What is the Difference Between MCB, MCCB, RCB, RCD, RCCB, and RCBO: All you Need to Know

Are you worried about potential electric shocks you might encounter while you're in the kitchen or the bathroom? Or do you get stressed thinking about the random fluctuations in current and how they might impact your digital gadgets? Then, having circuit breakers solves most of these problems. With circuit breakers, you can easily dodge the electrocution worries and potential appliance damage.

However, there are far too many circuit breaker types available in the market. Picking the right one for your needs requires you to learn about the difference between MCB, MCCB, RCB, RCD, RCCB and RCBO. So, keep reading this blog to learn more about them. 

What are MCB and MCCB?

MCB and MCCB are circuit breakers, used in industrial settings and residential places to safeguard electrical devices by checking excessive electricity. While both MCB and MCCB are used according to specific needs, people often confuse them. 

MCB

The full form of MCB is a Miniature Circuit Breaker. It is an electrical circuit breaker which is used in low-current circuits to protect simple appliances from getting an overload, which could lead to overheating. This protective circuit breaker is most commonly used in home wiring. Moreover, to connect this circuit breaker, the prescribed flow of current is supposed to be between 0.5A and 125A. 

MCCB

The full form of MCCB is Moulded Case Circuit Breaker. This protective barrier between high voltage and the appliances is often used with a manual switch that might be used to trip the circuit. MCCB offers an additional setting in which, other than handling excessive current, it also provides a setting for a rise in temperature. MCCB has bimetallic contacts, which, when exposed to heat, expand and contract as the temperature dips.

How are MCB and MCCB Similar?

MCB and MCCB are two different types of circuit breakers that have slightly different ways of operating when it comes to dealing with high current inflows. However, apart from menial differences, MCB and MCCB also have certain similarities, such as:

1. Protect Appliances: Both MCB and MCCB  have the same objective of protecting electrical appliances from excessive current and an unwanted rise in temperature. 
2. Operation: They both operate by automatically interrupting the current flow without the need for manual intervention or inspection. 
3. Safety: The circuit breakers of MCBs and MCCBs are specifically curated to safeguard electrical circuits, decreasing probable electrical risks. 
4. Physical Components: MCBs and MCCBs have similar components, such as a switch and a trip mechanism. Their design is almost the same. 
5. Appliances: MCBs and MCCBs can both be used for commercial applications, wherein the MCBs could carry less weight while the MCCBs would be able to bear more voltage. 

What are the Differences between MCBs and MCCBs?

MCBs and MCCBs also bear significant differences, which can make it easier to understand their varied application and usage. Here are some of the key differences between MCB and MCCB: 

MCB	MCCB
These are used in low circuit currents.	They are used in heavy circuit current.
The tripping circuit remains fixed.	The tripping circuit is movable for MCCBs.
It is generally used in appliances with low energy requirements.	It is used for high energy requirements in industries.
They have less than 100 amps.	They can have about 2500 amps.
There is no manual tripping option.	There is a manual tripping option available here.

What is RCB, RCD, RCCB, or RCBO?

RCB, RCD, RCCB and RCBO are all electric mechanisms designed to prevent electric shocks. These protect against any small current leaks by detecting such leaks and interrupting the current flow to prevent any potential hazards. Here is a detailed explanation of each of these types of electric circuit breakers:

RCB

The RCB is the most basic type of electric circuit breaker, providing protection against electrical leaks that could cause fatal shocks. The full form of RCB is a Residual Circuit Breaker. The device works by first detecting any potential current leaks and then stopping the power supply to that appliance or pathway to prevent further risks. It also measures the inflow and outflow of the current from any appliance.

RCD

RCD is another type of electric circuit breaker which has almost become similar to RCB and RCCB. The full form of RCD is Residual Current Device. This particular type of circuit is employed to detect any probable faults and leaks in the power supply inside the earth wire. This type of circuit also ensures that the current flow in phase wire and neutral wire remain in balance and an equilibrium is maintained. If the equilibrium is thrown off balance between the two wires, the RCD trips and stops the power supply to prevent risks.

RCCB

RCCB is a circuit breaker with an interesting feature that prevents people from electrocution. The full form is Residual Current Circuit Breaker. This type of circuit breaker operates by checking the balance between the current flow through the wire and the current flow back through the neutral line. If both of these pose to be balanced, then the circuit continues the current. However, if any irregularity is detected, the circuit will break. Often, this happens due to any difference in current in one line.  

RCBO

RCBO is closely related to the RCCB, and the full form of RCBO is a Residual Current Breaker with Over-Current. This has a multi-functional approach, combining aspects of MCB and RCB. In fact, it not only provides protection from overcurrent but also serves as a protector against electric shocks caused by leakages and faulty wiring. RCBO is quick at detecting any leakage and breaks the circuit in that case. Moreover, in case of overloading, the thermal parts of this device trip, and the circuit breaks as well. 

How are RCD and RCBO Similar?

RCD and RCBO are often found to be similar to circuit breakers protecting against potential electric leakages. They are both commonly found in fuse boxes, which are widely referred to as consumer units. RCD and RCBO also specifically safeguard against electrocution. Moreover, they both focus on reducing the chances of earth leakage faults and monitoring the equilibrium between live and neutral currents in a circuit. In case of unwanted imbalances, they trip and stop the current flow. 

What is the Difference Between RCB and RCBO?

RCB and RCBO might seem like close circuit breaker cousins, but they have a lot of differences which set them apart for different uses. Here are some of the common differences between RCB and RCBO:

RCB	RCBO
Primarily protects against electrical shocks.	Protects against shocks and also overcurrents.
Look for the imbalance between the neutral and live currents to detect risk.	It trips upon detecting excessive current to protect appliances.
Priority is to protect life from electrocution.	Priority is to protect appliances from overloading.
Stands for Residual Current Device.	Stands for Residual Current Circuit Breaker.
Installed in the main electrical panel in places.	Installed individually on each circuit for specific circuit-breaking options.

What is the Difference Between RCB and MCB?

RCB and MCB are electric circuit breakers with distinct functions. Here's a table listing the differences between RCB and MCB: 

RCB	MCB
Provides protection against electric shock only.	Provides protection against overloading and short-circuiting.
It detects the imbalance in current in neutral and live lines.	It uses both magnetic and thermal tripping circuits.
It is used in places like bathrooms that have a higher risk of electric shocks.	It is used in residential and industrial settings.
Used for protecting people from electric shocks.	Used for safeguarding appliances against overloading and overheating.
It has two, three and four-pole options.	It has single, two, three and four-pole options.

Electric shocks, appliance overheating, and current overloading are some of the most commonly encountered hazards. Circuit breakers, whether MCB or RCD, readily tackle these problems. They have proven to be protective systems that help prevent electrical security risks. 

Additionally, if you are looking for expert electrical support, you can get in touch with NoBroker. With NoBroker's electrical services, you can install a circuit breaker effectively. Our experts are experienced and hold a 5-star rating at competitive pricing. So, reach out to us today! 

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