MCB and MCCB Full Form

MCB and MCCB Full Form

Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Jan 06, 2023 12:23 PM IST

What is the full form of MCB and MCCB?

Both MCB and MCCB are circuit breakers.MCB stands for Miniature Circuit Breaker and MCCB stands for Molded Case Circuit Breaker.

MCB: It is an automated switch that cuts off current from a low-voltage electrical circuit in case excess current enters it. Thus it protects the circuit from damages caused by overcurrent.

MCCB: It is an automated switch that cuts off current from a high-voltage electrical circuit to protect it from high temperatures and fault currents.

What is a Circuit Breaker

High voltage current passing through the circuit may damage the components of devices attached to the circuit. Also, high voltage current will increase the temperatures and melting of connecting wires thus ultimately resulting in an open circuit. A circuit breaker is a device that protects the circuit from all this.

Working Principle of MCB and MCCB

A.MCB: The components of an MCB are as follows:

  1. Bi-metallic Strip

  2. Bi-metallic Strip carrier

  3. Solenoid

  4. Din Rail Holder

  5. Fixed Contact

  6. Dynamic Contact

  7. Arc Chutes

  8. Arc Chutes Holder

  9. Latch

  10. Plunger

  11. Din Rail Holder

  12. Switch

  13. Outgoing Terminal

When the current overflow happens through MCB – Miniature Circuit Breaker, the bimetallic strip receives heat and deflects via way MCB – Miniature Circuit Breaker, the bimetallic strip receives heated and deflects via way of means of bending. The deflection of the bi-steel strip releases a latch. The latch reasons the MCB to show off by preventing the current glide within preventing the current glide withinside the circuit. This method allows for shielding the home equipment or gadgets from the risks of overload or overcurrent. To restart the current flow, MCB must be grown manually to become ON be grew to become ON manually.

In the case of short circuit conditions, the current rises all at once in an unpredictable way, main to the electromechanical displacement of the plunger related to a solenoid. The plunger hits the experience lever, which reasons the automated launch of the latch mechanism to begin beginning the circuit breaker contacts.

An MCB is a simple, effortlessly operable tool and is maintenance-free too. MCB may be effortlessly replaced. The experience unit is an important part of the MCB – Miniature Circuit Breaker on which the unit operates. The bi-steel gift withinside the MCB circuit protects in opposition to overload current, and the electromagnet withinside the circuit protects in opposition to short-circuit current.

B.MCCB: The MCCB makes use of a temperature-sensitive device (the thermal element) with a current-sensitive electromagnetic device (the magnetic element) to offer the ride mechanism for safety and isolation purposes. This allows the MCCB to offer the following:

  • Overload Protection,

  • Electrical Fault Protection in opposition to quick circuit currents, and

  • Electrical Switch for disconnection.

MCCBs are mostly used in industries and have a bit more complicated working mechanisms than MCBs.

Difference between MCBs and MCCBs

Miniature Circuit Breaker

Molded Case Circuit Breaker

  • used for low-energy necessities together with small digital circuits or domestic wiring

  • They have ratings under a hundred ampers

  • Trip characteristics are non-adjustable


  • MCCBs are utilized in high electricity requirement programs such as a high-electricity device in industries or for industrial purposes

  • Ther ratings can go as high as two thousand five hundred

  • Trip characteristics are adaptable

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the difference between a circuit breaker and a fuse?

Fuse is sacrificial that is it has to be replaced and the metal wire has to be replaced after each overload.

2. What is a short circuit?

A short circuit is a scenario wherein a defective connection or impair wire causes energy to tour alongside the incorrect path and harm an electrical device.

3. Name a few types of MCBs

Type A, Type B, Type C, Type D, Type K and Type Z

4. Which is the most commonly used MCB in homes?

Type B is the most commonly used MCB

5. List any two advantages of MCCBs
  • They have limited downtime

  • Maintenance cost is lesser

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