ACB vs MCCB: Which is Better for Your Electrical Needs?

The selection of protection devices for electrical installation is fundamental to reducing the problems caused by abnormal service conditions. ACB (Air Circuit Breaker) and MCCB (Molded Case Circuit Breaker) both are used for the safe making and breaking of electrical systems. In principle, both serve the same purpose. But there are some differences between these two devices. Let’s have a look.

Differences Between ACB and MCCB

MCCB and ACB are both circuit breakers for low-voltage circuit protection, but they have the following differences:

1. Definition and duty

ACB stands for air circuit breaker and MCCB stands for molded case circuit breaker. Both devices protect circuits against excessive currents. (overload and short circuit) By using their handle, they can isolate the load from the power supply. MCCBs can be equipped with thermomagnetic or electronic releases but ACBs can be equipped with electronic releases.

2. Tripping characteristics

MCCB’s long-delay tripping characteristics are typically fixed, and the ACB’s characteristics are adjustable. This is so the protective characteristics of the generator of a transformer can be achieved easily when using the ACB for a power breaker. When using MCCB for these types of applications, the protective characteristics can be attained easily by using an electronic MCCB that has variable long-delay tripping characteristics.

Instantaneous tripping characteristics of MCCB are fixed for compact models and adjustable for large models. The ACB’s characteristics are adjustable.

3. Safety

MCCBs can be equipped with thermomagnetic or electronic releases but ACBs can be equipped with electronic releases. ACBs are donated with more protection functions by using the advantage of advanced electronic releases.

4. Usage areas

MCCB is used for general wiring protection. It is not suitable for applications requiring frequent switching. Its total breaking time is short, and transient energy is small, so MCCB is suitable for protecting wiring and load devices.

ACB is used for generator and transformer protection in the main circuit. Its rated short-time current is high, so easy to structure a selective breaking system.

5. Size

The size of an MCCB (Molded Case Circuit Breaker) is generally smaller than an ACB (Air Circuit Breaker). MCCBs use smaller components and are designed to take up less space, making them more compact and easier to install and handle. Additionally, MCCBs tend to be lighter in weight, which also makes them more convenient for users.

6. Current

The current rating of the ACB is higher than the MCCB. MCCBs are generally produced up to 3200A, but ACBs are produced up to 6300A.

7. Location in the circuit

The short-time capacity of the ACB is high. It is easy to structure a selective breaking system and is suitable for applications as the main circuit breaker. ACBs are usually used on the upstream side of the circuit but MCCBs are used on load side control. Load-side switching operations are more frequent than upstream.

8. Price and market size

The price of MCCB is cheaper than ACB. But the market size of MCCB is larger than ACB.

This means that although ACBs may have a higher price point, they may not be as popular or widely used in the market as MCCBs. On the other hand, even though MCCBs may have a lower price point, they may be more commonly used in various applications due to their affordability, reliability, and availability.

9. Maintenance

ACBs and MCCBs are subjected to high currents; therefore, maintenance of them is critical for reliable operation. MCCB has a simple and safe structure that does not require maintenance or inspections. However, the ACB is designed with many updated parts and must be sufficiently serviced and inspected. Thus, MCCB is not suitable for applications intended for frequent short-circuit interruption.

10. Arc generation

Every time current is interrupted by opening contacts, the arc is generated owing to current inertia. Since the arc is significantly harmful to the contacts and insulating materials, it must be immediately extinguished. ACB generates more electrical arc when switching. Because it generally carries large amounts of current. ACB and MCCB are equipped with an arc suppression chamber. If there is no pollution in arc exhaust parts and no other abnormality, the breaker can be re-used.

11. Din rail mounting

Some small MCCBs can be mounted on din rail. It is impossible to mount an ACB on a din rail. Because ACBs are heavy.

12. Breaking capacities

The independent breaking capacity of an MCCB is small compared to the ACB, but incorporating the cascade method with the upstream MCCB can increase the breaking capacity.

13. Magnetic-only protection

Some types of MCCBs have only magnetic protection. This type of ACB is not available on the market. ACBs have thermal and magnetic protection.

14. Utilization category

Most ACBs have utilization category “B” but most MCCBs have utilization category “A”.

In conclusion, while both ACBs and MCCBs serve the same purpose of protecting low-voltage circuits from excessive currents, they have some key differences. ACBs have a higher current rating and are typically used in applications requiring selective breaking systems, such as for generator and transformer protection. They have adjustable tripping characteristics and more advanced electronic releases for added protection. On the other hand, MCCBs are generally smaller and more compact, making them easier to install and handle. They are also cheaper and have a larger market size, making them suitable for general wiring protection. However, their independent breaking capacity is smaller compared to ACBs, and they are not suitable for frequent short-circuit interruption. Ultimately, the selection of the appropriate protection device depends on the specific application and its requirements.

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