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MCCB Full Form

MCCB Full Form

Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Jan 04, 2023 03:04 PM IST

What is the full form of MCCB?

Molded Case Circuit Breaker is known by the abbreviation MCCB. The MCCB is a safeguard that prevents the overloading of the circuit. Additionally, it features a manually turned switch to trip the circuit. The apparatus has two arrangements: one for overcurrent and the other for over-temperature. In addition, the bimetallic contact found in the MCCB undergoes contraction and expansion due to variations in the device's temperature. During regular operation, the contacts allow current to flow through the circuit. But as the current rises above the fixed level, their contacts warm up and enlarge until they open. As a result, the circuit cuts off the main supply and protects the device from harm.

Principle of operation of MCCB

  • Thermal overload: MCCB protects against thermal overload using temperature-sensitive equipment. When warmth builds up between the conductor and insulator, this condition develops. Insulations that are not checked can cause short circuits. A bimetallic part of the MCCB begins to heat up and bend away because of the excessive heat. The circuit flow was terminated when the bending condition pushed the trip bar.

  • Short circuit: MCCBs have a solenoid coil that operates on the principles of electromagnetism in short circuits. When there was a short circuit, a lot of current started to flow through the solenoid, creating a powerful electromagnetic field that attracted the trip bar and opened the current contract.

  • Earth fault protection: The internal arc dissipation procedures of the MCCB help in the emergency disconnecting of switches. It can be applied to an electrical switch, where the MCCB arc can be manually pulled to cut off the current flow.

Qualities of MCCB

  • Protect against overstimulation

  • Protection against electrical problems

  • Circuit activation and deactivation

MCCBs are widely used in Photovoltaic (PV) systems in place of MCBs (miniature circuit breakers) since they can be manually or automatically disconnected. To protect them from chemicals, rain, dust, and other factors, MCCBs are maintained in a molded box.

Large currents from these devices occasionally require proper maintenance, which can be carried out by frequently washing, lubricating, and testing.

Advantages of MCCB

  • The MCCB contains a feature that protects against electrical device failure.

  • The size of this device is small, thus saving much space in the panel design.

  • MCCB can fix several issues before needing to be replaced.

  • Single phasing due to a fault in just one phase is not an option when MCCBs are required.

  • MCCB trips down during faults but takes less time to reset and turn on.

  • MCCBs are employed as overcurrent, earth fault, and under-voltage protection for electrical feeders.

Disadvantages of MCCB

  • For domestic, specialized, and small-scale industrial purposes, MCCB has a restricted application.

  • Molded Case Circuit Breakers cannot be utilized in high-voltage industrial settings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the difference between MCCB and MCB?

MCCB

MCB

Molded Case Circuit Breaker(MCCB)

Miniature Circuit Breaker(MCB)

MCCBs are utilized in applications with significant energy requirements, such as high-power machinery in industries or for commercial purposes.

These are employed in low-energy applications such as small electrical circuits and household wiring.

MCCBs can handle up to 2500 amps.

MCBs are rated for less than 100 amps.


2. Give a note on the short circuit.

A short circuit occurs when the circuit's current significantly increases when an electrical connection absorbs too much power from the source. During this time, the current's strength is extremely high. It happens when live and neutral wires come into contact.

3. Describe the electrical fuse.

An electrical fuse protects against current overflow in an electrical circuit. It is a type of safety device.

4. What are the MCCB and RCCB?

Molded Case Circuit Breaker is sometimes known as an MCCB,  and an RCCB  is named Residual Current Circuit Breaker. MCCBs are utilized as overload and short-circuit protection. RCCB, however, is employed to prevent earth leakage fault currents.

5. Enlist some applications for MCCB.

MCCBs are frequently employed in heavy-duty applications because they can manage high currents, such as variable trip settings for low current applications, guarding motors, protecting capacitor banks, protecting welding machines, protecting generators, and protecting electric feeders.

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