Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Miniature Circuit Breaker (MCB) Definition, Types, Working

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In this article we discussed miniature circuit breaker also known as MCB in detail. We explained the working principle, its types, and some frequently asked questions.

What Is An MCB?

A miniature circuit breaker (MCB) is an Electrical Switch that automatically switches off the electrical circuit during an abnormal condition of the network means an overload condition as well as a faulty condition.

Nowadays we use an MCB in a low-voltage electrical network instead of a fuse. The fuse may not sense it but the miniature circuit breaker does it in a more reliable way. MCB is much more sensitive to overcurrent than a fuse.

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This is what an MCB looks like-

MCB - Miniature Circuit Breaker
Miniature Circuit Breaker

Handling an MCB is electrically safer than a fuse. Quick restoration of supply is possible in case of a fuse because fuses must be rewirable or replaced for restoring the supply. Restoration is easily possible by just switching it ON. Let’s look at the working of the miniature circuit breaker.

What is Inside Miniature Circuit Breaker?

A Miniature Circuit Breaker (MCB) typically consists of the following components:

Miniature Circuit Breaker (MCB) Inside View
MCB components
  1. Incoming Terminal
  2. Outgoing Terminal
  3. Din Rail Holder
  4. Arc Chutes Holder
  5. Arc Chutes
  6. Fixed Contact
  7. Dynamic Contact
  8. Bi-metallic Strip Carrier
  9. Bi-metallic Strip
  10. Latch
  11. Plunger
  12. Solenoid
  13. Switch

Main contacts: These are the contacts that carry the load current and are connected to the incoming and outgoing wires of the circuit.

Trip Unit: This is the core component of an MCB, which monitors the current flowing through the circuit and trips the breaker in case of an over-current or short-circuit. The trip unit consists of a bimetallic strip, a magnetic actuator, and an operating mechanism.

Terminal: These are the connections for the incoming and outgoing wires.

Housing: The housing is the protective casing that houses the MCB components and provides insulation between live parts and other electrical components.

Trip Indicator: An MCB typically has a visual indicator that shows whether the breaker is in the “on” or “off” position.

Auxiliary contacts: Some MCBs have additional contacts that can be used to switch auxiliary loads or provide signaling functions.

Trip spring: This is the spring mechanism that holds the MCB contacts in the “on” position. When the trip unit operates, the trip spring releases, allowing the contacts to separate and break the circuit.

Working Principle of MCB

MCB Working Circuit
MCB Working

Whenever continuous overcurrent flows through MCB, the bimetallic strip is heated and deflects by bending. This deflection of the bi-metallic strip releases a mechanical latch.

As this mechanical latch is attached to the operating mechanism, it causes to open the miniature circuit breaker contacts, and the MCB turns off thereby stopping the current to flow in the circuit. To restart the flow of current the MCB must be manually turned ON.

This mechanism protects from faults arising due to overcurrent or overload and short circuits.

But during short circuit conditions, the current rises suddenly, causing electromechanical displacement of the plunger associated with a tripping coil or solenoid. The plunger strikes the trip lever causing the immediate release of the latch mechanism consequently opening the circuit breaker contacts. This was a simple explanation of a miniature circuit breaker’s working principle.

An MCB is very simple, easy to use, and is not generally repaired. It is just easier to replace. The trip unit is the main part, responsible for its proper working. There are two main types of trip mechanisms.

A bi-metal provides protection against overload current and an electromagnet provides protection against electric short-circuit current.

Miniature Circuit Breaker – Operation

If the circuit is overloaded for a long time, the bi-metallic strip becomes overheated and deformed. This deformation of the Bi-metallic strip causes displacement of the latch point.

The moving contact of the MCB is arranged by means of spring pressure, with this latch point, a little displacement of the latch causes, the release of spring and makes the moving contact move for opening the MCB.

The current coil or trip coil is placed so that during a short circuit fault the magneto-motive force (mmf) of the coil causes its plunger to hit the same latch point and make the latch to be displaced.

Again, when the operating lever of the miniature circuit breaker is operated by hand, that means when MCB goes off position manually, the same latch point is displaced as a result of moving contact separated from fixed contact in the same manner.

It may be due to the deformation of a bi-metallic strip, increased mmf of a trip coil, or maybe a manual operation, the same latch point is displaced and the same deformed spring is released, which is ultimately responsible for the movement of the moving contact. When the moving contact is separated from fixed contact, there may be a high chance of arc.

This arc then goes up through the arc runner and enters arc splitters and is finally quenched. When we switch it on, we reset the displaced operating latch to its previous on position and the MCB is ready for another switch off or trip operation.

Different Types of MCBs

There are several types of Miniature Circuit Breakers (MCBs) based on different factors such as the current rating, voltage rating, and trip characteristic. Some common types of MCBs are:

  1. Thermal: This type of MCB trips based on the temperature rise caused by the current flowing through the circuit. Thermal MCBs have a bimetallic strip that bends and trips the breaker when the temperature rises above a certain threshold.
  2. Magnetic: This type of MCB trips based on the magnetic force generated by the current flowing through the circuit. Magnetic MCBs have a solenoid that pulls the trip mechanism and trips the breaker when the magnetic force exceeds a certain threshold.
  3. Hybrid: This type of MCB combines the features of both thermal and magnetic MCBs. Hybrid MCBs have a bimetallic strip and a solenoid, and they trip based on either the temperature rise or the magnetic force generated by the current.
  4. Electronic: This type of MCB uses electronic components to monitor the current and trip the breaker. Electronic MCBs are more sensitive and provide faster and more accurate tripping compared to traditional thermal and magnetic MCBs.
  5. Differential: This type of MCB is used in DC circuits and protects against earth faults and short circuits. Differential MCBs monitor the current flowing in the live and neutral wires and trip the breaker when the difference exceeds a certain threshold.
  6. Residual Current Circuit Breaker (RCCB): This type of MCB is used to protect against electric shock and fire caused by earth faults. RCCBs monitor the current flowing in the live and neutral wires and trip the breaker when the difference exceeds a certain threshold.
  7. Isolation: This type of MCB is used as a switch to isolate a circuit. Isolation MCBs do not have a trip mechanism and are used to switch the circuit off for maintenance or testing purposes.

Different types of MCBs used in Electrical Protection Systems

In the context of Miniature Circuit Breakers (MCBs), the terms Type A, Type B, Type C, Type D, Type E, and Type F refer to different levels of protection provided by the device.

  1. Type A: Type A MCBs are designed to provide protection against over-current. They are suitable for use in circuits where the maximum expected current is known and relatively constant, such as lighting circuits.
  2. Type B: Type B MCBs are designed to provide protection against over-current and short circuits. They are suitable for use in circuits where the load is variable, such as in motor circuits.
  3. Type C: Type C MCBs are designed to provide protection against both over-current and earth fault currents. They are suitable for use in circuits where there is a high risk of earth fault currents, such as in circuits powered by direct current (DC) or in circuits that include sensitive electronic equipment.
  4. Type D: Type D MCBs are designed to provide protection against over-current and earth fault currents, with a higher tripping threshold than Type C MCBs. They are suitable for use in circuits where there is a high risk of earth fault currents, but where the fault current is expected to be higher than what can be protected by Type C MCBs.
  5. Type G: Type G MCBs are designed to provide protection against over-current and earth fault currents in residual current devices (RCDs) used in electrical systems.
  6. Type H: Type H MCBs are designed to provide protection against over-current and earth fault currents in electrical systems that are powered by direct current (DC).
  7. Type K: Type K MCBs are designed to provide protection against over-current and short circuits in electrical systems with high fault levels.

You can check the below video to understand more about MCB.

Video Courtesy: chrvoje engineering

FAQs

1. What is a Miniature Circuit Breaker (MCB)?

A Miniature Circuit Breaker (MCB) is a type of electrical protection device used to automatically switch off an electrical circuit in case of an over-current, over-voltage, or short circuit.

2. How does an MCB work?

An MCB works by detecting the current flowing through an electrical circuit. If the current exceeds the maximum level set for the MCB, it will automatically trip and interrupt the circuit.

3. What is the difference between an MCB and a fuse?

An MCB and a fuse both provide protection for an electrical circuit, but they work differently. A fuse is a one-time-use device that melts and disconnects the circuit if the current becomes too high, while an MCB can be reset after it trips and continues to provide protection.

4. What types of MCBs are available?

There are several types of MCBs available, including thermal magnetic MCBs, electronic MCBs, and adjustable trip MCBs.

5. How do I select the right MCB for my application?

The right MCB for a specific application depends on factors such as the current rating of the circuit, the type of load being powered, and the type of protection required. It is important to consult with a qualified electrician or engineer to determine the appropriate MCB for a specific application.

6. What is the standard current rating for MCBs?

The standard current rating for MCBs varies, but common ratings include 1A, 2A, 5A, 10A, 16A, 20A, 25A, 32A, 40A, 50A, and 63A.

7. What is the difference between a type B and type C MCB?

Type B MCBs are designed to provide protection against over-current, while type C MCBs are designed to provide protection against both over-current and short circuits.

8. What is the lifespan of an MCB?

The lifespan of an MCB depends on several factors, including the frequency and severity of trips, environmental conditions, and the quality of the device. Generally, MCBs have a lifespan of several decades with proper maintenance and usage.

9. Can I replace an MCB myself?

While it is technically possible to replace an MCB yourself, it is generally recommended that only a qualified electrician perform this task. This is because improper installation of an MCB can lead to unsafe conditions and void the manufacturer’s warranty.

10. How can I test an MCB to see if it is working correctly?

Testing an MCB is typically done using a voltage tester or multimeter. The device can be tested by measuring the voltage across the breaker when it is in the “on” position, and then again when it is in the “off” position after tripping the breaker. If the voltage is present in the “off” position, the breaker may need to be replaced.

More basic tutorials are available at the learning corner.


This article was first published on 2 June 2018 and was recently updated on February 2023.

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