Advantages and disadvantages of MCBs and MCCBs

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Protection of electrical circuits is very important for our home and office. The electrical distribution system in our buildings must be equipped with safety mechanisms for avoiding any threat to our lives. MCBs and MCCBs are two such devices that can ensure the total safety of our electrical devices.

MCB or miniature circuit breaker is a safety device designed to protect the circuits from short circuits and current overload. MCCB is a circuit breaker that comes in moulded cases. It stands for moulded case circuit breaker. However, there are some pros and cons of using MCBs and MCCBs. They are discussed in the following sections.

Advantages of using MCBs:

There are several advantages of MCBs. They are:

MCBs are perfect for preventing short circuits since they are more sensitive than fuses.
MCBs are effective against overloading as well.
They are the essential elements that ensure circuit protection.
They can be used as control switches for the circuits. MCBs act as automatic switches that disintegrate the circuit to prevent the surplus current flow.
The time delay characteristics of MCBs work well with current surge.
MCBs are reusable, which leads to reduced expenditure on repairs and maintenance.
They have a shorter tripping time than ordinary fuses.
MCBs are efficient enough to resort to power quickly.
MCBs are much safer to handle than ordinary fuses.
MCBs can identify the faulty areas of a circuit easily.
They are very good for detecting earthing leakage.

Disadvantages of MCBs:

Though MCBs are quite helpful in protecting electrical circuits, there is a disadvantage to using MCBs as well. MCBs are not cost-effective at all. They are much more expensive than ordinary fuses. An MCB distribution board may cost you much more than a basic and rewireable fuse board.

Advantages of using MCCBs:

There are several advantages of MCCBs. They are:

MCCBs are excellent safety devices that offer protection against overloads and short circuits.
MCCBs guarantee stellar performances with compact dimensions.
The current ratings of MCCBs are as high as 2500A, whereas the interrupting ratings can go up to 150 kA.
MCCBs have thermomagnetic trip units that can adjust current with time.
MCCBs assure total protection against current overflow during phase failures. When one of the poles has an overcurrent, MCCBs are triggered to disconnect all the poles at the same time.
MCCBs are widely popular in the market due to their versatility and convenience. They are easily available in the market today.
MCCBs are possible to be operated through remotes.
MCCBs come in the form of fixed, plug-in, and withdrawal kits, which allow easy repair and replacement of the circuit breakers whenever necessary.
The installation of MCCBs is extremely simple and cost-effective.

Disadvantages of MCCBs:

The prime drawback of MCCBs is that they are costlier than MCBs and ordinary fuses. Also, the maintenance of MCCBs is a bit tricky. It is difficult to take care of the busbar and arched chambers due to the insulated case of MCCBs.

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