MCB Selection Guide: How to Select a Miniature Circuit Breaker?

Regarding the U.S. Fire Administration: During a typical year, home electrical problems account for 28,600 fires and $1.1 billion in property losses. 53% of residential electrical fires involve electrical wiring. Almost one in four fires in households are caused by electrical appliances. Overloaded power outlets with multiple plugs and faulty electrical wiring, improper use and overheating of electrical equipment are the main risks. Protection against overcurrent and selecting the right miniature circuit breaker is crucial for electrical installation because it avoids damage to the wiring isolating characteristics. After reading our MCB selection guide you will easily select the right MCB for your applications.

How to select an MCB?

When selecting an MCB (miniature circuit breaker), the below parameters should be considered:

1. Rated current

The rated current is the maximum current value the circuit breaker can withstand without tripping. MCBs have a rated current from 0.5A to 125A. First, you should determine the total current of the circuit. Then, you should select the proper MCB.

The current rating of MCBs should not exceed the cable current carrying capacity. It should also be greater than or equal to the maximum current that the system is expected to carry.

Do not use an MCB lower than the total current of the circuit. Otherwise, it trips unnecessarily.

2. Tripping characteristics

Tripping characteristics defines the current vs tripping time relationship. They are differentiated based on the instantaneous tripping range. You should determine the tripping class according to the loads to be protected.

Typical loads by trip curve:

B Curve

Designed for cable protection. Suitable for resistive loads such as electrical heating, water heater and stoves and long cable runs (fault loop impedance)

C Curve

Designed for medium magnetic startups. Suitable for common loads such as lighting, socket outlets, and small motors.

D and K Curves

Designed to allow for high inrush loads. Suitable for high inrush loads and transformers.

Z Curve

Designed to protect circuits that need a very low short-circuit trip setting. Suitable for semiconductors.

3. Number of poles

You need to select the appropriate number of poles to provide the necessary protection. Based on the number of poles, the MCBs are classified as:

Single pole (1): Single pole MCBs are used for protecting single-phase circuits where neutral is taken directly from the incoming supply.

Single pole and neutral (1+N): Single pole and neutral types of MCBs are used when the phase has to be protected and neutral has to be isolated. These are generally used for small loads.

Double pole (2): Double pole MCBs are used when both phase & neutral have to be protected and complete isolation of supply is required for maintenance. These are generally used for small loads where only one MCB is used for switching/protecting the entire load.

Triple pole (3): Generally used for the three-phase motor application where neutral is not required. These are generally used for motor protection.

Triple pole and neutral (3+N): Used for incoming distribution boards where neutral isolation is required.

Four pole (4): Used for incoming distribution boards where neutral protection is required.

4. Breaking capacity

Breaking capacity is the maximum current that an MCB can carry and break. High currents above the breaking capacity could damage the MCB. 10kA or 6kA breaking capacities are suitable for residential usage. MCBs with high breaking capacities can be used in industrial applications.

5. Rated operational voltage

This is the voltage at which the MCB can be used. The value indicated is usually the maximum value. Every MCB has a different operational voltage. You should check this value from the catalogs. At lower voltages, certain characteristics may differ or even be improved such as the breaking capacity.

6. Insulation voltage

This value acts as a reference for the insulation performance of the device. The insulation test voltages (impulse, industrial frequency, etc.) are determined based on this value. Try to use MCBs with a high insulation voltage. Therefore, you will have a robust breaker.

7. Energy class

An energy-limiting class number denotes the maximum I2t let-through by a miniature circuit breaker under short circuit or earth fault conditions. This information may be used by the electrical installation designer for the same purposes as the information obtained from the I2t characteristic.

Class 3 is the highest current limiting classification and may be used to offer protection to cables having a smaller cross-sectional area, thereby reducing installation costs. Using class 3 gives you the best performance.

8. Mechanical and electrical life

The mechanical life is the number of times an MCB can ON / OFF without being energized. The electrical life is the number of times an MCB can be ON / OFF with energized. A good MCB should have approximately 20.000 mechanical and 10.000 electrical lifetimes.

Dimensions of an MCB — *Dimensions of 1, 2, 3 and 4 pole MCBs*

9. Dimensions

Under normal circumstances, the width of 1P MCB is 17,5mm. 1P stands for poles which means the number of wires. 1P port can only be connected to one line, 2P can be connected to two lines and so on. If you use multi-pole MCBs you should consider the width of the MCB. Check the fusebox to see whether you have enough space or not.

10. Accessories

Some MCBs can subsequently be fitted with an auxiliary contact, signal contact, shunt release, etc. But remember that some basic MCBs do not accept accessories. If you want more functions you should pay more. Check the accessory options of the manufacturers.

In conclusion, selecting the right MCB (miniature circuit breaker) is crucial for electrical installations. When selecting an MCB, one should consider various parameters such as the rated current, tripping characteristics, number of poles, breaking capacity, rated operational voltage, insulation voltage, energy class, mechanical and electrical life, dimensions and accessories. Understanding these parameters can help ensure that the MCB selected provides the necessary protection for the loads and is compatible with the installation’s requirements. Overall, following the guidelines mentioned in the MCB selection guide can help users easily choose the appropriate MCB for their applications.

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