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EE General guides
Power Substations
Schneider Electric CTs
Siemens Basics of EE
ABB Drives Guides
Industry Automation
Relay control/protection
Alternative Energy
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What is the difference between MCB, MCCB, ELCB, and RCCB | EEP
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The most widely used are 30 mA (milliamp) and 100 mA devices. A current flow of 30 mA (or
0.03 amps) is sufficiently small that it makes it very difficult to receive a dangerous shock. Even
100 mA is a relatively small figure when compared to the current that may flow in an earth fault
without such protection (hundred of amps)
A 300/500 mA RCCB may be used where only fire protection is required. eg., on lighting
circuits, where the risk of electric shock is small.
Limitation of RCCB
Standard electromechanical RCCBs are designed to operate on normal supply
waveforms and cannot be guaranteed to operate where none standard waveforms are
generated by loads. The most common is the half wave rectified waveform sometimes
called pulsating dc generated by speed control devices, semi conductors, computers and
even dimmers.
Specially modified RCCBs are available which will operate on normal ac and pulsating dc.
RCDs dont offer protection against current overloads: RCDs detect an imbalance in
the live and neutral currents. A current overload, however large, cannot be detected. It is a
frequent cause of problems with novices to replace an MCB in a fuse box with an RCD.
This may be done in an attempt to increase shock protection. If a live-neutral fault occurs
(a short circuit, or an overload), the RCD wont trip, and may be damaged. In practice, the
main MCB for the premises will probably trip, or the service fuse, so the situation is
unlikely to lead to catastrophe; but it may be inconvenient.
It is now possible to get an MCB and and RCD in a single unit, called an RCBO (see
below). Replacing an MCB with an RCBO of the same rating is generally safe.
Nuisance tripping of RCCB: Sudden changes in electrical load can cause a small, brief
current flow to earth, especially in old appliances. RCDs are very sensitive and operate very
quickly; they may well trip when the motor of an old freezer switches off. Some equipment
is notoriously `leaky, that is, generate a small, constant current flow to earth. Some types
of computer equipment, and large television sets, are widely reported to cause problems.
RCD will not protect against a socket outlet being wired with its live and neutral
terminals the wrong way round.
RCD will not protect against the overheating that results when conductors are not
properly screwed into their terminals.
RCD will not protect against live-neutral shocks, because the current in the live and
neutral is balanced. So if you touch live and neutral conductors at the same time (e.g., both
terminals of a light fitting), you may still get a nasty shock.
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What is the difference between MCB, MCCB, ELCB, and RCCB | EEP
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this indicated a current leakage to earth. The problem is that ELCBs need a sound earth
connection, as does the equipment it protects. As a result, the use of ELCBs is no longer
recommended.
MCB Selection
The first characteristic is the overload which is intended to prevent the accidental
overloading of the cable in a no fault situation. The speed of the MCB tripping will vary
with the degree of the overload. This is usually achieved by the use of a thermal device in
the MCB.
The second characteristic is the magnetic fault protection, which is intended to operate
when the fault reaches a predetermined level and to trip the MCB within one tenth of a
second. The level of this magnetic trip gives the MCB its type characteristic as follows:
Type
Tripping Current
Operating Time
Type B
0.04 To 13 Sec
Type C
0.04 To 5 Sec
0.04 To 3 Sec
The third characteristic is the short circuit protection, which is intended to protect against
heavy faults maybe in thousands of amps caused by short circuit faults.
The capability of the MCB to operate under these conditions gives its short circuit rating
in Kilo amps (KA). In general for consumer units a 6KA fault level is adequate whereas
for industrial boards 10KA fault capabilities or above may be required.
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What is the difference between MCB, MCCB, ELCB, and RCCB | EEP
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even have been noticed) this is much more likely. This explains why fuses can sometimes
blow for no obvious reason
If the fuse is marked 30 amps, but it will actually stand 40 amps for over an hour, how
can we justify calling it a 30 amp fuse? The answer is that the overload characteristics of
fuses are designed to match the properties of modern cables. For example, a modern PVCinsulated cable will stand a 50% overload for an hour, so it seems reasonable that the fuse
should as well.
Recommended EE articles //
Share with engineers //
About Author //
Jignesh Parmar
jiguparmar - Jignesh Parmar has completed his B.E(Electrical) from
Gujarat University. He is member of Institution of Engineers
(MIE),India. Membership No:M-1473586.He has more than 12 years
experience in Transmission -Distribution-Electrical Energy theft
detection-Electrical Maintenance-Electrical Projects (Planning-DesigningTechnical Review-coordination -Execution). He is Presently associate
with one of the leading business group as a Assistant Manager at
Ahmedabad,India. He has published numbers of Technical Articles in "Electrical Mirror",
"Electrical India", "Lighting India", "Industrial Electrix"(Australian Power Publications)
Magazines. He is Freelancer Programmer of Advance Excel and design useful Excel base
Electrical Programs as per IS, NEC, IEC,IEEE codes. He is Technical Blogger and Familiar with
English, Hindi, Gujarati, French languages. He wants to Share his experience & Knowledge and
help technical enthusiasts to find suitable solutions and updating themselves on various
Engineering Topics.
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