MCB Full Form

MCB full form is Miniature Circuit Breaker which is an automatically operated switching mechanism that ensures protection for all electrical devices when excess electrical current flows through the circuit which can cause firebreak. It can detect the excess flow of current and immediately cuts off the circuit to prevent any sort of damage in the circuit. This is actually the updated version of the fuses that was used in the circuits. The MCB  is better than fuse in providing better safety and accessibility. Unlike the fuses it does not even need to be replaced once the circuit breaks off due to high voltage of current. Every time it can be set to start working again hence it is cost-effective and long lasting in nature. It never delays in breaking the circuit and prevents any sort of accidents or mishaps. It is thus a useful device for ensuring safety both in residential and commercial purposes.

What is MCB full form?

The full form of MCB in the English language is Miniature Circuit Breaker. It is a kind of electronic switch that functions on its own. It can detect a problem occurring inside a circuit by identifying the extreme amount of current flow within the circuit. If there is a large amount of voltage passing in the loop, it can break the loop at any moment. The fuses are often used as a substitute for the MCBs in older days. However, the MCBs are an advantageous choice, as it needs to be reset by users after it gets off and it starts working again. It is designed to protect against any faults caused by overheating in the circuit.

 Features of the MCB

The fast-acting MCBs have a wire that trips off when any fault arises in the circuit. This mechanism makes it easier to detect the underlying faults. The usage of a knob ensures a better working process. It ensures safety for human use and to the mechanism of the electric device as well. MCB is a smart choice of usage as they are reusable, less damageable which makes it a cheap and feasible product. For maintenance, a hefty amount is not spent. One of the primary functions of a miniature circuit-breaker is to save an installation or appliance against sustained overloading and short-circuit faults, but it will also give protection against earth faults.

The Working Mechanism of the MCB

A series of reactions is lined together for the MCB to be effective. The MCB has a bimetallic wire in it. This metal wire collapses during current overflow or overheating issues. This in turn, unlocks the latch that is connected to the operating mechanism. This then opens the MCB and the MCB shuts off the circuit in the process. It hardly takes a time span of 2 seconds to complete the whole process of action.

 After the process is done, manual help is required for the MCB to start functioning again. Just switch it on to reconnect it with the main power supply and allow the passage of electricity.

 Different Types of MCBs

The MCB comes in six different varieties, namely A, B, C, D, K, and Z. While Type A of MCB is mostly suited for semiconductor devices, the Type C MCB is considered as the best choice for domestic uses. 

Type B Circuit- Type B circuit breakers are designed to trip if the current flowing through it hits between three and five times the reach the recommended maximum or the ‘rated load’.

Type B is the most sensitive type of MCB, designed to be used for domestic applications and low voltage commercial settings where any current surges or fluctuations are likely to be small in scale.

Type C Circuit- Type C circuit breakers are used for more high power electrical devices where any surges or fluctuations are likely to be of higher intensity– typically used in commercial and industrial environments.

Type D Circuit- Type D MCBs are the least sensitive type in nature, only reactive when current surges to between ten and twenty times the recommended maximum load.

D-rated MCBs are suitable for heavy-duty commercial and industrial devices where high strong current surges occur very occasionally. Examples can be welding equipment, X-ray machines, large motors etc.

Advantages of the MCB

The advantages of using an MCB are much higher in numbers. Apart from saving fire breakout and saving grave mishaps, MCB should be preferred to be used whether in domestic or commercial consumption. Few of the added advantages of MCB are:

• The foremost advantage of MCB is that you don’t need to invest in them multiple times. They are reusable and are cheaper at the rate.
• Being more sensitive to current, it can detect faults as quickly as possible
• MCB makes it very clear for you to locate the exact location of the fault
• It has better usability when compared to a fuse. It simply uses a knob to re-attach itself to the current supply in times of fluctuating current
• MCB provides a better user interface.
• The working of MCB is better in case of earth leakage.
• In the case of surge current, the MCB has imbibed time delay characteristics and therefore, it works properly.
• While using MCB, the faulty zone of the electrical circuit can be easily detected.