Different Types of Circuit Breakers and Their Uses

Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker (ELCB)

ELCB is designed to detect and respond to a small leakage of current to earth, which could indicate a potential electrical shock hazard. The ELCB operates by detecting small differences in current flow between the live and neutral conductors, and if the difference exceeds a predetermined level, the breaker trips, cutting off the power supply.

Current rating: ELCBs are available in different current ratings (such as: 16 amps, 40 amps, 63 amps, 80 amps, 100 amps)

Tripping characteristic: ELCBs are available in different trip sensitivities, ranging from 30mA, 100 mA, 300 mA and 500mA, depending on the level of protection required. A common trip sensitivity for ELCBs is 30mA, which is considered to be a high level of protection against electrical shock.

Pole configurations: Available in 2 poles, 3 poles and 4 poles

Residual Current Circuit Breaker (RCCB)

RCCB operates by detecting small differences in current flow between the live and neutral conductors, and if the difference exceeds a predetermined level, the breaker trips, cutting off the power supply. This helps to ensure that the current flowing through the circuit is within safe limits and prevents any potential electrical shock hazards.

Tripping characteristic: RCCB are available in different current ratings (such as: 16 amps, 40 amps, 63 amps, 80 amps, 100 amps)

Tripping characteristic: You can find RCCB with different trip sensitivities, normally start from 30mA, up to 100 mA, 300 mA and 500mA.

Pole configurations:  Available in 2 poles, 3 poles and 4 poles

Residual Current Circuit Breaker with overcurrent protection (RCBO)

RCBO is a type of electrical circuit breaker that combines the functions of a residual current device (RCD) and a circuit breaker into a single unit.

The RCBO also provides overcurrent protection, which is designed to trip the breaker if the current exceeds a predetermined level. The RCBO is commonly used in residential and commercial electrical installations where a high level of protection is required.

Current rating: RCBO comes in market with different current ratings (such as: 6 amps, 10 amps, 16 amps, 20 amps, 25 amps, 32 amps, 40 amps, 63 amps etc.)

Tripping characteristic: RCBOs are available in different trip sensitivities, ranging from 10mA, 30mA and 300mA.

Pole configurations: Available in 1 pole, 2 poles, 3 poles and 4 poles

Miniature Circuit Breaker (MCB)

These circuit breakers are designed for use in residential and light commercial applications, and typically have a lower current rating than other types of breakers. They are designed to protect against overcurrent and short circuits, and are commonly used in applications such as homes, small offices, and small commercial buildings.

Current rating: MCBs are available in different current ratings, typically available in 1 amp, 6 amps, 10 amps, 16 amps, 20 amps, 25 amps, 32 amps, 40 amps, 63 amps, 80 amps, 100 amps, 125 amps and more)

Tripping characteristic: MCBs are available with different tripping characteristics, including B, C, D, K, Z depending on the level of protection required against overloading and short circuits.

Pole configurations: MCBs are available in 1 pole, 2 poles, 3 poles and 4 poles, depending on the number of phases and the complexity of the electrical circuit.

Molded Case Circuit Breaker (MCCB)

These circuit breakers are designed for use in industrial and commercial applications, and typically have a higher current rating than other types of breakers. They are designed to protect against overcurrent and short circuits, and are commonly used in applications such as factories, power plants, and large commercial buildings.

Current rating: MCCBs are available in different current ratings, ranging from 10 Amps, 25 Amps, 32 Amps, 63 Amps, 80 Amps, 100 Amps, 125 Amps, 160 Amps, 200 Amps, 225 Amps, 250Amps, 300 Amps, 400Amps, 500 Amps, 600 Amps, 800 Amps, 1000 Amps, 1250 Amps, 1600 Amps or more, depending on the electrical load and the size of the circuit. Experts, recommend ACB for 1000 Amps or More load.

Tripping characteristic: MCCBs are available with different tripping characteristics, including thermal magnetic, electronic, and others, depending on the level of protection required against overloading and short circuits.

Pole configurations: MCCB comes with, Single pole MCCB, double pole MCCB, TP or 3 pole MCCB and TPN or 4 pole MCCB.

Air Circuit Breaker (ACB)

These circuit breakers use air as the insulating medium between the contacts, and are typically used in high-voltage applications. They are designed to protect against overcurrent’s and short circuits, and are commonly used in applications such as power plants, large commercial buildings, and industrial facilities.

Current rating: Air circuit breakers are available in 200 Amps, 400 Amps, 630 Amps, 800 Amps, 1200 Amps, 1600 Amps, 2000 Amps, 2500 Amps, 3200 Amps, 4000 Amps, 5000 Amps, 6000 Amps

Pole configurations: TP or 3 pole ACB, TPN or 4 pole ACB

Vacuum Circuit Breaker (VCB)

These circuit breakers use a vacuum as the insulating medium between the contacts, and are typically used in high-voltage applications. They are designed to protect against overcurrent’s and short circuits, and are commonly used in applications such as power plants, large commercial buildings, and industrial facilities.

Current rating: 630 Amps, 800 Amps, 1250 Amps, 1600 Amps, 2000 Amps, 2500 Amps, 3150 Amps, 4000 Amps, 5000 Amps and more.

Pole configurations: Single pole VCB, Double pole VCB, 3 pole VCB and 4 pole VCB are available in market.

These are common circuit breakers used in electrical installation. Each type of breaker has unique characteristics and is used in specific applications based on the requirements. The selection of the appropriate circuit breaker depends on couple of factors (e.g., Power consuming demand of the system, voltage, current rating, and the nature of the electrical load). By choosing the correct type of circuit breaker, the electrical system can operate safely and efficiently, ensuring protection against electrical hazards.