What is MCB and How Does it Work?
An MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker) is an electrical device that automatically switches off the electrical circuit to protect the wiring from damage caused by overloads or short circuits. MCBs are used in residential, commercial, and industrial electrical installations.
How It Works:
Overload Protection
- When the electrical current flowing through the circuit exceeds the rated current of the MCB, the device detects the excess flow.
- A bi-metallic strip inside the MCB heats up due to the increased current, causing it to bend and trip the breaker, cutting off the power supply to the circuit.
- This action protects the wiring from overheating and potential fire hazards.
Short Circuit Protection
- In the event of a short circuit, the current rises dramatically in an instant.
- MCBs have an electromagnetic trip mechanism that reacts to the surge in current by rapidly disconnecting the circuit.
Manual Reset
After the MCB trips, it can be manually reset to restore power once the issue (overload or short circuit) is resolved.
Benefits of MCBs:
Safety
Prevents electrical fires and damage to appliances and wiring.
Quick Response
MCBs react faster than fuses and can be reset, unlike fuses that need replacement after they blow.
Reliability
Modern MCBs are designed to be highly reliable with a long service life.
