A molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) protects a circuit from excessive current. Most circuit breakers get built to last up to 20 years. Much of that may depend on the amount of protection it has.
If you didn’t know there were different types of circuit breakers, you’ve come to the right place. Keep reading to learn more about a molded case circuit breaker.
What Is a Molded Case Circuit Breaker?
Excessive electrical current can cause a short circuit or overload. The molded case circuit breaker definition is best explained as providing electrical protection. It guards against too much electrical current coming through at once.
A molded case circuit breaker has a high current rating. That allows it to work with different voltages and frequencies. It also has various trip settings that can get adjusted as needed.
How Does a Molded Case Circuit Breaker Work?
What is an MCCB used for, and how does it work? It works by sensing temperatures and adjusting based on those findings.
A molded case circuit breaker has a thermal element for heat sensitivity. It contains a magnetic element that senses current. These two elements work together to provide extra protection for the circuit box.
The heat sensitivity component of the molded case circuit breaker offers overload protection. It has bimetallic contacts for heat sensing.
The contact metals of the unit expand when high temperatures come in contact with them. When it reaches the limit set on the circuit unit, it bends and pushes the trip button.
The magnetic element generates a small electromagnetic field. When the currents get too strong, the electromagnetic field draws the trip bar. Once the trip bar gets drawn, it opens up the contacts.
MCCB Types of Circuit Breakers
With MCCB types of circuit breakers, one size does not fit all. You will need to base the molded case circuit breaker chosen on the expected current.
The system voltage and rating voltage need to be similar or the same. The load of the current also has to get measured. That is the only way to know the trip value of the molded case circuit breaker.
The fault currents also need to be known. These values will assure you the fault capacity stays higher than that measure.
With these numbers, you can get the correct molded case circuit breaker needed for the job. At Bay Power, you can find an entire selection to fit any circuit panel. The ratings will determine the power and size of the molded case circuit breaker.
Electrical Applications
A molded case circuit breaker is best when needing high levels of current. It also works great when you need adjustable settings. Making sure to test them and keeping up with routine maintenance will help them last a long time.
Always ensure that site safety is a priority and test the unit after any electrical tripping. With the exact sizing numbers and some knowledge, you can get the most from your MCCB for many years to come. Check out the rest of our site for more technical articles like this!
