Whether you are a small business or a large enterprise, the safety of your workplace is extremely crucial. And while there are several aspects associated with a safe environment, we are talking about the safety associated with electrical circuits.
Many a time, a fault in the electrical circuit leads to a hazardous situation, such as fire. This happens when proper safety measures aren’t taken into consideration. Thus, to help you take these measures, this guide will explain MCCB electrical in detail. Keep reading to find out how installing MCCBs in your office building can be greatly beneficial for you.
Are MCCBs Circuit Breakers?
MCCB stands for molded case circuit breaker and is useful in cases when there is an overload or a short circuit. The key motive is to prevent any hazards that could be a result of a fault in the electric circuit. Now that you have understood the basics of an MCCB, let’s get into the specifics to comprehend it better.
MCCBs – Electrical Protection Gadgets
MCCBs are devices that can be utilized with a wide range of voltages for the protection of electrical circuits as well as appliances from excessive current. They have adjustable trip settings and can carry up to 2,500A in current ratings.
Manual Switching
MCCBs can be turned on and off manually. These are especially helpful in cases when replacements or repairs take place.
Protection Against Overload and Short Circuit Currents
MCCBs provide protection when electrical faults occur. This is done by immediately interrupting a current that is either higher because of a line fault or in the case of a short circuit. The devices protect in the case of an overload as well, that is when the current exceeds the rated value and exists for a longer period than usual.
Applications of MCCB Electrical
Since MCCBs can handle high currents, they are often utilized in cases that involve heavy duty. Some of the key applications of molded case circuit breakers are described below.
Electricals with Low Current Requirements
While MCCBs boast carrying high loads of current, they can carry those electricals that have a low current requirement as well. This is due to the feature of adjustable trip settings. In fact, Type B and Type Z have low and very low surge currents respectively.
Protection of Capacitor Banks
Capacitor banks are utilized for correcting power factors in commercial as well as industrial electrical systems. In case the currents drawn are extremely high, MCCB aids in reducing currents and protecting capacitor banks.
Protection of Electric Feeders
In case you use feeder circuits for the distribution of electric current, they can carry hundreds of amperes. In some cases, you may also possess additional circuits that require trip settings. MCCBs are useful in both cases.
How to Test an MCCB?
Testing an MCCB after installation is crucial to make sure that your building or workspace gets the required protection. Three tests must be performed to ensure the same.
Contact Resistance Test
Generally, this is a low value since the MCCB requires to enable current to pass throw even in the case of low voltage. You will be required to test the resistance of electrical contact and later compare the findings with the recommendations provided by the manufacturer of the MCCB.
Insulation Resistance Test
An insulation resistance test is performed to make sure that you obtain reliable protection. In this case, you need to disconnect the MCCB so you can test the insulation across supply terminals, load terminals, and between phases. In case the insulation resistance is less than the recommended value by the manufacturer, there is not enough protection.
The Tripping Test
You will be required to simulate an overcurrent or a fault to notice how the molded case circuit breaker reacts. We recommend you perform this test in the end because the MCCB will heat up because of the high current.
- Thermal Protection: The first step is to use an overcurrent nearly 300% above the rated value. Typically, the MCCB should trip rightly. In case it does not, it fails in thermal protection.
- Magnetic Protection: The second step is to simulate a fault by sending pulses of a very high current. These need to be extremely short because a fault can be hazardous. Magnetic protection must be instant.
In case you pass all the tests, your MCCB product is reliable and perfect for protecting. MCCBs have great industrial and commercial applications due to their excellent and unique features. So now that you have understood MCCB electrical properly, it is time you head to the online store of L&T-SuFin and start searching for the ideal MCCB for your commercial property.