In electrical system MCB, MCCB, RCCB and ACB all plays a very vital roles so its very necessary to go through the difference Between MCB, MCCB, RCCB and ACB so that the proper use case of these all can be determined. as all have a common term CB – which stand for circuit breaker which is used to make or break a circuit. These circuit breakers are very important for our power system to protect the system from any abnormalities in running system.
These different types of circuit breakers are used for the different type of application. and wrong selection of this can also may le to a safety hazard, so it is necessary to choose wisely.
Table of Contents
What is MCB
MCB stands for Miniature Circuit Breaker, its is also known as protecting circuit breaker which can protect the circuit from the short circuit and Overload Protection. Generally this type of circuit breaker is used in Domestic Application and Light Commercial uses where low Amps operation is there.
Key features of MCB
- Current ranges from 4 to 125 Amps.
- Fast Tripping
- Overloading Protection
- Short Circuit Protection.
Application of MCB
- Domestic application in Houses
- Light Commercial uses
- Lighting Circuit
- For Switching of Motors/Pumps (must use according to KW and Amps – Calculate Here)
What is MCCB
MCCB stand for Molded Case Circuit Breaker widely used across the globe, it is used for high current rating, and its also have adjustable tripping setting. This is a stronger protection switch compare to MCB. Generally this types of circuit breaker is most often used in Main Switch in Domestic application and widely used in industrial load.
Key features of MCCB
- Current ranges from 16Amps to 3200 Amps.
- Fast Tripping
- Provides automatic disconnection
- Short Circuit Protection.4
- Overload Protection
- Adjustable Overload Trip Setting.
Application of MCCB
- Industrial application
- Suitable for high-current applications
- Used in residential (main panel)
- For Switching of Motors/Pumps of Higher Potential (must use according to KW and Amps – Calculate Here)
What is RCCB
Generally RCCB stand for Residual Current Circuit Breaker, it is generally used for the protection and electrical safety which detect the earth leakage and fault. It works on a simple principle of sensing the imbalance in the circuit and provide tripping. Protecting people from electrical shocks, common sensitivity ranges from 30mA, 100mA and 300mA.
Key features of RCCB
- Protection from Socks
- Fast Tripping for efficient protection
- It also Provides automatic disconnection
- Different Sensitivity range
- Test button for checking healthiness
- Available in different Poles.
Application of MCB
- Industrial application for Making Safer working environment.
- Useful in house to get safety from electrical socks.
- For Lighting circuits in Industries.
What is ACB
Full form of ACB is Air Circuit Breaker, widely used in industries for heavy load switching, it have the capacity to quench the arcing during the making and breaking the higher current circuit. It consists of a moving and fixed contact driven by a mechanical arrangement with spring tension phenomenon is used to make it operable and safe. Its a industrial grade circuit breaker vast used in IMCC and PCC at sub stations.
Key features of ACB
- Higher current application
- Fast circuit closing and tripping.
- It also Provides automatic disconnection
- Arc quenching medium
- Adjustable using the adjusting knobs
- Can handle 800 Amps to 10000 Amps.
Application of ACB
- Used in industries for MCC Feeder
- Useful in substations for power management.
- Used for Main Switch of Large office building or Hotel.
Difference Between MCB, MCCB, RCCB and ACB
| Parameter | MCB | MCCB | RCCB | ACB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full Form | Miniature Circuit Breaker | Molded Case Circuit Breaker | Residual Current Circuit Breaker | Air Circuit Breaker |
| Protection Type | Overload & Short Circuit | Overload & Short Circuit | Earth Leakage | Overload & Short Circuit |
| Current Rating | Up to 125 A | Up to 2500 A | Depends on rating | Up to 6300 A |
| Breaking Capacity | Low | High | Not Applicable | Very High |
| Adjustable Trip | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Primary Application | Residential & Light Commercial | Industrial & Heavy Loads | Human Safety | Main Incomer Panels |
| Typical Installation | Distribution Boards | Industrial Panels | With MCB/MCCB | LT Panels |
Correct circuit breaker selection depends on accurate load calculation. – Electrical Load Calculator | 900 Amp to kW to kVA
When to Use Which Circuit Breaker
- MCB for the Final Circuit at homes – In real world can be used before the switchboard at our houses.
- For the main incomer of the Offices or the Houses MCCB can be used.
- RCCB used for the human protection at industry or household also.
- ACB will be for the main incomer at LT panel at Sub Station / Switch Gear Room.
Common Mistakes While Selecting Circuit Breakers
Examples:
- Using RCCB alone without MCB the tripping will not be done perfectly
- Using MCB for motor loads can be dangerous.
- Wrong breaking capacity without calculation of proper loading capacity
- Ignoring earth leakage protection.
Conclusion of Difference Between MCB, MCCB, RCCB and ACB
In this article of Difference Between MCB, MCCB, RCCB and ACB is written by an Experienced Electrical Person from his best of the knowledge for practical implementation do check the manufacturer guidelines this post is meant for educational purpose only.
FAQs
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What is the full form of MCB, MCCB, RCCB, and ACB?
MCB: Miniature Circuit Breaker
MCCB: Molded Case Circuit Breaker
RCCB: Residual Current Circuit Breaker
ACB: Air Circuit Breaker -
What is the main difference between an MCB and an MCCB?
The main difference between MCB and MCCB is with there current carrying capacity, MCCB can be used in most higher Load.
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Why do we need an RCCB if we already have an MCB?
We need RCCB because of it safety feature it will safe guard you from the electric shocks and MCB only protect from Overload and Short Circuit while RCCB have all the MCB’s feature along with safety feature.
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Where is an Air Circuit Breaker (ACB) typically used?
ACB is used in Heavy Industries and Big Hotels for carrying High Loading.
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How do I choose which circuit breaker to use?
First you need to calculate the loading in the Circuit then only we can choose.
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