Circuit protection is the intentional addition of a weak link in an electric circuit. This link can be broken in the event of a fault, be it a short circuit, high temperature, excessive current etc. It protects the electric circuit from damage.
Protective devices are important as they ensure that in case of faulty conditions, the circuit is broken and the consumer is safe from any accident. Overcurrent protection arises from overloads and short circuits, and these are protected through circuit breakers or fuses. These devices disconnect the supply automatically in case of an overload or fault current. There are many types of circuit protection devices.
·
Fuses
·
Miniature Circuit Board (MCB)
·
Residual Current Device (RCD)
·
Residual Current Breaker with
Overcurrent (RCBO)
What is an MCB?
Miniature Circuit Breakers, commonly known
as MCB, are electromagnetic devices which are used to protect an electric
circuit from an overload, overcurrent and short circuit. It switches off the
electric circuit during an abnormal condition of the network. Also, it avoids
overheating in case of excess current & provides fire protection. The
difference between a fuse and an MCB is:
·
A fuse has to be replaced or
rewired every time after a fault
·
An MCB does not have to be
replaced every time a fault occurs
Advantages of using an MCB over a Fuse
It is majorly used to secure your household appliances to heavy electrical machines with short circuits and overload currents. Its main advantages over a fuse are:
More sensitive: It detects any abnormality in the current flow and automatically switches off the circuit.
Faulty zone can easily be identified: Faulty circuit trips to the off position. In case of a fuse, the entire fuse wire needs to be checked for confirming the faulty zone. So, an MCB saves time and unnecessary workload.
Simple to resume the supply: Many must be aware that in case of an MCB, one just needs to push up the knob back to the ON position. Whereas in case of a fuse, the entire fuse wire needs replacement.
Safer than a fuse: In case of an MCB, the user is not exposed to live electrical parts, and hence, it’s comparatively safe than a fuse.
Reusable: The complete fuse needs to be replaced whenever it goes faulty.
Better interface
Read Also: How circuit protection safeguards your smart home products


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