Topic:Molded Case Circuit Breaker

(MCCB)

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/molded-case-circuit-breaker-mccb-basic-knowledge-lily-chan
http://www.dfliq.net/molded-case-circuit-breaker-mccb-practical-guide/
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 What is MCCB?
MCCB (Molded Case Circuit Breakers)
 MCCBs are a type of electrical protection device that is
commonly used when load currents exceed the capabilities
of miniature circuit breakers (MCBs).
 They are also used in applications of any current rating that
require adjustable trip settings, which are not available in plug-in
circuit breakers and MCBs.
 MCCBs can be used for a wide range of voltages, and frequencies
of both 50 Hz and 60 Hz.

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 What is MCCB?
 The main distinctions between an MCCB and MCB are that the
MCCBs can have current ratings of up to 2,500 A, and its trip
settings are normally adjustable.
 The wide range of current ratings available from MCCBs allows
them to be used in a wide variety of applications. MCCBs are
available with current ratings that range from low values such as 15
amperes, to industrial ratings such as 2,500 A. This allows them to be
used in both low-power and high-power applications.
 An additional difference is that MCCBs tend to be much larger than
MCBs. Due to their size they can’t be installed in a traditional fuse
box.
 Molded case circuit breakers are typically
installed in individual metallic boxes or in
industrial switchboards which have larger slots
to accommodate them.
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 What is MCCB?
 As with most types of circuit breakers, an MCCB
has three main functions:
 Protection against overload – currents above the
rated value that last longer than what is normal for
the application.
 Protection against electrical faults – During a
fault such as a short circuit or line fault, there are
extremely high currents that must be interrupted
immediately.
 Switching a circuit on and off – This is a less
common function of circuit breakers, but they can
be used for that purpose if there isn’t an adequate
manual switch.

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 MCCB Operating Mechanism
 At its core, the protection mechanism employed by MCCBs is based on
the same physical principles used by all types of thermal-magnetic circuit
breakers.
 Overload protection is accomplished by means of a thermal mechanism.
MCCBs have a bimetallic contact what expands and contracts in response
to changes in temperature. Under normal operating conditions, the contact
allows electric current through the MCCB. However, as soon as the
current exceeds the adjusted trip value, the contact will start to heat and
expand until the circuit is interrupted. The thermal protection against
overload is designed with a time delay to allow short duration overcurrent,
which is a normal part of operation for many devices. However, any
overcurrent conditions that last more than what is normally expected
represent an overload, and the MCCB is tripped to protect the equipment
and personnel.
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 MCCB Operating Mechanism
 On the other hand, fault protection is accomplished with electromagnetic
induction, and the response is instant. Fault currents should be interrupted
immediately, no matter if their duration is short or long. Whenever a fault
occurs, the extremely high current induces a magnetic field in a solenoid
coil located inside the breaker – this magnetic induction trips a contact and
current is interrupted. As a complement to the magnetic protection
mechanism, MCCBs have internal arc dissipation measures to facilitate
interruption.
 As with all types of circuit breakers, the MCCB includes a disconnection
switch which is used to trip the breaker manually. It is used whenever the
electric supply must be disconnected to carry out field work such as
maintenance or equipment upgrades.

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 Types of MCCB by Application
 The following are some typical uses of an MCCB:
 Main electric feeder protection
 Capacitor bank protection
 Generator protection
 Welding applications – Some welding machines may draw very
high currents that exceed the capabilities of miniature circuit
breakers, requiring the use of an MCCB.
 Low current applications that require adjustable trip
settings – MCCBs are not only for high current applications. There
are models rated below 100 amperes for when low current equipment
requires the adjustable trip settings provided by MCCBs.
 Motor protection – The reliable protection capabilities of MCCBs
make them an adequate choice for motor protection. An MCCB can
be adjusted to provide overload protection without tripping during
the inrush current of an electric motor.
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 Low Voltage Switchgear or LV Switchgear
 Generally electrical switchgear rated up to 1kV is termed as low
voltage switchgear.
 The most common use of LV switchgear is in LV distribution board.
 The term LV Switchgear includes:
 LV circuit breakers,
 Switches,
 Off load electrical isolators,
 HRC fuses,
 Earth leakage circuit breaker,
 Miniature circuit breakers (MCB) and
 Molded case circuit breakers (MCCB).

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 Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker (ELCB)
 An earth leakage circuit breaker (ELCB) is a safety device used in
electrical installations with high earth impedance to prevent shock.
 It detects small stray voltages on the metal enclosures of electrical
equipment, and interrupts the circuit if a dangerous voltage is
detected.
 Once widely used, more recent installations instead use residual
current circuit breakers which instead detect leakage current directly).

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 Residual Current Circuit Breaker (RCCB)
 A residual-current circuit breaker (RCCB), is a device that
instantly breaks an electric circuit to prevent serious harm from an
ongoing electric shock.
 RCCB is particularly useful in situations where there is a sudden
earth fault occurring in the circuit.
 Its trip when sense earth fault current.
 Check the phase (line) current and neutral (return) current.
 Trip if fault remain up to 30 mSec.
 Its extremely effective in shock protection.
 30mA and 100mA tripping are widely used.

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