Miniature Circuit Breakers (MCBs)
Altech Corp.

Miniature Circuit Breakers (MCBs) - Altech Corp.

An MCB is an automatically operated electrical switch. Miniature circuit breakers are intended to prevent damage to an electrical circuit as a result of excess current.

Altech Corp.

Found 357 products

3CU4L
Altech Corp.

Circuit Breaker 4A, 3 Pole, 480Y/277V AC, UL489

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3CU13L
Altech Corp.

Circuit Breaker 13A, 3 Pole, 480Y/277V AC, UL489

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3CU30L
Altech Corp.

Circuit Breaker 30A, 3 Pole, 480Y/277V AC, UL489

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3CU60L
Altech Corp.

Circuit Breaker 60A, 3 Pole, 240V AC, UL489

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2C32UL
Altech Corp.

Circuit Breaker 32A, 2 Pole, 480Y/277V AC, UL489

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1C16DL
Altech Corp.

Circuit Breaker 16A, 1 Pole, 125V DC, UL489

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1C25DL
Altech Corp.

Circuit Breaker 25A, 1 Pole, 125V DC, UL489

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1C63DL
Altech Corp.

Circuit Breaker 63A, 1 Pole, 125V DC, UL489

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1D4UL
Altech Corp.

Circuit Breaker 4A, 1 Pole, 277V AC, UL489

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1D13UL
Altech Corp.

Circuit Breaker 13A, 1 Pole, 277V AC, UL489

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ItemManufacturerPriceStockDelivery
3CU4L

3CU4L

Circuit Breaker 4A, 3 Pole, 480Y/277V AC, UL489

Altech Corp.

Quick Quote

3CU13L

3CU13L

Circuit Breaker 13A, 3 Pole, 480Y/277V AC, UL489

Altech Corp.

Quick Quote

3CU30L

3CU30L

Circuit Breaker 30A, 3 Pole, 480Y/277V AC, UL489

Altech Corp.

Quick Quote

3CU60L

3CU60L

Circuit Breaker 60A, 3 Pole, 240V AC, UL489

Altech Corp.

Quick Quote

2C32UL

2C32UL

Circuit Breaker 32A, 2 Pole, 480Y/277V AC, UL489

Altech Corp.

Quick Quote

1C16DL

1C16DL

Circuit Breaker 16A, 1 Pole, 125V DC, UL489

Altech Corp.

Quick Quote

1C25DL

1C25DL

Circuit Breaker 25A, 1 Pole, 125V DC, UL489

Altech Corp.

Quick Quote

1C63DL

1C63DL

Circuit Breaker 63A, 1 Pole, 125V DC, UL489

Altech Corp.

Quick Quote

1D4UL

1D4UL

Circuit Breaker 4A, 1 Pole, 277V AC, UL489

Altech Corp.

Quick Quote

1D13UL

1D13UL

Circuit Breaker 13A, 1 Pole, 277V AC, UL489

Altech Corp.

Quick Quote

Miniature Circuit Breakers (MCBs)

General Guide & Overview

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on miniature circuit breakers (MCBs). Whether you're an electrical professional or simply interested in understanding the inner workings of your home's electrical system, this article will provide you with all the information you need about MCBs.

MCBs are vital components of electrical systems, offering crucial protection against overloads and short circuits. Unlike traditional fuses, MCBs are automatic switches that respond to changes in current flow. This innovative technology not only enhances safety but also improves convenience for users.

In this guide, we will explore how MCBs work, the different types available, and the advantages they offer. So let's dive in and unlock the mysteries behind these essential electrical devices.

How Does a Miniature Circuit Breaker Work?

A miniature circuit breaker (MCB) is a vital component of an electrical system, designed to protect against overloads and short circuits. Understanding how an MCB works can help you ensure the safety and efficiency of your electrical installations.

MCBs operate by utilizing two types of tripping mechanisms: thermal tripping and magnetic tripping.

Thermal Tripping

Thermal tripping is the primary mechanism in MCBs. It detects and responds to excessive heat caused by an overload in the circuit. Inside the MCB, there is a bimetallic strip made of two different metals with different expansion coefficients. When the current passing through the MCB exceeds its rated capacity, the bimetallic strip heats up, causing the metals to expand at different rates. As a result, the strip bends and activates the trip mechanism, opening the contacts to interrupt the current flow.

Magnetic Tripping

Magnetic tripping is a secondary mechanism in MCBs. It provides rapid protection against short circuits by detecting strong current surges. Inside the MCB, there is an electromagnetic coil surrounding the current-carrying contacts. When a short circuit occurs, an extremely high current flows through the coil, generating a magnetic field that attracts the armature. The armature then trips the mechanism, opening the contacts and isolating the faulty circuit from the power supply.

The integration of both thermal and magnetic tripping mechanisms allows MCBs to provide reliable protection against a wide range of electrical faults. By quickly detecting and responding to abnormal current conditions, MCBs help prevent damage to electrical equipment, reduce the risk of electrical fires, and ensure the uninterrupted supply of electricity.

Advantages and Application of Miniature Circuit Breakers (MCBs)

Miniature circuit breakers (MCBs) provide a host of advantages compared to traditional fuses. One key advantage is their high responsiveness to changes in current flow, enabling swift and effective protection against overloads and short circuits. With MCBs, you can ensure that your electrical system remains safe and reliable.

MCBs are designed with a trip-free switching mechanism that instantly cuts off power in the event of an overload. This feature enhances the safety of your electrical circuits, preventing any potential damage or hazards. Additionally, MCBs are incredibly user-friendly, offering ease of installation and operation.

Another advantage of MCBs is the wide variety of models available, catering to different application requirements. Whether you need a specific current rating, breaking capacity, or fault protection characteristics, there is an MCB type that suits your needs. This flexibility allows for customization and ensures optimal performance, making MCBs a versatile choice for various electrical systems and applications.

FAQ

A miniature circuit breaker (MCB) is an important component of an electrical system that provides protection against overloads and short circuits. Unlike traditional fuses, MCBs are automatic switches that open and close in response to changes in current flow, offering improved safety and convenience.

A miniature circuit breaker (MCB) works by using two types of tripping mechanisms: thermal tripping and magnetic tripping. Thermal tripping responds to excessive heat caused by an overload, while magnetic tripping responds to sudden increases in current flow caused by a short circuit.

Miniature circuit breakers (MCBs) offer several advantages over traditional fuses. They are highly responsive to changes in current flow and provide reliable protection against overloads and short circuits. MCBs are easy to use, with a trip-free switching mechanism that instantly shuts off power in the event of an overload. They also have a wide range of models available, allowing for customization based on specific application requirements.