FEASIBILITY STUDY OF MINIATURE CIRCUIT BREAKER

1.0 Introduction

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

Nowadays we use an MCB in 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 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-wire able or replaced for restoring the supply. Restoration
is easily possible by just switching it ON.

1.1 Uses of MCB

1. Home electrical appliance - the miniature circuit breaker is designed to protect the house from
circuit overload. The breaker can manage the flow of energy, distributing properly the voltage
even when many devices run off the same power circuit.

2. Lights - Using miniature circuit breakers in the lighting system of the house, because they can
deal with the amount of power needed to light a house

3. Industrial application -There are many small-scale industrial buildings that use the miniature
circuit breakers instead of the old fuses. These installations require up to 30 kA capacity,
therefore the miniature breakers are ideal for this type of applications and devices
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1.3 Types of MCB

MCBs are classified into three major types according to their instantaneous tripping currents.
They are

Type B MCB

Type C MCB

Type D MCB

Type B MCB

This type of MCB will trip instantly at a rate of three to five times its rated current. These are
normally used for resistive or small inductive loads where switching surges are very small.
Therefore, these are suitable for residential or light commercial installations.

Type C MCB

This type of MCB will trip instantly at a rate of five to ten times its rated current. These are
normally used for high inductive loads where switching surges are high such as small motors and
florescent lighting. In such cases, type C MCBs are preferred to handle higher value of short
circuit currents. Therefore, these are suitable for highly inductive commercial and industrial
installations.

Type D MCB

This type of MCB will trip instantly at a rate of ten to twenty five times its rated current. These
are normally used for very high inductive loads where high inrush current are very frequent.
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These are suitable for specific industrial and commercial applications. The common examples of
such applications include x-ray machines, UPS systems, industrial welding equipment, large
winding motors, etc.

2.0 CURRENT MARKET SCENARIO

The circuit breakers are one of the key contributors for the efficient and reliable power supply.
Growing focus towards efficient transmission and distribution of electricity and sustained
demand from end-user industries is driving the demand for circuit breakers in India. The
government of India has set the target to add power capacity of about 88,536 MW (Mega Watt)
during the 12th year plan, i.e., 2012-17 which in turn has led to the growth of high voltage circuit
breaker in high power transmission and sub-transmission projects.

According to "India Circuit Breakers Market Forecast & Opportunities, 2018", the circuit
breakers market revenues in India are forecasted to grow at the CAGR of around 15% during
2013-18. The market is currently dominated by low voltage circuit breakers. It is forecasted that
MCB and MCCB will account for more than 30% revenue share by 2018 due to high demand
from low voltage segments. The leading players operating in Indian circuit breakers market are
Schneider Electric, Siemens, L&T and ABB.

2.1Top 10 Modular Electric Switch Brands in India for Homes (2019)

1. Havells.

2. Wipro North West.

3. Anchor.

4. Schneider Electric. 5. Legrand.

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