We all have come across situations where there is a power trip at home or work, and we are continuously thinking about what caused it. Well, it could be MCB and RCCB doing their job. MCBs and RCCBs are like two security guards for our home’s electrical systems. Their primary role is to keep our homes safe when there is an overload or leakage, protecting us against hazards. Now, you must be thinking, if both MCB and RCCB serve the same purpose, what is the difference? This blog is going to provide you with that clarity. Read on to find out the differences between RCCB vs MCB, as well as their functioning and uses.
Before we start with the RCCB MCB differences, let us know what MCBs and RCCBs are.
An MCB or a miniature circuit breaker is a safety device. Its primary function is to prevent the electrical system from being damaged in the event of any overload or short circuit. In simple words, whenever a short circuit happens, the MCB will quickly turn off the power supply to prevent any further damage from happening.
MCBs are used in both residential and workplace settings. They are typically used to protect several circuits at once, with each circuit possessing its breaker.
RCCB, also known as RCD or Residual Current Circuit breaker, is a residual current protection device that monitors current in the main and neutral lines of both residential and commercial buildings.
Let us understand it with an example:
If an appliance has a faulty wire that leaks current, an RCCB will immediately disconnect the power so that no further damage is caused. Furthermore, this safety device ensures that no electrical shocks occur in places like bathrooms and kitchens that use water.
One key aspect of the difference between RCCB and MCB is installation. MCBs are comparatively easier to install as they come with a simple power switch that can be connected to the main circuit. On the other hand, RCCBs require more precision when being installed.
The design of MCBs makes them useful for providing protection against short circuits and overloads. RCCBs are designed to protect electrical systems against earth leakages and electrical shocks.
In terms of sensitivity, RCCBs rank higher as MCBs are not that sensitive to current fluctuations and can take a few milliseconds to trip. RCCBs react faster and trip within 20 milliseconds.
You can find MCBs in single, double and four pole systems, whereas RCCBs have only double and four pole systems.
MCBs have a rating between 6A and 125A, whereas RCCBs have a rated current trip sensitivity of 300mA, 100mA and 10mA.
Some other important MCB and RCCB differences are as follows:
| Feature | MCB | RCCB |
| Fault Detection | Detects overcurrent and short circuits. | Detects leakage currents due to insulation failures or ground faults. |
| Neutral Connection | Works with or without a neutral wire. | Requires both phase and neutral connections for proper operation. |
| Primary Use Case | Commonly used in household and industrial distribution panels for overload protection. | Used in residential and commercial setups to prevent electric shocks and fire hazards. |
| Tripping Mechanism | Trips based on thermal and magnetic effects. | Trips occur when there is an imbalance in incoming and outgoing currents. |
| Resetting After Trip | It can be easily reset by flipping the switch back. | Manual inspection is needed before resetting to ensure safety. |
Understanding the differences between MCB and RCCB is essential in order to effectively protect your home against electrical hazards like short circuits and overloads. Here is a little tip to ensure both devices work smoothly:
Make sure you install MCB before RCCB!
Now that you know all the differences between RCCB and MCB, make a smart choice by choosing the one that fits your needs. Buy and install MCB and RCCB now to protect your electric circuits from any damage. Explore our range to check out some excellent choices on offer.
Although RCCB protects against electrical shocks, it is always best to use MCBs and RCCBs together. This ensures better protection against possible electrical dangers.
Absolutely, you can use RCCBs at home. RCCB is best suited for electrical systems in places that are wet, like kitchens and bathrooms.
No. RCCBs are designed to trip on leakage and not on overloads.
While both serve the purpose, MCBs are preferred because they are comparatively easier to install than RCCBs.
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