What is the difference between MCB, MCCB, ELCB,

and RCCB
MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker)

Characteristics

Rated current not more than 100 A.

Trip characteristics normally not adjustable.

Thermal or thermal-magnetic operation.

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MCCB (Moulded Case Circuit Breaker)

Characteristics

Rated current up to 1000 A.

Trip current may be adjustable.

Thermal or thermal-magnetic operation.

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Air Circuit Breaker

Characteristics

Rated current up to 10,000 A.

Trip characteristics often fully adjustable including configurable trip thresholds and
delays.

Usually electronically controlledsome models are microprocessor controlled.

Often used for main power distribution in large industrial plant, where the breakers are
arranged in draw-out enclosures for ease of maintenance.
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Vacuum Circuit Breaker

Characteristics

With rated current up to 3000 A,

These breakers interrupt the arc in a vacuum bottle.

These can also be applied at up to 35,000 V. Vacuum circuit breakers tend to have
longer life expectancies between overhaul than do air circuit breakers.
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RCD (Residual Current Device / RCCB(Residual Current Circuit Breaker)

Characteristics

Phase (line) and Neutral both wires connected through RCD.

It trips the circuit when there is earth fault current.

The amount of current flows through the phase (line) should return through neutral .

It detects by RCD. any mismatch between two currents flowing through phase and
neutral detect by -RCD and trip the circuit within 30Miliseconed.

If a house has an earth system connected to an earth rod and not the main incoming
cable, then it must have all circuits protected by an RCD (because u mite not be able to get
enough fault current to trip a MCB)

RCDs are an extremely effective form of shock protection

The most widely used are 30 mA (milliamp) and 100 mA devices. A current flow of 30 mA (or 0.03
amps) is sufficiently small that it makes it very difficult to receive a dangerous shock. Even 100
mA is a relatively small figure when compared to the current that may flow in an earth fault
without such protection (hundred of amps)
A 300/500 mA RCCB may be used where only fire protection is required. eg., on lighting circuits,
where the risk of electric shock is small.

Limitation of RCCB

Standard electromechanical RCCBs are designed to operate on normal

supply waveforms and cannot be guaranteed to operate where none standard waveforms
are generated by loads. The most common is the half wave rectified waveform sometimes
called pulsating dc generated by speed control devices, semi conductors, computers and even
dimmers.

Specially modified RCCBs are available which will operate on normal ac and pulsating
dc.

RCDs dont offer protection against current overloads: RCDs detect an imbalance in
the live and neutral currents. A current overload, however large, cannot be detected. It is a
frequent cause of problems with novices to replace an MCB in a fuse box with an RCD. This
may be done in an attempt to increase shock protection. If a live-neutral fault occurs (a short
circuit, or an overload), the RCD wont trip, and may be damaged. In practice, the main MCB
for the premises will probably trip, or the service fuse, so the situation is unlikely to lead to
catastrophe; but it may be inconvenient.

It is now possible to get an MCB and and RCD in a single unit, called an RCBO (see
below). Replacing an MCB with an RCBO of the same rating is generally safe.

Nuisance tripping of RCCB: Sudden changes in electrical load can cause a small, brief
current flow to earth, especially in old appliances. RCDs are very sensitive and operate very
quickly; they may well trip when the motor of an old freezer switches off. Some equipment is
notoriously `leaky, that is, generate a small, constant current flow to earth. Some types of
computer equipment, and large television sets, are widely reported to cause problems.

RCD will not protect against a socket outlet being wired with its live and neutral
terminals the wrong way round.

RCD will not protect against the overheating that results when conductors are not
properly screwed into their terminals.

RCD will not protect against live-neutral shocks, because the current in the live and
neutral is balanced. So if you touch live and neutral conductors at the same time (e.g., both
terminals of a light fitting), you may still get a nasty shock.