Miniature Circuit Breakers or MCB’s are electromechanical devices whose primary task is to protect an electric circuit from current overload. Every household equipment or machinery in a factory needs a large amount of energy, and hence caution has to be taken when it comes to handling electricity.
Voltage fluctuations and power surges are hazardous and can cause fire accidents, leading to property damage and putting lives in danger. Thanks to advanced technology, a new mechanism called MCB, which can replace a regular fuse, has been invented to control power fluctuations in electrical systems. Clipsal MCBs are one of the best and most innovative MCB brands ideal for retrofit installations or switchboards that are limited for space.
Working of MCB’s
In normal working conditions, a consistent level of current passes through the network of an electrical circuit. Sometimes there will be a fault that triggers a current overload that crosses the rated limit. This surge can damage the electrical equipment or even cause a short circuit and create a fire hazard. The current overload has to be cut off immediately to safeguard the electrical equipment from being damaged and provide overall protection from fire hazards, shocks, and other incidents. It is where Clipsal MCBs or other types of MCBs come into the picture, and they will identify the irregular current flow and break the circuit instantly. Different kinds of Clipsal MCBs available are
Type of MCB |
Current tripping times |
Operating Time |
| Type B | 3 – 5 times the full load current | 0.04 To 13 Sec |
| Type C | 5- 10 times the full load current | 0.04 To 5 Sec |
| Type D | 10- 20 times the full load current | 0.04 To 3 Sec |
| Type K | 8- 12 times the full load current | <0.1 Sec |
| Type Z | 2- 3 times the full load current | <0.1 Sec |
Importance of MCB’s Power Management Systems
Miniature Circuit Breakers like Clipsal MCBs are extremely sensitive during their operation. Therefore, these devices are quick in identifying potentially hazardous situations. It efficiently detects irregularities compared to other devices like a fuse. The significant advantage of MCB over fuse is the reusability. A fuse, when detects an overload breaks the circuit. You cannot use it further and replace it, whereas MCB’s can be reset and reused. An MCB’s function is similar to limit switches but doesn’t need to be operated manually like them. One more important characteristic of MCB is that their functionality can be restored effortlessly by pushing the knob of the miniature circuit breakers back to the ‘on’ position. They are used for safeguarding lower power circuits with the following specifications,
- Current rating – Amperes
- Short Circuit Rating –kA (Kilo Amperes)
- Operating Curves- B, C, D, Z, or K
- Thermal or magnetic operation
Benefits of installing MCB’s
- Sensitive to Current overload
Clipsal MCBs are sensitive to current surges. They will automatically shut off the power supply if there is a current overload or faulty wiring that can lead to a short circuit. Compared to MCB’s, the fuses are not sensitive to current overload or faulty wiring.
- Detect Faulty Zones
If there are faulty electrical zones in your residence, office, or any closed space, MCB will trip the power and break the electrical supply. It indicates the defective zone, and the switch operating knob will be turned off, making it easier to locate the faulty area for repair.
- Quick Reset
If there is a breakdown due to the current overload, MCB will shut off the power supply, protect the equipment, and avoid a hazardous situation. We can easily reset MCB’s, unlike fuses where you have to rewind and ultimately replace them with a new fuse.
- More Safety
Clipsal MCBs are the best alternative to fuse in terms of safety and affordability. They offer operational safety and better convenience than traditional electrical safety devices.
Effective uses of MCBs
- Home Electrical Panels:
MCB’s are an ideal replacement for a fuse in homes due to their ability to handle large amounts of electricity. One more great advantage of MCB’s is that they facilitate equal distribution of electrical energy across all the electricity-driven equipment.
- Lights
Every home is equipped with an extensive lighting system. MCB’s play a significant role in electricity distribution across all house lighting systems. For example, fluorescent lights consume more energy than standard lights, and MCB’s ensure proper distribution according to the requirement and safeguard the bulbs by increasing their shelf life.
- Heaters
MCB’s are an ideal safety solution for heaters installed in homes or offices. Usually, the heaters are prone to high voltage fluctuations since they draw heavy power from the main power supply.
Clipsal MCB’s or other types of MCB’s ensure safety from electrical hazards and have a lot of merits, making them ideal replacements for traditional devices like fuses. Incorporating MCB’s in your electrical system is paramount for protecting human lives and electrical equipment from getting damaged.