Overcurrent Protection

Overcurrent protection is device use to open the circuit (disconnect the line) when the current rating
capacity of the equipment being protected is exceeded.

Overcurrent protection devices such as fuses, breakers, and others limit the current to the proper
rate and disconnect short circuits.

Fuse
Fuse is a one-time protective device to be replaced after the fault is cleared. It is the simplest and
most common type of circuit protective device used in the most house wiring installation.

Types of Fuse
Fuses can be divided into two major categories, AC fuses, and DC fuses. The below block
diagram illustrates the different types of the fuse under each category.

DC Fuses

CARTRIDGE FUSES
AUTOMOTIVE FUSES

RESETTABLE FUSES/POLYFUSE 

AC FUSES

EXPULSION FUSES

CARTRIDGE FUSE
DROP – OUT FUSES

REWIREABLE FUSES

SWITCH FUSE

Circuit Breaker

Circuit breaker is an overcurrent protective device designed to function as a switch. Equipped

with an automatic tripping device to protect the branch circuit from overload and ground fault.

Trip or Tripping refers to the cutting-off or disconnection of the current supply.

Different Types of Circuit Breaker

 Miniature Circuit Breaker (MCB)

 Moulded Case Circuit Breaker (MCCB)

 Residual Case Circuit Breaker (RCCB)

Miniature Circuit Breaker

A miniature circuit breaker (MCB) automatically switches off the electrical circuit during an
abnormal condition of the network means in overload condition as well as faulty condition.

Nowadays we use an MCB in a low voltage electrical network instead of a fuse. The fuse
may not sense it but the miniature circuit breaker does it in a more reliable way. MCB is much
more sensitive to overcurrent than a fuse.

Handling an MCB is electrically safer than a fuse. Quick restoration of supply is possible in case
of a fuse as because fuses must be re-wirable or replaced for restoring the supply. Restoration is
easily possible by just switching it ON. Let’s look at the working of the miniature circuit breaker.

Moulded Case Circuit Breaker

A moulded case circuit breaker (MCCB) is a type of electrical protection device that is used to
protect the electrical circuit from excessive current, which can cause overload or short circuit.
With a current rating of up to 2500A, MCCBs can be used for a wide range of voltages and
frequencies with adjustable trip settings.

How the MCCB operates

The MCCB uses a temperature sensitive device (the thermal element) with a current sensitive
electromagnetic device (the magnetic element) to provide the trip mechanism for protection and
isolation purposes. This enables the MCCB to provide:
  Overload Protection,
 Electrical Fault Protection against short circuit currents, and
 Electrical Switch for disconnection.

Residual Case Circuit 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?

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.

Fault – refers to an abnormal electric current

Short Circuit - is a fault in which current exceed the normal load.