, the moveable contacts are removed from the fixed connections, causing the circuit to open and remove them from the main supply.

The functioning of the small circuit is pretty simple. The major purpose of these devices is to protect electronics against excessive current load. It features two interfaces, one of which would have been moved and another that cannot. When the power surpasses a particular level, the movable connections are separated from the permanent connections, causing the circuitry to release and disconnect from the power source.

Main Differences Between MCCB and MCB

  1. An MCCB costs more than an MCB.
  2. MCCB is used for bigger and bulkier systems or appliances whereas MCB is usually used at homes and small offices.
  3. MCCB stands for Molded Case Circuit Breaker whereas MCB stands for Miniature Circuit Breaker.
  4. MCCB can be remotely operated but MCB cannot be remotely operated.
  5. MCCBs have higher resistance and better feedback mechanism when compared to the MCBs.

Conclusion

To summarize, both the MCB and the MCCB must be installed by professionals to minimize the possibility of errors. Similarly, selecting the appropriate MCB or MCCB is crucial to ensure the safety of assets and electronic equipment. Both types of breakers operate on similar principles and are far more dependable than traditional fuse wire systems. When installing equipment or infrastructure, it is generally advisable to utilize a circuit breaker.

References

  1. https://uk.rs-online.com/web/generalDisplay.html?id=ideas-and-advice/mcb-guide
  2. https://www.fusesunlimited.com/products/circuitprotection