What Is the Difference Between MCB, MCCB, DB, RCB, RCD, RCCB, RCBO, and ELCB Breakers

Circuit breakers are electrical devices that control the flow of current in electrical circuits. When there’s an abnormal flow of current through the circuits, circuit breakers, in order to ensure the safety and integrity of electrical systems, stop the current flow. By limiting an excessive flow of current and associated risks, these devices make sure that the electrical installations operate reliably. MCB, MCCB, DB, RCB, RCD, RCCB, RCBO and ELCB are different types of circuit breakers. These are used in organisations and houses to protect against potential electrical risks.

Ensuring safety should be everyone’s top priority. Thus, circuit breakers are used to stop the flow of abnormal currents that may cause fires or sparks in the house or offices. With a wide range of circuit breakers available in the market, you can purchase them from a reliable electrical store, Lauritz Knudsen (Formerly L&T Switchgear). We have been in the business of manufacturing and distributing top-notch electrical products. Among various devices, the protective devices range from Lauritz Knudsen (Formerly L&T Switchgear) and are worth mentioning. Our wide range of circuit breakers’ features include an accurate contact position indicator, a quick break mechanism, and enhanced safety in homes and offices.

In this blog, you will learn about the difference between MCB, MCCB, DB, RCB, RCD, RCCB, RCBO, and ELCB breakers. But first, let’s understand them one by one.

What is MCB?

What is MCB in electrical? MCBs are protective devices used in electrical systems. MCB full form is Miniature Circuit Breaker. It is a typical circuit breaker that is suitable for low-current circuits, such as home wiring. The working principle of MCB is straightforward. It has two contacts- fixed and movable. If the current exceeds the predetermined value, the moveable contacts are detached from the permanent contacts, causing the circuit to open and disconnect them from the main power source. To equip circuit breakers with electrical systems, the flow of current should range between 0.5A and 125A.

What is MCCB?

An MCCB is also a protective electrical device that ensures the electrical safety of a place by stopping the excessive flow of current through the circuits of the electrical systems. The MCCB full form is Moulded Case Circuit Breaker. This protective device contains a manual switch that may be used to trip the circuit. The device offers two settings: one for excessive current and the other for over temperature.

Furthermore, the MCCB is made up of bimetallic contacts that contract and expand as the temperature varies. The connections allow current to pass through the circuit under typical working circumstances. However, once the current exceeds the predetermined value, the contacts warm and expand until they open.

So, MCB vs MCCB which one is better? The answer is simple, both are effective electrical devices if you know where to apply them.

What are Distribution Boards?

DB or Distribution Boards are boxes that distribute electrical power to different circuits. They are used to ensure safety and control over the electrical supply. This box is also known as a distribution panel, and it ensures the supply of power to all electrical wiring and appliances. This electrical component is visible in housing electrical systems as well as in commercial buildings.

What is RCB?

When residual current surpasses a certain value, RCB quickly disconnects the circuit. RCB full form is Residual Circuit Breaker. Just like MCB, MCCB and DB, RCB is also a type of circuit breaker. It is also known as RCD. This protective device is used to measure the current flowing into and out of the connected device. In order to make the RCB electrical work, it is vital that both currents are equal.

What is RCD?

RCD full form is Residual Current Device. It is an electrical device that also goes by the names RCB and RCCB. It is electrical equipment that is used to trip the circuit when a fault is detected in the current flow inside the earth wire. It ensures that equal current flow is maintained in phase wire and neutral wire. If there are any irregularities in the current flow between the two wires, RCD breaks off the electrical appliance circuit and shuts off the power supply entirely.

What is RCCB?

RCCB full form is Residual Current Circuit Breaker. Also known as RCD and RCB, RCCB is an electrical wiring device that cuts off the circuit when it detects a current leak on the earthing wire. It also protects people from electrical shock or electrocution from direct touch. RCCB is a residual current protective device which ensures protection by detecting the flow of current in the line and neutral. In a functioning circuit, the current flow through the line and the return flow through the neutral are equal. But, if there’s any abnormality, the return flow may differ from the line’s present flow. With the help of an RCCB, one can detect such a situation and break the circuit.

What is RCBO?

RCBO is similar to RCCB. It is also a residual current device that is used to cut the residual current flow from travelling through the earth wire. RCBO full form is Residual Current Breaker with Over-Current. This electrical device combines the functions of MCB and RCB/RCCB/RCD. When there’s a current leakage, the RCBO breaks the entire circuit. Hence, when the circuit is overloaded, the components of the thermal/magnetic circuit breaker trip the electronic device.

What is ELCB?

ELCB full form is Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker. It is an electrical device that ensures the protection of a person from electrical shock or injury. The necessity for these devices arises from the rising incidence of injuries and deaths caused by electric shock. Though the device was created 50 years ago, it has various disadvantages due to which its alternatives are used. RCD or RCCB are similar types of protective devices that carry out the same function with more advantages. So, when analysing ELCB vs RCCB, RCCB offers additional benefits.

Differences Between MCB and MCCB

The difference between MCB and MCCB are as follows:

Know MCB and MCCB difference and select the right protective device for the safety of your electronic systems.

What are the Similarities between MCB and MCCB?

Just like it is crucial to understand the difference between RCB and RCBO, it is crucial to know the similarities between the breakers too like MCB and MCCB. MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker) and MCCB (Moulded Case Circuit Breaker) share several similarities that make them essential devices in circuit protection:

• Overload protection: Both provide protection against overloads.
• Short circuit protection: Both trip during short circuits.
• Manual operation: They can be reset manually after tripping.
• Current rating: Both are available in different current ratings.
• Electrical safety: Both enhance electrical safety by interrupting abnormal currents.

Differences Between MCB and RCCB

The following table discusses the difference between MCB and RCCB:

Read Also: MCB Vs RCCB: Which Is Best For Your Home Appliances?

What are the Similarities between MCB and RCCB?

Below are the most significant similarities between MCB and RCCB.

• Fault protection: Both provide protection in case of electrical faults.
• Circuit safety: They safeguard circuits by interrupting power flow during faults.
• Manual reset: Both devices can be manually reset after tripping.
• Usage in homes: Commonly used in residential and small commercial buildings.
• Compliance with standards: Both comply with electrical safety standards, ensuring reliable protection.

Differences Between MCB and ELCB

The difference between MCB and ELCB are as follows:

Differences Between ELCB and RCCB

Following is the difference between ELCB and RCCB:

When it comes to RCCB vs ELCB, most people turn towards RCCB as it offers additional advantages.

Differences Between MCB, MCCB, ELCB, and RCCB

The table below will illustrate the MCB, MCCB, ELCB and RCCB difference:

Conclusion

Circuit breakers play an essential role in safeguarding electrical appliances and human lives from electrical interruption. The common circuit breakers are MCB, MCCB, DB, RCB, RCD, RCCB, RCBO, and ELCB. The RCBO, though, combines the operations of MCB and RCCB, which is also known as RCD/RCB.

To safeguard houses and industries from electrical accidents, Lauritz Knudsen (Formerly L&T Switchgear) offers a wide range of protective circuit breakers. Furthermore, you can also purchase various trippers and DB boxes, which will offer a power supply for the entire electrical wiring of the respective spaces.

Frequently Aksed Questions

Q1. What is the purpose of an ELCB in an electrical system?

Ans: The primary purpose of an ELCB is to prevent electric shock by detecting earth leakages and cutting off power. This ensures the safety of both people and equipment. ELCBs are essential in preventing electrical hazards by quickly interrupting faulty circuits.

Q2. Can MCCBs be used in residential applications?

Ans: Yes, MCCBs can be used in residential applications, especially for homes with higher electrical loads. However, MCBs are more common in homes due to their lower cost and suitability for standard circuits. MCCBs offer additional protection and are typically used in larger buildings.

Q3. What is the primary function of a residual current circuit breaker (RCCB)?

Ans: The main purpose of an RCCB is to protect from electrical shock by sensing variation in the live and neutral currents. This circuit trips when there is leakage current and can thus be deemed safe for use by people. So, recognizing the RCCB full form in the electrical domain plays an essential role in its protective part.

Q4. Are there specific installation requirements for these circuit breakers?

Ans: There are MCB, MCCB and RCCB circuit breakers which are installed depending on the load capacity and conditions of where it will be located. Cabling, earthing and proper sizing plays a crucial role in preventing accidents.

Q5. How does an RCBO combine the functions of an MCB and RCCB in one device?

Ans: An RCBO (RCB Breaker with Overcurrent) protects against overcurrent, short-circuits and earth leakage. It is an extension of both the MCB & RCCB. Comparing RCCB and RCBO makes it easier for one to determine which protection mechanism to use in electrical systems.