TECHNOLOGY

USED IN THE
ELECTRICAL
INDUSTRY 
Name: Jaimie Maloney
Name of Class: Information Technology
Course: Electrical Installation
Professor Name: Dr. Philomena Cato
 Introduction 

■ In the electrical industry there are

various technological devices used;
whether it may be hardware or
software. However, one of the main
hardware devices used is the circuit
breaker. The circuit breaker is a
hardware device that activates when
the current drawn from the power
exceeds a set level. Its purpose is to
prevent damage to electrically
powered equipment in the event of a
power surge or electrical malfunction 
 THERE ARE THREE MAIN TYPES OF
CIRCUIT BREAKERS 
MINIATURE CIRCUIT BREAKER 
• Miniature Circuit Breaker (MCB) is an electromechanical device used to
isolate the electrical circuit during overcurrent and short circuit
situations. MCB is a resettable protective device without the use of the
fusible element. In simple words, MCB’s function is to interrupt the
electrical flow during an error event. event. MCB is better than fuse
since it does not require to replace when an overload or short circuit
identified. MCB is used for low power domestic and industrial
applications. MCB works in a combination of a switch, overcurrent, and
short circuit protection.

MOLDED CASE CIRCUIT BREAKER 

• MCCB is also an electromechanical device used to protect the circuit
from overcurrent and short circuit protection. MCCB is used when the
load current exceeds a miniature circuit breaker's capability and in
applications requiring an adjustable trip current setting. It can be used
with a wide range of voltages. The main difference between MCCB and
MCB is that the current ranges of MCCB are up to 2000 Amps and its
trip setting is adjustable. The functions of a MCCB are to overload
protection, short circuit fault or ground fault and to act as an on/off
switch circuit.
 Earth Leakage Circuit
Breaker (ELCB)
■ The Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker (ELCB). ELCB,
widely used in commercial as well as industrial
applications. If there is a current leak due to insulation
failure, ELCB is used to detect and prevent this
condition and prevent injury to the human body or
animal from electrical shock. ELCB detects the earth
leaks current and isolates the electrical power flow by
just tripping the circuit breaker. The working principle
of ELCB is quite simple.
 Five Main Components that Play A Key
Role in the Electrical Circuit 
1. THE FRAME
This is considered the body of the circuit
breaker. It is the molded, insulated housing,
fabricated from a glass-polyester, thermoset
composite resin, or thermo-plastic glass fiber
material. It protects all the internal parts of
the circuit breaker and supports the
components. It provides insulation to contain
the arc.
2. THE OPERATING MECHANISM
The operating mechanism creates and stores
energy to operate the circuit breaker.  It must
always be able to trip the circuit breaker.
Depending on the force required to operate
the breaker, the circuit breaker may be
equipped with one operating mechanism per
phase or one mechanism for all three phases.
The operating mechanism includes the energy
storage medium, actuating circuit and
interlocking systems. 
 Five Main Components that Play A Key
Role in the Electrical Circuit 
continuation...
3.  THE CONTACTS
An electrical contact is an electrically
controlled switch that completes or interrupts
a circuit affecting an electrical current. Unlike
relays, electrical contacts carry higher current
loads and are designed to be directly
connected to high voltage feeds.
4.  THE ARC
An arc extinguisher is the component of the
circuit breaker that extinguishes an arc when
the contacts are opened. Circuit breakers must
be designed to control them because arcs
cannot be prevented.
Five Main Components that Play a Key
Role in the Electrical Circuit 
continuation...

5.  THE TRIP UNIT 

A trip unit is the part of a circuit breaker that opens the circuit in the event of a
thermal overload, short circuit or ground fault. An open circuit will not conduct
electricity because either air, or some other insulator has stopped or broken the
flow of current in the loop.
 References 

ELCB (Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker) – Construction, Types & Working. (2021 August)

https://wwwelectricaltechnologyorg.cdn.ampproject.org

GSES (2017 October 11 th) Moulded Case Circuit Breakers Explained

https://www.gses.com.au/molded-case-circuit-breakers/

Connection Magazines (2023) Fuses, Circuit Breakers, and Safety Switches

https://build.com.au/fuses-circuit-breakers-and-safety-switches
THANK YOU