Miniature Circuit Breakers (MCBs)

• Miniature Circuit Breakers (MCBs) are generally used for low current application
• This a simple circuit breaker that is used to break the circuit in case of over current
• MCBs are most commonly used in protecting equipment like lamps, heaters, air-conditioners, motors and so on
• MCBs work on the principle of thermo-couple action
• When a current higher than the rated current flows through it, the thermocouple is heated up and trips the MCB
• MCBs are specified as for example : 415 V, TPN (Three Pole Neutral), 32A, 10KA(breaking capacity) and C curve
• There are number of types of MCBs viz :
• 1phase,Single pole
• 1phase 2 pole
• 3 phase 3 pole
• 3 phase 4 pole

Miniature Circuit Breaker – Inner view

1.Actuator lever - used to manually trip and reset the circuit breaker.

2.Actuator mechanism - forces the contacts together or apart.

3.Contacts - Allow current when touching and break the current when moved apart.

4.Terminals

5.Bimetallic strip

6.Calibration screw - allows the manufacturer to precisely adjust the trip current of the device after assembly.

7.Solenoid

8.Arc divider / extinguisher

MCB Protected Socket

Havells released a new MCB that will be a good replacement for conventional Switch Fuse Units (SFU) and domestic sockets. Havells MCB Protected Socket is a special purpose Distribution box with inbuilt over current protection. Havells MCB Protected Socket provide high quality contacts ensures reliability, suitable for individual protection of home appliances like ACs, Geyser, Microwave etc. The special features of MCB Protected Socket include an aesthetic appeal.

Read more at: Havells (http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=209403&id=158543814611).