Accidental electrical fires are hazards that can cause substantial damage to infrastructure and human life. Round the year, countless electrical fires transpire, resulting in injuries, deaths, and potential property damage. Preventing electrical fires is critical to ensure the safety of homes and workspaces. We need to understand the common causes of electrical fires and what we can do to avoid them.

One way to avoid electrical fires is to install moulded case circuit breakers (MCCBs). MCCBs prevent electrical fires and damage to the equipment caused by power overflows. They automatically shut the circuit to protect against potential hazards. 

In this article, we will explore the right tool for preventing electrical fires and the damage caused by them. We will explore the science behind how MCCB breakers operate and examine their different types of mechanisms. 

What are Moulded Case Circuit Breakers?

Moulded case circuit breakers, or MCCB breakers, are electrical equipment that protects electrical circuits from power overloading or short-circuiting. Engineered to interrupt the electric current during power surges or short circuits, they prevent the electrical system from overheating and starting a fire. MCCBs are widely employed in residential, commercial, and industrial applications.

Understand the Working of MCCB Breakers

MCCB breakers break off the electric current upon overload or short circuit. They use the bimetallic strip mechanism that trips and cuts the electric current when the strips get heated due to a power surge. In the case of short circuits, the magnetic field in the MCCB uses electronic sensors to identify such faults and trips the circuit breakers electronically. 

Five Types of Tripping Mechanisms in Moulded Case Circuit Breakers

There are five common types of tripping mechanisms used by moulded case circuit breakers. Let us take a closer look individually:

1.    Thermal Trip Moulded Case Circuit Breakers

The thermal trip MCCBs use a bimetallic strip that bends when heated, tripping and shutting the electric current in the circuit breaker. The mechanism is ideal for detecting power surges that generate excessive heat over time. 

2.    Magnetic Moulded Case Circuit Breaker

The magnetic MCCBs operate using an electromagnet that pulls a metal bar to trip the circuit breaker if excessive current flows through it. The mechanism is suitable for identifying short circuits that generate a sudden electric current surge. 

3.    Thermal-magnetic Moulded Case Circuit Breakers

Thermal-magnetic MCCBs, also known as Electromechanical MCCBs, use a combination of two switching mechanisms – a bimetal switch and an electromagnet. The bimetallic strip and magnetic coil trip the electric circuit if it detects electrical surges or short circuits, preventing potential damage to the electrical equipment and system.

4.    Electronic Moulded Case Circuit Breakers

Electronic MCCBs use electronic sensors, such as transistors, diodes, and capacitors, to detect electrical surges and short-circuit faults. In such cases, the electronic sensors trip and cut the electric current supply to the circuit. 

5.    Microprocessor Moulded Case Circuit Breakers

The microprocessor MCCBs use the most effective tripping mechanism. They use a microprocessor to monitor the electric current constantly and trip the breaker if it detects a power surge or short circuit. This mechanism provides the most accurate protection against electrical faults.

Why Installing MCCBs is Advantageous?

MCCBs offer many benefits, including:

1.    Protection from electrical fires and damage.

2.    Easy installation process and maintenance.

3.    The most cost-effective solution compared to other circuit breakers. 

4.    Designed to be reliable, durable and versatile. 

Ensuring Safety with Moulded Case Circuit Breakers

MCCBs are integral in preventing electrical fires and safeguarding homes and workspaces. With various mechanisms to suit the different electrical loads, MCCBs offer a range of devices to avoid potential and expensive damage. Regular maintenance ensures the proper working of MCCBs. Additionally, you must take other preventive measures, including an emergency response strategy.

Safeguard your property with the best quality MCCBs and prevent your homes and businesses from damage and injury from electrical fires.