Top benefits of MCBs over the Fuse
In today's day and age, miniature circuit breakers have become a norm for every new home installation. And although it seems inconceivable that someone might still be using a fuse box in their home, there are literally millions of households in India where the electrical setup relies on fuses.
In today's post, we have a look at the benefits offered by Miniature Circuit Breakers that make them better than the Fuse.
Understanding the difference between MCB and Fuse
A Miniature Circuit Breaker is an electrical switch that disconnects power automatically when there is current overload or a short circuit. On the other hand, a fuse is an electrical safety device that breaks the connection when there is current overload.
Now the key difference here lies in the words "disconnects" and "break". Where the MCB will simply flip the switch to disconnect the power from the source, a fuse literally breaks the wire by melting it in overload situations.
Advantages of MCBs over Fuses
While both of these devices can be categorized as electrical protection devices, miniature circuit breakers represent the newer and better technology of the two. There are several advantages that miniature circuit breakers offer over the fuses.
Safer design
Fuses have a tendency to overheat and cause sparks, which has resulted in many hazards. MCBs are designed to minimize that risk by tripping and shutting off the power supply when overheating or overload occurs. This feature makes MCBs safer to use in homes, offices, commercial establishments, and industrial applications.
Miniature circuit breakers are also safer to touch with their insulated plastic casing which reduces the chances of getting an electric shock when operating them. With fuses, there is always a risk of touching the exposed metal parts when taking them off the socket or reconnecting them.
Convenient operation
Miniature circuit breakers operate just like any other electrical switch. Simply flick the switch to an on or off position and the power flow can be controlled as desired. However, with fuses you have to remove the fuse carrier from the base to disconnect the power and reinstall it for restoring power. Moreover, if the fuse has burned out, you will also need to replace the fuse wire before reconnecting it to the base.
All in all, not only are fuses unsafe in comparison to circuit breaker switches, but they are also an unnecessary hassle to deal with in these modern times.
Cost of installation and maintenance
Circuit breakers and fuses vary in cost. While a fuse may be cheaper to procure and install, it causes way more blowouts and hassle to be worth the money. On the other hand, miniature circuit breakers only need replacement when they are damaged. Otherwise, under normal circumstances, an MCB can last years to come without need for replacement or any other maintenance cost.
In case of fuses, you will have to periodically invest in maintaining them and replacing blown out fuse wire, every time a blowout occurs.
Current detection accuracy
A fuse will normally blowout the moment the current overflow goes slightly beyond the rated value. This can be irksome in cases where the current overload did not pose any real danger to the circuit or connected appliances.
Here, a Miniature Circuit Breaker is much more accurate in gauging the current overflow limits and only trips when the overload is posing a real danger to life and property. In most instances, it will trip and can be flicked back in place with a touch of your finger.
Types of MCBs and Fuses available
In general, there are way more MCB types available in the market for you to choose from in comparison to fuses. Different types of MCBs have different resistance values which make them suited for residential, commercial or industrial use.
While fuses also come with different resistance ratings, their availability is not universal these days and most modern systems may not support their use.
Quicker action
MCBs react to overloads quicker than a fuse owing to the fact that they are operated by thermal and magnetic elements. A fuse wire has to overheat and blowout for the connection to break, which although happens in a matter of milliseconds, but is still slower than an MCB trip.
Reduced arcing
An electric arc or arc discharge is an electrical breakdown of gas that produces a prolonged electrical discharge. In electrical switches and fuses it is most visible when connecting a circuit as the current moves through air, which is normally a non-conductive medium. This creates visible light. However, if a circuit has enough current and voltage to sustain an arc formed outside of the switching device, it can cause a meltdown or burn damage.
Unlike MCBs, switching devices like MCBs are designed to contain undesired arcing with the use of arc chutes. It not only extends the life of the switch but also ensures safety.
Better interface for novices
MCBs have the better interface of the two, as on and off markings are clearly present on the switch. This makes operating MCBs way more easier for novice users in comparison to fuses, which require a little bit of technical knowledge about electrical operations.
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Are there any disadvantages of using MCBs?
Well, not really. MCBs are modern electrical switchgear which have been time tested for safe and long lasting use. As discussed above, MCBs offer numerous advantages over the traditional fuses.
However, some may argue that fuses cost less and are easy to install, and mostly take up less space. On the other hand, MCBs are costlier, require an installation board, and require more space on your wall.
While it's true that MCBs cost a bit more than a fuse, their safety and convenience advantages simply make up for the price difference. Moreover, modern MCBs boards are designed to be stylishly discreet and do not stand out like an ugly fusebox does on your wall. So, in our opinion MCBs are the circuit breakers of the future, and preferable over the archaic fuses.
Planning to upgrade your electrical setup? Do not forget to check out Lauritz Knudsen (Formerly L&T Switchgear) miniature circuit breakers and distribution boards at our online Smartshop. Check 32 amp mcb and 63 amp MCB prices, compare features, and buy online for a hassle-free experience.
