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, L&T Electrical & Automation. We have been in the business of manufacturing and distributing top-notch electrical products. Among various devices, the protective devices range from L&T Electrical & Automation 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.

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.

MCCB

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.

DB

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.

RCB

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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, L&T Electrical & Automation 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.