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Difference between MPCB and MCCB

In this post, we will learn the difference between MPCB and MCCB.
Circuit breakers play a crucial role in electrical systems by serving as protective switches that regulate the flow of current. They are designed to monitor specific conditions, and when a trip condition is detected, the breaker disconnects its contacts. This action effectively isolates the input and output voltages, preventing them from interacting.

A circuit breaker is an electrical device engineered for both switching and safeguarding an electrical circuit. It can function either manually or automatically to halt the current flow within the circuit. There are various types of circuit breakers available, including MCB, MCCB, MPCB, RCCB, ACB, OCB, and VCB.

Although numerous types of circuit breakers are utilized in electrical circuits, this discussion will focus on two of the most commonly used types: MPCB and MCCB.

What is MPCB?

MPCB, short for Motor Protection Circuit Breaker, is a specialized circuit breaker designed to safeguard electric motors from issues such as overloads, short circuits, undervoltage, and phase loss. Essentially, an MPCB is a thermal-magnetic circuit breaker that ensures motor protection against these faults. These breakers are available for various voltage levels, typically ranging from 230 V to 660 V.

When choosing an MPCB for a specific motor, the decision is primarily based on the motor’s full load current and the highest possible short circuit current. A distinctive characteristic of MPCBs is their ability to endure the high inrush currents during motor startup without disrupting the circuit.

What-is-Motor-Protection-Circuit-Breaker

What is MCCB?

MCCB, which stands for Molded Case Circuit Breaker, is an electrical protection device designed to shield circuits from excessive currents due to short circuits or overloads. It employs a bimetallic strip, acting as a thermal element, along with a current-sensitive electromagnetic component for protection and disconnection. This setup allows the MCCB to guard against overloads and short circuits while also functioning as an ON/OFF switch for electrical circuits. MCCBs are versatile, operating across various voltage levels with current ratings up to 3200 A.

Widely used in heavy-duty applications, MCCBs protect capacitor banks, welding machines, electrical feeders, and motors. As a protective device, an MCCB ensures electrical safety by halting excessive current flow through circuit systems. It includes a manual switch for tripping the circuit and offers settings for both overcurrent and overtemperature conditions.

The MCCB features bimetallic contacts that expand and contract with temperature changes. Under normal conditions, these contacts allow current to flow through the circuit. However, if the current surpasses a set limit, the contacts heat up and expand until they open, interrupting the flow.

Difference between MPCB and MCCB

Difference between MPCB and MCCB

Basis of DifferenceMPCBMCCB
Full FormMotor Protection Circuit BreakerMolded Case Circuit Breaker
Used forManually switching electric motors on/off and protecting them from faultsSwitching and protecting distribution circuits and motors
Design PurposeSpecifically for motor protection against faultsGeneral protection for wiring and distribution systems
Protection ProvidedGuards motors against short circuit, overload, undervoltage, and phase lossProtects circuits or motors from overloads and short circuits
Base of Setting ParametersBased on motor’s full-load currentSet according to application needs like overload and short circuit currents
Selection CriteriaChosen based on motor’s full-load current and potential short circuit currentSelected by maximum load and short circuit current it can safely interrupt
Function in Motor CircuitProtects against both overloads and short circuitsPrimarily guards against short circuits
Need of Overload Protection RelayNo additional relay needed due to built-in protectionRequires an overload protection relay
Auto-resetting FeatureModern versions include auto-resetting after overload tripsDoes not have an auto-resetting feature
Response to Starting CurrentsCan handle motor’s starting inrush currents without trippingMust be chosen based on starting current to avoid false trips
Need of ContactorOptional contactor; can manually switch motorsRequires a contactor for switching purposes

Conclusion 

MPCBs have built-in overload protection, eliminating the need for extra relays and contactors, making them compact for motor use. MCCBs, however, require additional relays and contactors for motor protection, as they lack built-in overload features. This highlights the need to choose the right device based on system requirements.

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