Question

What is MCB (Miniature circuit breaker)?

When a mechanical engineer need this safety device?

Answer 1

1. MCB is generally used in electrical devices for safety from the overcurrent or during short circuit..

Before MCB, fuses were used for electrical device protection. Both have same working principal but MCB is more sensitive and reliable compared to fuse. Most important advantage of MCB is that it doesn't need to replace once it get tripped off unlike fuse.

MCB automatically switches off the electrical circuit during abnormal condition of the network means in over load condition as well as faulty condition. MCB is much more sensitive to over current than fuse. During overloading condition, MCB will get tripped off and the switch knob comes at its off position during tripping, the faulty zone of the electrical circuit can easily be identified.

2. Mechanical Engineers use MCB for safety of their mechanical devices like CNC machine, Lathe Machine or any other kind of machine those are working on electricity. If MCB not used then it may damage machine during high current or in overload condition. MCB senses the overload condition and it will trip off the switch of machine automatically which in turn will shut the machine and current will not reach to the machine.