RCCB stands for Residual current circuit breakers and MCB stands for Miniature circuit breakers. Both of them are basic circuit protection devices found in the distribution boards of every house and commercial lighting power distribution boards. Here are the differences between MCB and RCCB.
RCCB – Residual Current Circuit Breakers
Residual current circuit breakers are circuit protection devices used to isolate the circuit during earth faults, earth leakage and most importantly during electric shocks. They work by sensing the current imbalance between the phase and neutral conductors. RCCBs sense such imbalances and trips the circuit. RCCBs are insensitive to short circuits and heavy shorts circuits can potentially damage RCCBs.
MCB – Miniature circuit breakers
Miniature circuit breakers are modular devices that can isolate a circuit during overloads and short circuits. They are capable of sensing abnormally high current flow and trip immediately to avoid greater circuit damages. MCBs are insensitive to earth leakages and electric shock and cannot protect you during an electric shock.
Differences between MCB and RCCB
| Residual current circuit breakers (RCCB) | Miniature circuit breakers (MCB) |
|---|---|
| RCCBs can protect during earth leakages and electric shock only. | MCBs can provide protect during overcurrent and short circuits only. |
| Insensitive to short circuits and overloads. | Insensitive to electric shocks. |
| Selected on basis of leakage current. | Selected on the basis of short circuit and overload currents. |
| Available in 2 pole and 4 pole versions only. | Available in single pole, 2 pole, 3 pole and 4 pole versions. |
| Trip current sensistivity: 10mA, 30mA, 100mA and 300mA | Current ratings: 6A – 125A |