1. Model Number: All reputed manufacturer has a particular code of each device type.

It will be very easy to

communicate with seller or manufacturer, if you quote the model no., in case of any service complaint.
2. MCB Current and Curve Rating: As shown in example, it is mentioned C20 (and in the below image, it is B25). First
letter is showing the characteristics curve. There are three characteristics curves (In common use) available- B C &
D. B curve indicates that short circuit rating of device is in range of 3-5 times of standard rated current (Which
means, TIME for Trip initiation i.e. the less rating of the time will be Fast acting, like for protecting sensitive
Electronics devices and equipment). C curve indicates it to be 5-10 times and D curve indicates it to be 10-20
times. Be very careful while selecting this. On a resistive load (say heater, normal lighting load) it will B Curve, for
inductive load (Like pump, Motors etc.) it will be C curve and for highly inductive or capacitive load it will be D
curve. The numeral part indicates rating of MCB in Ampere. In the given example it is 20A. MCB rating is very
important and be very precise about it.
3. Operating Voltage: It is in Volts and is the operational voltage for which current rating is said. In three phase it is
usually 400V or 415 V. For single phase it is 230V or 240V. Choose as per your application only.
4. MCB Breaking Capacity: Breaking capacity can be defined as the maximum level of fault current which can be
safely cleared. It is written as in numerals like in in example it is 10000. It means it 10000A = 10kA. Choose breaking
capacity as per your fault level possible. Since it is the parameter which may increase or decrease the cost, so it
should be properly decided. Breaking capacity should be higher than the possible fault level. For domestic
application where fault level cannot be calculated easily, it advisable that go for a standard breaking capacity of
10kA which is easily available. Please note that this rating is mentioned as per testing made on basis of IS 60898. If
it is for IEC60947-2 then it need to be mentioned separately.
5. Energy Class: MCB normally work on current limiting feature. It means that it does not allow fault to get its peak
and trip before that. But since there is some time consumed in tripping, fault current will create some energy which
will exist in system. This energy is termed as let through energy. For efficient MCB operation it should be limited.
On basis of amount of energy it is classified in class 1, class 2 and class 3. Here Class 3 is best which allows maximum
1.5L joule/second.
6. Status Indicator: It shows the ON-Off Indication while in operation. Never buy an MCB which don’t have clear status
indicator because serious damage may be occurred with ON-OFF confusion of the device.
7. Operation Symbol: This is always printed by any good manufacturer. This shows operation mechanism of MCB.
8. Additional Relevant Information: Information like Impulse voltage, ISI marking etc. are usually printed on side of
MCB. However there are many parameters on which quality of MCB should be judged but aim of this blog is to make
you aware of printed information on MCB.
9. Catalog No: Most of the MCB manufactures put the catalog number of the MCB products. This code provide the
overall information on the manufacture website such as MCB specification and Datasheet etc.