Do you know that damage might occur to your electrical equipment by short circuits or overloads and may even result in fire? But worry not because a fuse or MCB is here to protect your electrical equipment from such mishaps. Hence, during an overload in your electrical circuit, an MCB or a fuse breaks down the electricity flow, which results in breaking the circuit.
In this article, you will acknowledge the advantages of an MCB over fuse wire and delve into the major factors of differences between them.
What is an MCB?
An electromechanical device crafted to offer protection to an electric circuit from exceeding current load, or short circuit, is called a miniature circuit breaker (MCB). The MCB does not get damaged while facing an over-current and is reusable. They offer convenience and easy-to-use functionality. They are safer to access because they are covered in a plastic casing. The three principal characteristics of an MCB are the tripping curve, Amperes and poles.
What is a Fuse Wire?
An electrical fuse is a melting point of copper or any other metal wire that gets damaged and breaks because of the heat generated by high load or over voltage to avoid failure to the device or a short circuit. This device acts as a barrier between the electrical circuit and the human body. Hence, it is a safety device protecting electrical circuits from the mis-happenings that might occur due to excessive current load.
Advantages of Fuse Wire: Why Choose MCB?
The major problem that arises with a fuse is that during the situation of overloading, the fuse wire melts down and needs replacement to complete the circuit. However, this is not the issue with miniature circuit breakers. An MCB turns off automatically whenever a situation of a short circuit or overload occurs. When the problem in the circuit is resolved, the switch can be turned on again, and the current starts flowing as usual.
Some other major advantages of MCB over a fuse are:
- An MCB is competitively more sensitive to current over a fuse. Hence, an MCB can detect abnormal conditions in the current flow, give a faster response over hazards and automatically switch off the electrical circuit.
- With an MCB, you can easily identify the faulty areas of the electrical circuit. However, when using a fuse, you need to monitor the entire fuse wire by opening the fuse grip to confirm the faulty areas.
- You can easily resume supply with an MCB as it offers ease of setting. All you need to do is push the MCB knob to the on position. However, when using a fuse, you have to replace the entire fuse wire.
- As compared to a fuse, you get more safety with MCB and it offers a longer lifespan. While functioning an MCB, you are not exposed to the electrical parts directly. However, when replacing the fuse, there are more chances that you come in direct contact with a current-carrying conductor or a live wire.
- An MCB has lesser replacement and maintenance costs as it can be reused. However, you cannot use a fuse again once it is damaged.
- Miniature circuit breaker comes in a small size, which can be easily moved and handled.
- An MCB provides immediate protection and takes action quickly against overload conditions, overheating, and short circuits.
- As compared to a fuse, a miniature circuit breaker offers a better interface for abnormal and normal situations.
Difference Between an MCB and a Fuse
Fuses and circuit breakers provide the common purpose of protecting against electrical hazards, but they are different in operation, construction, usage, and cost, among other factors.
Construction
The construction of a fuse and an MCB differs significantly. A fuse holds a thin wire that melts under excessive current, disturbing the flow and causing the fuse to “blow,” thereby opening the circuit. In contrast, MCBs are electromechanical devices employing magnetic and thermal mechanisms to isolate circuits in the event of a fault. While fuses are relatively simple, MCBs have a more complex construction, incorporating various components that enhance sensitivity to changes in current.
Operation
The key difference between fuses and miniature circuit breakers lies in their operation. Fuses depend on a metal wire that melts, disrupting the circuit during an overload or short circuit. Conversely, miniature circuit breakers trip by using a bimetallic strip, a solenoid, or a combination of both when the current exceeds the designated level, effectively opening the circuit to safeguard the electrical system.
Fuses consist of a metal wire with a low melting point placed between two metal caps, facilitating easy melting in the event of increased current. In contrast, miniature circuit breakers employ different mechanisms to safely isolate circuits under overload or short circuit conditions.
Cost
A notable contrast between MCBs and fuses lies in their cost. Fuses are more affordable than MCBs due to their simpler construction. However, long-term expenses can favour MCBs, as the recurring cost of replacing a blown fuse might exceed the cumulative cost of MCB devices. This is because fuses require a new purchase with each blow, whereas MCBs can be reused after tripping.
Use
Fuses and miniature circuit breakers serve distinct purposes with varying benefits. While a blown fuse necessitates replacement, an MCB can be reused after tripping, eliminating the need for frequent replacements. This usage characteristic makes MCBs a preferred and more convenient option compared to fuses in most cases.
Variety
Miniature circuit breakers (MCBs) offer a broader range of options compared to fuses. MCBs come in various trip curves, voltage ratings, current ratings, interrupting capacities, and sizes, providing greater flexibility to meet specific requirements. In contrast, fuses are limited to two types: fast-blow and slow-blow, reflecting the simpler operation of fuses compared to the versatility of MCBs.
Enhanced Safety and Protection with L&T Sufin MCBs
Both MCB and fuse are crafted to protect from short circuits and overloads. Even though a fuse reacts faster as compared to an MCB, MCBs are much safer and reusable.
For added protection at your residential or commercial places, use MCBs available from reliable brands and avoid mis-happenings that might occur due to short circuits and current overload.
Users can expect to discover the best rates/prices from verified suppliers by raising quotations on L&T-SuFin!