Addressing the first things first –what is a miniature circuit breaker? It is an automatically operated electrical switch. Miniature circuit breakers are used to prevent damage to an electrical circuit resulting from an excess flow of current. They are designed in such a way that they trip during an overload or short circuit. This is how they protect against unforeseen electrical faults and equipment failure.
MCBs are used widely as isolating components in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. They are a part of a broader family of even more powerful circuit-breaking components.
In simple words, the primary use of a miniature circuit-breaker is to protect an installation or appliance from getting damaged against sustained overloading and short-circuit faults. However, it will also protect against earth faults.
MCB or electrical fuses? Which one to choose?
MCBs serve a similar function to electrical fuses, which are designed to melt in case of flow of excess current. Thus, by melting, electrical fuses break a circuit in case the current flowing through them is more than a pre-designated limit. Yet, fuses can be a little less reliable than MCBs. MCBs work better even in lower voltage settings without any requirement for replacement after use.
So, unlike electrical fuses, MCB is designed to protect against both overloading and short-circuiting. These are detected using different processes. The bimetallic strip provides overload protection by using thermal operation, while short-circuit protection is ensured by the tripping coil using electromagnetic operation.
What are the functions of the circuit breaker?
The basic function of MCB is to detect faults and glitches by interrupting the current flow so that to immediately stop the electrical flow.
The breaker monitors the circuit and in the case of a complication such as an overload, the breaker immediately shuts off that circuit. Thus large-scale damage is thus prevented.
Vensor, an electrical company, deals in MCB, Modular switches, and electrical fuses. Bring home the best MCBs to ensure reliable protection from large-scale damage.