មេរៀនទ១

ី ឌស
ី ្យុងទ័រ(Circuit Breaker)
១.តួនាទរី បស់ឌស
ី ្យុងទ័រ
ឌីស្យុងទ័រគឺជាបរក្ខា
ិ រការពារបណ្ដា ញអគ្គិសនីនិង បន្ទុកប្រើប្រាស់នៅមានការលើសបន្ទុក ការគួរសៀគ្វី ចរន្ដ
ឆ្លងភ្លង
ើ នង
ិ ការបទ
ិ បក
ើ មន
ិ ប្រក្រតក
ី ុ ្នងរបបធម្មតា។
២.ប្រភេទរបស់ឌីស្យុងទ័រ

ឌស
ី ្យុងទ័ររួមមាន៖
 MCB = Miniature Circuit Breaker
 RCCB = Residual Current Circuit Breaker
 RCBO = Residual Current Circuit Breaker with Overload
 MCCB = Moulded Case Circuit Breaker
 ACB = Air Circuit Breaker

២.១ ឌស
ី ្យុងទ័រប្រភេទ MCB

មានតួនាទត្រ
ី ួតពន
ិ ត
ិ ្យ នង
ិ ការពារសៀគ្វព
ី កា ើ ដែលគេដំឡង
ី រលើសបន្ទុកឆ្លងភ្លង ើ ភាគច្រន
ើ នៅអគារ
ស្នា ក់នៅ ការយាល័
ិ យ រោងចក្រ។ល។

២.១.១ លក្ខណៈរបស់ MCB

 មានធាតុផ្សំ thermal នង
ិ Thermo-magnetic
 ការពារ Over current, Short Circuit

 មានតម្លៃចរន្ដមន
ិ លើស 63A(Rate Current) និងតម្លៃ Breaking Short circuit មន
ិ លើស 25KA

 ជាធម្មតាប្រស
ើ ម្រាប់សៀគ្វប
ី ំភ្លឺ (Lighting) , ព្រី (Socket) ម៉ូទរ័ តូចៗ......

 មន
ិ អាចសារ៉េតម្លៃចរន្ដបានទេ
 មាន 1P, 2P, 3P, 4P
 Thermal or over current (1 A, 2 A, 3 A, 4 A, 6 A, 10 A, 16 A, 20 A, 25 A, 32 A, 40 A, 50,
63A)
 Breaking Capacity (1KA, 3KA, 4KA, 6KA, 10KA, 25KA)
 MCB (Miniature Circuit Breakers)

Types, Working and Trip Curves

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Table of Contents
What is MCB?
MCB or Miniature Circuit Breaker is an electromechanical device that protects an electric circuit from an
overcurrent. The overcurrent in an electrical circuit may result from short circuit, overload or faulty design. 
In short, MCB is a device for overload and short circuit protection. They are used in residential &
commercial areas. Just like we spend the time to make a thorough check before buying appliances like
washing machines or refrigerators, we must also research about Miniature Circuit Breakers.
An MCB is a better alternative to a Fuse since it does not require replacement once an overload is detected.
Unlike a fuse, an MCB can be easily operated and thus offers improved operational safety and greater
convenience without incurring a large operating cost. They are used to protect lower current circuits and
have the following specifications 
 Current rating – Amperes
 Short Circuit Rating – Kilo Amperes (kA) 
 Operating Characteristics – B, C, D, Z or K Curves
Don’t confuse Miniature circuit breaker with MCCB (Moulded Case Circuit Breaker) or GFCI (Ground
Fault Circuit Breaker).
A Miniature Circuit Breaker is a switchgear which is usually available in the range of 0.5A to 100A.
Its Short circuit rating is given in Kiloamps (kA), and this indicates the level of its ability to work.
For example, a domestic MCB would normally have a 6kA fault level, whereas one used in an industrial
application may need a unit with a 10kA fault capability. 
 Working Principle of Miniature Circuit Breaker (MCB)
MCB’s are protective devices that are made to break the circuit in case of overload or short circuit.
The working of a miniature circuit breaker in case of overload and short circuit fault is,
 For Overload protection, they have a Bi-metallic strip which causes the circuit to open.
 For Short circuit protection, it has an electromagnetic kind of thing.

Inside a Miniature Circuit Breaker

There is two arrangement of operation of a miniature circuit breaker. 
1. Due to the thermal effect of over electric current 
2. Due to the electromagnetic effect of overcurrent. 
The thermal operation of the miniature circuit breaker is achieved with a bimetallic strip. Whenever
continuous over electric current flows through MCB, the bimetallic strip is heated and deflects by bending.
This deflection of bimetallic strip releases the mechanical latch. As this mechanical latch is attached with the
operating mechanism, it causes to open the miniature circuit breaker contacts. 
But during short circuit condition, the sudden rising of electric current causes electromechanical
displacement of plunger associated with tripping coil or solenoid of MCB.
The plunger strikes the trip lever causing an immediate release of latch mechanism consequently open the
circuit breaker contacts. This was a simple explanation of a miniature circuit breaker working principle.

Tripping Mechanism in Miniature Circuit Breaker

As explained in the above section, an MCB has two types of tripping mechanism.
1. Thermal Tripping
2. Magnetic Tripping
These are explained in the next section.
1. Thermal Trip Unit
The thermal trip unit protects against overload currents. 
The thermal unit is based on a bimetal element located behind the circuit breaker trip bar and is part of the
breaker’s current-carrying path. 
When there is an overload, the increased current flow heats the bimetal causing it to bend. As the bimetal
bends it pulls the trip bar which opens the breaker’s contacts.
 The time required for the bimetal to bend and trip the breaker varies inversely with the current. 

Magnetic and Thermal Trip Unit of MCB

2. Magnetic Trip Unit

The magnetic trip unit protects against a short circuit. The magnetic trip unit is comprised of an
electromagnet and an armature.
When there is a short circuit, a high magnitude of current passes through the coils creating a magnetic field
that attracts the movable armature towards the fixed armature.
The hammer trip is pushed against the movable contact and the contacts are opened. 

Magnetic trip unit

Types of MCB based on Tripping Characteristics
MCBs are classified into different types according to tripping over the range of fault current. The important
MCB types are as follows:
1. Type B MCB
2. Type C MCB
3. Type D MCB
4. Type K MCB
5. Type Z MCB
 The tripping current and operating time of each of the above MCB types are given in the table below.
Type Tripping Current Operating Time
Type B 3 To 5 times the full load current 0.04 To 13 Sec
Type C 5 To 10 times the full load current 0.04 To 5 Sec
Type D 10 To 20 times the full load current 0.04 To 3 Sec
Type K 8 To 12 times the full load current <0.1 Sec
Type Z 2 To 3 times the full load current <0.1 Sec
An Infographics on Different Types of Miniature Circuit Breakers
1. Type B MCB
This type of MCB trips between 3 and 5 times full load current. 
Type B devices are mainly used in residential applications or light commercial applications where connected
loads are primarily lighting fixtures, domestic appliances with mainly resistive elements.

Type B MCB
Also used for computers and electronic equipment with very low inrush loads (PLC wiring). The surge
current levels in such cases are relatively low.
Functions of Type B MCB are protection and control of the circuits against overloads and short-circuits;
protection for people and big length cables in TN and IT systems. 
Applications: residential, commercial and industrial. 
Read more about Type B MCB
2. Type C MCB
This type of MCB trips between 5 and 10 times full load current. 
This is used in a commercial or industrial type of applications where there could be chances of higher values
of short circuit currents in the circuit. 

Type C MCB
The connected loads are mainly inductive in nature (e.g. induction motors) or fluorescent
lighting. Applications include small transformers, lighting, pilot devices, control circuits, and coils. 
Functions of Type C MCB are protection and control of the circuits against overloads and short-circuits;
protection for resistive and inductive loads with low inrush current. Applications: residential, commercial
and industrial. 

3. Type D MCB:
This type of MCB trips between 10 and 20 times full load current. 
These MCBs are used in specialty industrial/commercial uses where current inrush can be very high.
Examples include transformers or X-ray machines, large winding motors etc.  

Type D MCB
D-curve devices are suitable for applications where high levels of inrush current are expected. The high
magnetic trip point prevents nuisance tripping in high inductive applications such as motors, transformers,
and power supplies.
Functions of Type D MCB are protection and control of the circuits against overloads and short-circuits;
protection for circuits which supply loads with high inrush current at the circuit closing ( transformers,
breakdown lamps). Applications: residential, commercial and industrial. 

4. Type K MCB
This type of MCB trips between 8 and 12 times full load current. These are Suitable for inductive and motor
loads with high inrush currents. 

Type K MCB
The K and D curve breakers are both designed for motor applications where ampacity rises quickly and
momentarily during “start-up.” 
Functions of Type K MCB are protection and control of the circuits like motors, transformer, and auxiliary
circuits, against overloads and short-circuits. 

Advantages of Type K MCB: 

No nuisance tripping in the case of functional peak currents up to 8xIn, depending on the series; through its
highly sensitive thermostatic bimetal trip, the K-type characteristic offers protection to damageable elements
in the overcurrent range; it also provides the best protection to 2 cables and lines. 
Applications: Commercial and industrial. 
5. Type Z MCB:
This type of MCB trips between 2 to 3 times full load current. 
These type of MCBs are highly sensitive to short circuit and are used for the protection of highly sensitive
devices such as semiconductor devices.

Type Z MCB
Functions of Type Z MCB are protection and control of the electronic circuits against weak and long
duration overloads and short-circuits. 
Applications: Commercial and industrial uses.
All the above types of MCBs provide tripping protection within one-tenth of a second.
This is a visual summary of the trip curves (per
standard) and their typical load types.
Types of MCB based on Number of Poles
Another practical way of distinguishing MCBs is by way of the number of poles supported by the
circuit breaker. Based on that, the following types exist:
1. Single Pole (SP) MCB

Single Pole MCB

A single-pole MCB provides switching and protection only for one single phase of a circuit.

2. Double Pole (DP) MCB

Double Pole MCB

A two Pole MCB provides switching and protection both for a phase and the neutral.

3. Triple Pole (TP) MCB

Triple Pole MCB

A triple/three phase miniature circuit breaker provides switching and protection only to three phases
of the circuit and not to the neutral.
4. Three Pole with Neutral [TPN (3P+N) MCB]
A TPN MCB has switching and protection to all three phases of the circuit and additionally Neutral
is also part of the MCB as a separate pole. 

Three Pole + Neutral – C curve MCB

However, Neutral pole is without any protection and can only be switched.

5. Four Pole (4P) MCB

A 4 pole MCB is similar to TPN but additionally, it also has a protective release for the neutral pole. 

4 pole MCB
This MCB should be used in cases where there is a possibility of high neutral current flow through the
circuit as in cases of an unbalanced circuit.

MCB Characteristic/Trip Curves (Type B,C & D)

In this section, you will learn the characteristics or trip curves of different MCB types. Understanding the
trip curves is very important to help you in MCB selection.

What are Trip Curves?

The Characteristic Curve / Trip Curve is the graphical representation of the expected behavior of the circuit
protection device. 
Circuit protection devices come in many forms, including fuses, miniature circuit breakers, molded case
circuit breakers, supplementary protectors, motor protection circuit breakers, overload relays, electronic
fuses, and air circuit breakers.
 Trip Curve is normally plotted between the release current and tripping time (Time – Current Curve). They
are provided by the manufacturers of circuit protection devices to assist users with selecting devices that
provide proper equipment protection and performance while avoiding nuisance tripping.

Typical Characteristic Curve of an MCB

The circuit breaker’s trip curves consist of two parts:
1. Tripping of overload protection (thermal tripping device): The higher the current, the shorter the
tripping time
2. Tripping of short-circuit protection (magnetic tripping device): If the current exceeds the
threshold of this protection device, the breaking time is less than 10 milliseconds.
The first sloping region of the curve is a graphical representation of the tripping characteristics of the
thermal trip unit. This portion of the curve is sloped due to the nature of the thermal trip unit. 
 Tripping Zones in MCB Curve
The second region is the response time of the magnetic trip which differentiates each characteristic and for
which an identifying letter (Type B, C, D, K, Z) is assigned. 
The classification of Type B, C or D is based on fault current rating at which magnetic operation
occurs to provide short-time protection (typically less than 100ms) against short circuits.
The most important MCB characteristics are
 Type B characteristic curves.
 Type C characteristic curves.
 Type D characteristic curves. 

1. Type B Curve 2. Type C Curve 3. Type D Curve

There are some specialized trip curves such as
 Type S Curve
 Type Z Curve
 Type K Curve
Why do we Need Different Trip Curves?
At this point, one question comes into your mind “What is the need for different types of Trip Curves” or
“Why do we need different Trip Curves”.
The role of a circuit breaker is to trip quickly enough to avoid equipment or wiring failure, but not so fast as
to give false, or nuisance trips.
It is important that equipment having high inrush currents should not cause the circuit breaker to trip
unnecessarily, and yet the device should trip in the event of a short-circuit current that could damage the
circuit cables. 
We need different trip curves in order to balance the right amount of overcurrent protection against optimal
machine operation. Choosing a circuit breaker with a trip curve that trips too soon can result in nuisance
tripping. Choosing a circuit breaker that trips too late can result in catastrophic damage to machine and
cables.
Now we will look into each of the three important trip curves mentioned above.
1. Type B Curve
Type B devices are generally suitable for domestic applications. They may also be used
in light commercial applications where switching surges are low or non-existent. 

Type B MCB Curve

They are designed to trip at fault currents of 3-5 times rated current. For example, a 10A device will trip at
30-50A.
2. Type C Curve
Type C devices are the normal choice for commercial and industrial applications where fluorescent
lighting, motors etc. are in use.
These devices are designed to trip at 5-10 times rated current (50-100A for a 10A device). 
3. Type D Curve
The Type D devices have more limited applications, normally in industrial use where high inrush
currents may be expected. 
 Type D MCB Curve
Examples include large battery charging systems, winding motors, transformers, X-ray machines and some
types of discharge lighting. Type D devices are designed to trip at 10-20 times (100-200A for a 10A
device). 
Normal cable ratings relate to continuous service under specified installation conditions. Cables will, of
course, carry higher currents for a short time without suffering permanent damage. 

Type B and C circuit breakers can generally be selected to achieve tripping times that will protect the
circuit conductors against normal surge currents in accordance with BS 7671. This is more difficult to
achieve with Type D devices, which may require a lower earth loop impedance (Zs) to achieve tile operating
times required by Regulation 413-02-08. 

Different Type of Trip Curves in MCB

Sources of Surge currents
Surge currents in domestic installations are generally low so that a Type B device is adequate. 
 Surge Current or Inrush Current in MCB
For example, inrush currents associated with one or two fluorescent fittings or the compressor motor in a
refrigerator/freezer are unlikely to cause unwanted tripping. Fluorescent and other discharge lamps produce
surge currents and while one or two fluorescent lamps are unlikely to cause a problem, the block switching
of a number of fluorescent lamps. 
In a shop, office or factory can produce substantial inrush currents. For this reason, Type C devices
are recommended for these applications. 
The magnitude of the surge current will depend on the lamp rating, starting system, and type of control gear
used in the luminaires.
Reputable Miniature Circuit Breaker manufacturers produce tables listing the number of fittings of a
particular make and type that can be used with their devices. 
Overcoming Unwanted Tripping of MCB
Sometimes the failure of tungsten filament lamps can trip Type B miniature circuit breakers in domestic and
retail environments. 
This is caused by high arcing currents occurring at the time of failure and is generally associated with
inferior quality lamps. If possible the user should be encouraged to use better quality lamps. If the problem
persists then one of the measurements listed below should be considered. 
A Type C device may be substituted for a Type B device where unwanted tripping persists, especially in
commercial applications. 
Alternatively, it may be possible to use a higher rating Type B MCB, say 10A rather than 6A. 
Whichever solution is adopted, the installation must be in accordance with BS 7671. 
A change from Type C to Type D devices should only be taken after careful consideration of the installation
conditions, in particular, the operating times required by regulation. 
Other Considerations
The importance of selecting circuit-breakers from reputable manufacturers cannot be overemphasized. Some
imported products, claiming to have a 6kA short-circuit capacity, had failed dramatically under test. 
In contrast, the test procedures followed in British ASCTA (Association of Short Circuit Testing
Authorities) laboratories are among the most suitable in the world. 
Type B devices should only be used in domestic situations where high inrush currents are unlikely and
Type C devices should be used in all other situations. 
Selection of Right MCB
The decision to use Type B, C or D miniature circuit breakers for final circuit protection in residential,
commercial, industrial or public buildings can be based on a few simple rules. 
However, an understanding of the differences between these types of devices can help the installer overcome
problems of unwanted tripping or make a suitable selection where lines of demarcation are less clearly
defined.
It should be stressed that the primary purpose of circuit protection devices such as miniature circuit breakers
and fuses is to protect the cable downstream of the device.
The essential distinction between Type B, C or D devices is based on their ability to handle surge currents
without tripping. These are, typically, inrush currents associated with fluorescent and other forms of
discharge lighting, induction motors, battery charging equipment, etc.
 Type B, C, and D are used for overcurrent protection of cables in accordance with IEC/EN 60898-1
 Type K for the protecting motors and transformers and simultaneous overcurrent protection of
cables with overload tripping based on IEC/EN 60947-2
 Type Z for control circuits with high impedances, voltage converter circuits, and semi cable
protection and simultaneous overcurrent protection of cables with overload tripping based on IEC/EN
60947-2.
How To Select Rating Of MCB at a Particular Circuit
If the proper rating is not selected on a particular circuit, there will be no proper functions of MCB at
overload. Therefore it is very important to select the right rating of MCB which can be easily calculated as
under.
Example
Let’s imagine you have 4 Fans, One TV, 4 Tubes, One V.C.D., One Refrigerator & one 1.5 Ton Air
Conditioner on a particular circuit.
The current in that circuit will be (4 x 0.40) + (0.55) + (4×0.20) + (0.22) + (1.6) + (11) = 16 AMP.
Therefore, the suitable rating of MCB will be 20 AMP B Series.
For ready reference current of some important appliance is given below to calculating the preferred rating of
MCB.
Calculating Power consumption : 1 Unit = Rs. 4.50 = 1000 watt/hours = 1 Kw/hours.

MCB Selection Table

The MCB selection table helps you to choose the right MCB for protecting your circuit.
 MC
B Selection Table 1
 MCB
Selection Table 2
What is a RCBB?
RCD, Residual-Current Device or RCCB, Residual Circuit Current Breaker. It is an electrical wiring device
whose function is to disconnect the circuit when it detects currents leaking to the earth wire. It also gives
protection against electric shock or electrocution caused by direct contacts.

What is the function and additional function of RCCB?

Residual Circuit Current Breaker, RCCB
It is a device that has a mechanical switch attached with a residual tripping feature attached to it. As
mentioned above, it will only break the circuit when there is a leakage current flowing to the earth or also
known as earth fault. This is to minimize the risk of human life.
RCCBs usually can handle a fault or residual current of 1kA on their own if it is a fault to earth.
Wiring rules states that other devices should be operating together with RCCBs to provide protection. This
can help improve the short circuit rating of RCCBs, thus for example a 1kA rated RCCB is able to operate
at a fault level higher than 1kA.
*A Fault refers to an abnormal electric current. E.g a short circuit is a fault in which current exceed the
normal load. It can also be refer to Residual current.
Residual Circuit Current Breaker with Overload protection, RCBO
This device is RCCB with a MCB, Miniature Circuit Breaker built in to it, also known as RCBO. It mainly
protects against earth fault, overloads and short circuit currents. It also has the similar purpose of protecting
lives like the RCD.
*To learn more about MCB, click here
Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker, ELCB
This device has the same function as the residual current circuit breaker, RCCB but it is a voltage sensor
device. They are suitable for three-phase circuits and high current loads. The residual current level and
tripping delay is often adjustable, thus allowing selectivity among different circuit breakers.
Regardless, ELCB is an old device and the RCCB has better advantages.

Working Principle of RCCB

An ideal circuit is that currents flows through the circuit via the live wire should be the same as the returning
current via the neutral wire.
However, when an earth fault happens, current enters the earth wire by accident such as accidental contact
with open wire. As a result, the current returning through then neutral wire is reduced. The difference in
current between the live and neutral wire is called residual current. RCCB is designed such way that it
continuously senses the residual current or the difference in current values between the live and neutral
wires. Therefore, unless the residual current does not surpass the limit, the RCCB will disconnect the
circuit.
 
 Types and Ratings
Types Waveform
AC Sensitive to residual sinusoidal alternating current only
A Sensitive to residual alternating current and/or pulsating direct current
B Provide protection of alternating residual sinusoidal current up to 1000Hz, pulsating direct
current and smooth direct residual currents.
F Provide protection for circuit using single phased variable speed drivers could be used.

Pole types of RCCB: The 2 Pole, The 3 Pole and the 4 Pole.
2 Pole RCCB – Used in case of a single-phase supply connection that has only a live and a neutral wire.
4 Pole RCCB – Used in case of a three-phase supply connection and also an additional connection for the

neutral of the supply4 pole RCCB

3 Pole RCCB – Similar to a 4 Pole RCCB but it only has three wires of a three-phase

system.
3 Pole RCCB

Ratings of RCCB
Residual Current Sensitivity – 10mA, 30mA, 100mA, 300mA, 500mA, 1000mA
Different Residual Current Sensitivity Tripping level serves a purpose.
The recommended tripping level for maximum shock protection is 30mA just like the Schneider Acti9
RCCB (Picture above).
A tripping level of 100 mA will still give a degree of shock protection if it’s not possible to use a 30mA
device.
While a 300mA should never be used for shock protection, its purpose is to provide fire and equipment
protection.