Difference between MCB and MCCB

PhysicsCircuits

Introduction

During the time of using any kind of electrical device, the first thing that matters is safety. Mcb and Mccb are used for fulfilling this purpose. There are definite differences between the use and features of MCB and MCCB, making their application very specific in the electrical field. In today's time, MCB is used more often than fuse, in the electrical network where the voltage is low. On the other hand, the use of MCCB is getting higher day by day, because it has its advantages as a backup protective device. The structure and working process make those two differ from each other.

What is MCB?

MCB is the abbreviated form of Miniature circuit breaker. It is a device or switch that is used in electrical appliances or devices or gadgets and it confirms the safety measures and provides protection from any kind of electrical hazards (Husin et al. 2022). It can be controlled automatically and when there is an excessed current from a short circuit or overload, it can protect the electrical circuit from any kind of damage. In short, MCB is a switch that works automatically when there is an excess flow of current through the circuits.

Uses of MCB

Figure 1: Structure of MCB

MCB or the Miniature circuit breaker are switches that work automatically and are turned off if there is a short circuit or overload in the circuits. Once the problem in the circuit is solved, it can be turned back on again. During that time, the current starts flowing normally. As it is seen that MCB has a higher sensitivity level than fuse its use of it is getting high every passing day. It can be handled very safely and securely and the advantage is it restores the supply very quickly.

What is MCCB?

MCCB is the abbreviated form of molded case circuit breaker. It gains too much popularity in the field of electrical devices for its protection level. Mccb is an automatic electrical device that can give protection to electrical devices from different kind of current flowrelated problem. This includes overload or short circuit related issues. MCCB is typically an advanced version of the miniature circuit breaker or MCB. The reason behind the popularity of MCCB is its main advantage, which is it can be modified by the requirement and new features can be added.

Uses of MCCB

Figure 2: The structure of MCCB

The main purpose of using an MCCB is it can provide advanced-level protections and can be used when the limit of load current exceeds in an MCB. In short, it can protect from any overload or short circuit. It can be used to switch circuits. It is built in a way, that it can handle any high current and can be used in heavy-duty applications. The use of MCCB is found in protecting capacitor bank, protecting the motors or generator and in wielding machines.

Difference between MCB AND MCCB

Figure 3: Difference between MCB AND MCCB

From the structure to their uses, MCB and MCCB differ from each other in many ways (electrical4u, 2022). However, the main points that create the difference are capacity, tripping circuits, features, and applications.

MCB	MCCB
MCB is a device or switch that can be used for safety and can prevent any kind of electrical hazards.	MCCB is a device that is used for electrical protection, and can be used if there is any exceed in the limit of MCB. It is an advanced version of MCB.
Miniature Circuit Breaker	Molded Case Circuit Breaker
MCB may not be adjusted because it is provided to low circuits	MCCB is adjustable and that is why it is used for the higher models.
MCB is rated under 100 amp and it does not have the adjustable trip as a feature. In short, its tripping circuit is fixed.	MCCB is rated from 10-2500 amps and it comes with the adjustable trip feature. In short, its tripping circuit is adjustable or movable.
In the terms of the pole, it is available in single, 2, 3, and 4 versions.	In the terms of the pole, it is too available in single, 2, 3, and 4 versions.
Its rating current is 100 amps.	Its rating current is 10-200 amps.
The interrupting rating of MCB is 1800 amps.	The interrupting rating of MCCB is 10k- 200k amps.
Use of remote is not possible	Remote can be used.
It is used in the low circuits.	It is used only for heavy current circuits
MCB is used for fulfilling the domestic purpose. It is preferred for light works.	MCCB can be used for both domestic and industrial purposes. It is preferred for heavy-duty requirements.

Table 1: Difference between MCB AND MCCB

Conclusion

For fulfilling, any kind of work in an electrical network that is related to low voltage MCB is used. There are many advantages of MCB, and nowadays that is why it is used instead of fuse. On the other hand, MCCBs are used for carrying, making or breaking circuits and that is why it is considered the safest backup device. It is compact and a technically advanced version of the MCB. It has abilities with what it can clear several faults.

FAQs

Q1. Who invented the MCB or Miniature Circuit Breaker?

Ans. The MCB or Miniature Circuit breaker was invented in the year 1891, by a company named Stotz-Kontakt, which was established in Germany.

Q2. What is the use of MCCB?

Ans. Because of the capacity of MCCB, it can be used for both domestic and industrial purposes and especially used for heavy-duty electrical appliances.

Q3. What is the MCB?

Ans. MCB is a device or switch that is used for safety measures and to protect from any kind of electrical appliances. It is an abbreviated form of Miniature Circuit Breaker.