MCB and its advantages

In earlier days, to protect an electric circuit from overload or short circuit, Fuse was commonly used. But nowadays it has been replaced by MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker).

 MCB is an electromechanical device which protects an electrical circuit from short circuit, overload or faulty design which may lead to overcurrent. A MCB is a better alternative to a Fuse as it has more advantages over the later one.

1. MCB is much more sensitive to overcurrent than Fuse. As the name suggests, it automatically breaks the electrical circuit during overload condition as well as faulty condition.
2. Another advantage is that for breaking the electrical circuit it just trips and the switch operating knob comes at its OFF position. Due to this the faulty zone of the electrical circuit can easily be identified. But in case of fuse, fuse wire should always be checked by opening fuse grip or cutout from fuse base, for confirming the blow of fuse wire.
3. In case of Fuse, quick restoration of electric supply can not be possible as because Fuse has to be rewired or replaced for restoring the electric supply. But in the case of MCB, quick restoration is possible by just switching the operating knob to its ON position.
4. Handling MCB is electrically more safe than Fuse.

Because of so many advantages, MCB thus offers improved operational safety and greater convenience without incurring large operating cost. Therefore it is advised to use MCB instead of backdated Fuse.