MCB and Fuse

Understanding the meaning of MCB

 Meaning of MCB.
 MCB stands for Miniature Circuit Breaker. It is an electromechanical device
that works based on the electromagnetic as well as the thermal properties
of the electric current. An electromagnetic mechanism present inside the
MCB helps it to instantaneously interrupt the current flow during short
circuits and the bimetallic strip present in it helps it to interrupt the current
flow during overloads.
 Working Principle of MCB
 Working Principle of MCB
When the current overflow occurs through MCB – Miniature Circuit
Breaker, the bimetallic strip gets heated and deflects by bending. The
deflection of the bi-metallic strip releases a latch. The latch causes the MCB to
turn off by stopping the current flow in the circuit.
Types of MCBDifferent Types of MCB Based
on their These
Trip Curves
are some features of the MCB:
•Its current rating is a hundred amperes.
•It operates thermally.
•Usually, its tripping is not controllable.
MCB can be easily operated and thus offers improved
operational safety and greater convenience without incurring an
expensive operating cost. 
They find use to protect lower current circuits and have the
following specifications: 
•Current rating – Amperes
•Short Circuit Rating – Kilo Amperes (kA) 
•Operating Characteristics – B, C, D, Z or K Curves
 Continued…..

•Type B MCB Type B MCB

•Type C MCB B types trip if the current flowing through hits between three and five times the
•Type D MCB recommended maximum.
•Type K MCB Type B is the most sensitive types of MCB, designed for domestic and low
•Type Z MCB voltage commercial settings where any current surges are likely to be small like
lighting circuits, home wirings, etc.
•Functions of Type B MCB are protection for people and big-length cables in
TN and IT systems.
 Type C MCB

Type C MCB
C types trip at currents between five and ten times their rated load. They find use in
commercial or industrial types of applications where there could be chances of higher
values of short circuit currents in the circuit.
Good examples include smaller electric motors, fans, fluorescent lighting, small
transformers, pilot devices, control circuits, coils, etc.
•Functions of Type C MCB are protection for resistive and inductive loads with low
inrush current
 Type D

Type D MCB
D type MCBs are the least sensitive type, only activating when current surges to between
ten and twenty times the recommended maximum.
 Examples include welding equipment, X-ray machines, UPS systems, large motors,
uninterruptible power supply units, industrial welding equipment, etc.
•Functions of Type D MCB are protection for circuits that supply loads with high inrush
current at the circuit closing (transformers, breakdown lamps). 
 Tripping Current and Operating Current of MCB’s
Type Tripping Current Operating Time
3 To 5 times the full load
Type B   0.04 To 13 Sec
current
5 To 10 times the full load
Type C   0.04 To 5 Sec
current
10 To 20 times the full load
Type D   0.04 To 3 Sec
current
8 To 12 times the full load
Type K   <0.1 Sec
current
2 To 3 times the full load
Type Z   <0.1 Sec
current
•Single Pole MCB Types of MCBs based on the number of poles
•Double pole MCB
•Triple Pole MCB
•Three poles with a neutral 
•Four Poles
Single Pole MCB Explanation
A single-pole circuit breaker has one switch and also protects a single phase of the circuit.

Double pole MCB

The double pole circuit breaker has two switches and also protects two-phase and neutral.

Triple Pole MCB

A three-pole circuit breaker has three switches, and they also protect the three phases.
Three poles with a neutral
Three poles and a neutral circuit breaker protect the three phases of the circuit. It also has
a neutral switch.
Four Poles
A four-pole MCB contains four switches, three phases, and a neutral. But unlike the three
poles with neutral, the four poles protect all the phases and the neutral. They are used in
places with an unbalanced circuit.
 Types of MCB amps Ratings
The following lists some of the most frequently encountered load capacities for
commercial MCBs:
•6 amps
•10 amps
•16 amps
•20 amps
•25 amps
•32 amps Applications of MCB’s
•Home Electrical Panels
•Heaters
•Lights
•Industrial Applications( industries requires up to 30 kA of power supply)
 Are There Any Disadvantages to MCB?
 MCBs are more expensive than fuses.
  MCB distribution board is more costly than a rewireable fuse board
 The probability of overloading the circuit is eliminated by operating by someone
who is unqualified.
Advantages Of MCB’s

 MCBs allow quick restoration of power supply.

 MCBs are safer than a fuse. 
 MCBs offer better protection against electrical faults
 MCBs are much more sensitive to faults than fuses
 They act faster than fuse during short circuits
 Offer better overload protection than fuses.
 Offers a safer interruption of short-circuit current and arc quenching.
 Handling MCB is electrically much safer than a fuse.
Practical Based On MCB
Overload Circuit
Fuses
Transistor Checking
Images For Fuses
 Working Principle of an Electrical Fuse
• Current flows in a loop
• Heating effect of current
Electric current can flow through a conductor only when the circuit formed is
complete. If there is a break in the loop, electric charges cannot flow through.
This is also how switches operate.
For example, when you put on the light switches at home, the lights come on
because you have just completed the circuit allowing charges from the power source
to flow through and power your lights.
 Types of Fuses
• Different types of fuses are available in the market, and they are classified
on the basis of different aspects. But mainly, fuses can be divided into two
categories based on the input supply as follows:

• AC fuses
• DC fuses
 Principle of Electrical Fuse
• The primary use of an electric fuse is to protect electrical equipment from
excessive current and to prevent short circuits or mismatched loads.
• Electrical fuses play the role of miniature circuit breakers.
• Apart from protecting equipment, they are also used as safety measures to
prevent any safety hazards to humans.
 Electrical Fuse - The Working Principle
• Introduction

• An electrical fuse is a safety device that operates to provide protection against the overflow
of current in an electrical circuit.
• An important component of an electrical fuse is a metal wire or strip that melts when excess
current flows through it.
• It helps to protect the device by stopping or interrupting the current.
• In this article, let us know in detail about the Working Principle of the electrical fuse and its
functions and types.
 Function of Fuse
• Acts as a barrier between the electric circuit and the human body
• Prevents device failure due to faulty circuit operation
• Fuse prevents short-circuits
• Prevents overload and blackouts
• Prevents damage that is caused due to mismatched loads
 Experiment
• Describe an experiment to illustrate the action of an electric fuse.
• Take a thin fuse wire made of tin or tin-alloy having low melting point.
Place this fuse wire on the porcelain fuse grip and insert the grip into the
fuse holder. Now switch on all the electrical appliances of high power
rating like electric iron, water heater, air conditioner, etc., . Since the
melting point of the fuse wire is much lower, it melts and breaks the
circuit.
 Give the circuit symbol for a fuse.

Explain its importance in a circuit.

A fuse is a very important device used for protecting electric circuits. It is a wire made out
of a metal like tin or tin alloy having a very low melting point. When a high current flows
through a circuit, the fuse wire gets heated or melts due to short circuiting or overloading.
Hence the circuit is broken and the current stops flowing. This saves all the appliances of
the circuit. Fuse wires are of various capacities. A fuse with 5 ampere capacity will be
thinner than a fuse with 15 ampere capacity. A fuse of 5 amps is used in circuits where
lights and fans are connected whereas a fuse of 15 amps is used in power circuits where
appliances like electric heater, geyser, electric iron and air conditioner are connected.
 Selection of swithces

• SPST = Single Pole, Single Throw

• SPDT = Single Pole, Double Throw
• DPST = Double Pole, Single Throw
• DPDT = Double Pole, Double Throw
 Continued.....
• Pole - number of switch contact sets.
• Throw - number of conducting positions (only used for single and double)
• Way - number of conducting positions.
• Momentary - switch returns to its normal position when released.
• Open - off position, contacts not conducting.
• Closed - on position, contacts conducting, there may be several on
positions.
 SPST-Switch

• ON-OFF, SPST
• SPST = Single Pole, Single Throw

• SPST on-off switch symbolSPST toggle switch, photograph © Rapid Electronics

• A simple on-off switch.

• This type can be used to switch the power supply to a circuit. The photograph
shows a SPST toggle switch

• When used with mains electricity this type of switch must be in the live wire,
but it is better to use a DPST switch to isolate both live and neutral.
 Earthing
• Earthing is used to protect you from an electric shock. It does this by
providing a path (a protective conductor) for a fault current to flow to
earth. It also causes the protective device (either a circuit-breaker or fuse)
to switch off the electric current to the circuit that has the fault.
• An earthing system or grounding system connects specific parts of an
electric power system with the ground, typically the Earth's conductive
surface, for safety and functional purposes
 Earthing Rules
• According to IEE regulations and IE rules, earth pin in 3 pin plus sockets
and 4 pin power sockets must be efficiently and permanently earthed.
• All metal casings and metal coverings containing or covering electrical
supply cable or equipment must be earthed. The metallic frames of
generators, transformers, stationary motors etc.
• Stay wires for the overhead electric lines must be connected to earth at
atleast one strand to the earth wires.
Without Earting....Causes
Fault current......
Earthing Construction...
 Types of earthing
• Types of Earthing
• There are three types of earthing,
they are:

• Pipe earthing
• Plate earthing
• Strip earthing
Plate Earthing and Strip Earthing
Rod earthing Images...
 Earthing Rules
• According to IEE regulations and IE rules, earth pin in 3 pin plus
sockets and 4 pin power sockets must be efficiently and permanently
earthed. All metal casings and metal coverings containing or
covering electrical supply cable or equipment must be earthed. The
metallic frames of generators, transformers, stationary motors etc.
• Stay wires for the overhead electric lines must be connected to earth
at atleast one strand to the earth wires.
 Components of Electrical Earthing
System
• Earth Continuity Conductor • Earth Continuity Conductor or Earth
Wire
• Earthing Lead
The conductor that connects all metallic
• Earth Electrode part of the electrical installation like the
conduit, metallic shells, ducts, plug
sockets, distribution boxes, fuses,
controlling and regulating devices,
metallic parts of transformers, motors,
generators etc.
The conductor that connects all metallic part of the electrical installation like the conduit, metallic shells, ducts, plug sockets, dist
boxes, fuses, controlling and regulating devices, metallic parts of transformers, motors, generators etc.

Earth Continuity Conductor(Cable)

Earth Continuity Conductor (bare copper
conductor
• Earth Continuity Conductor
(bare copper conductor.
• The earth continuity
conductor’s resistance must be
very low. As per IEEE rules, the
resistance between the
consumer earth terminal and the
earth continuity conductor must
be less and 1 ohms.
 Earthing Lead or Earthing Joint
• he conductor connecting the earth • Copper strip used as Earthign
continuity conductor and the earth Lead
electrode is called earthing lead or If there are 2 earth electrode there
earthing joint. The point where should be 4 earthing leads. This isn’t
the earthing lead meets the earth for providing parallel path for fault
continuity conductor meet is current but for carrying fault current
called connecting point. simultaneously giving added safety.
Copper strip used as Earthign Lead
 Important Terms
• Earth: The connection of an electrical • Earth Electrode: A conductor buried
installation through a conductor to in earth for the purpose of electrical
another conductor buried in earth. earthing is known as earth electrode.
• Solidly Earthed: An electrical The shape of the earth electrode may
installation or appliance is said to be vary from conductive rod, conductive
solidly earthed when it is connected to plate, metal water pipe or any other
earth conductor/wire directly without conductor with low resistance. Earth
using a circuit breaker, fuse, impedance electrodes are made of copper,
or any other safety devices or elements galvanised iron, cast iron etc.
 Continued....
• Earth Lead: The conductive strip or wire • Earth Continuity Conductors: They are the
that connects an electrical installation or conductors used for connecting the earth lead to
various electrical appliances and devices such
appliance to the earth electrode is called
as distribution boards, electrical sockets,
Earth Lead. Earth lead can be of copper, appliances etc. It may be in the form of flexible
galvanized iron etc. wire, cable metallic covering or metallic pipe.
• Sub Main Earthing Conductor: the wire • Earth Resistance: The resistance between the
connecting the distribution board to earth and earth electrode is called earth
various switch boards. Flexible wires are resistance. It is the resistance of earth electrode,
earth lead, earth continuity conductor and earth
used as sub main earthing conductor.
added up algebraically. The earth resistance is
measured using Earth Megger.
 Advantages of Earthing
• Earthing is the safe and the best method • A sudden surge in voltage or
of offering safety. We know that the overload does not harm the device
earth’s potential is zero and is treated as and person if proper earthing
Neutral. Since low equipment is
measures are done.
connected to earth using low resistance
wire, balancing is achieved. • It prevents the risk of fire hazards
• Metal can be used in electrical that could otherwise be caused by
installations without looking for its the current leakage.
conductivity, proper earthing ensures
that metal does not transfer current.
 Definition of Earthing...
• Earthing is defined as “the • To ensure safety, earthing can be done
process in which the by connecting the electrical appliance to
earthing systems or electrodes placed
instantaneous discharge of the near the soil or below the ground level.
electrical energy takes place by
• The electrode or earthing mat equipped
transferring charges directly to with a flat iron riser is installed under
the earth through low resistance the ground level. It helps to connect all
wire.” the non-current-carrying metallic parts
of the equipment
Resistors sries and Parallel Connection
• you can calculate the voltage
across the three resistors at a time
and the formula is.
 Series Connection
• Two or more resistors are said to be
connected in series when the same
amount of current flows through all the
resistors. In such circuits, the voltage
across each resistor is different. In a
series connection, if any resistor is
broken or a fault occurs, then the entire
circuit is turned off. The construction of
a series circuit is simpler compared to a
parallel circuit.
 Continued....
• The figure above shows the ‘n’
number of resistors connected in Circuit Components
parallel. The following relation
gives the total resistance here
 Ohm's law
• Ohm's law states that the voltage
across a conductor is directly
proportional to the current flowing
through it, provided all physical
conditions and temperatures
remain constant.
Problems Based On Ohm’s Law
 Roles and Responsibilities of an
electrician
• Installs and repairs electrical wiring, systems, and fixtures in
buildings. • Required Skills/Abilities:
• Installs conduits and pipes to house electrical wires and cables.
• Ability to read blueprints.
• Ensures piping complies with electrical codes.
• Installs circuit breakers and other electrical hardware and • Extensive knowledge of electrical systems
connects wiring to them. and wiring.
• Connects electrical systems to powerlines to provide electricity
to the building. • Ability to use hand tools and power tools.
• Tests electrical systems to ensure proper installation and • Proficient in the use of test meters and other
operation.
diagnostic equipment.
• Inspects electrical systems to determine whether repairs are
needed. • Excellent analytical and problem-solving
• Replaces conduit and wiring as needed. skills.
 What is Electrical Safety?
• Electrical safety is a general practice of • Importance
workers who are exposed to handling
• Working around electricity can be
and maintaining electrically powered
very safe on the job site when
equipment. It is a set of guidelines they
follow to mitigate electrical hazards workers properly identify and control
and prevent its dangerous effects in hazards. But, inadequate training,
case of an incident. Unable to adhere to lack of experience, and failure to
electrical safety can lead to accidents, recognize potential hazards could
near misses, or even fatalities. result in electric shock or death.
Electrical Hazards Examples & Tips for
Safety
• Overhead Power Lines
• Overhead powered and energized
electrical lines have high voltages
which can cause major burns and
electrocution to workers.
Remember to maintain a
minimum distance of 10 feet from
overhead power lines and nearby
equipment.
 Continued...
• Damaged Tools and Equipment • Inadequate Wiring and Overloaded
Circuits
• Exposure to damaged electrical
tools and equipment can be very • Using wires of inappropriate size for
dangerous. Do not fix anything the current can cause overheating and
fires to occur. Use the correct wire
unless you are qualified to do so.
suitable for the operation and the
electrical load to work on. Use the
correct extension cord designed for
heavy-duty use.
 Continued....
• Exposed Electrical Parts • Improper Grounding
• Examples of exposed electrical • The most common OSHA
parts include temporary lighting, electrical violation is the improper
open power distribution units, and grounding of equipment. Proper
detached insulation parts on grounding can eliminate unwanted
electrical cords. voltage and reduce the risk of
electrocution.
 Continued....
• Damaged Insulation • Wet Conditions
• Defective or inadequate insulation • Never operate electrical
is a hazard. Be aware of damaged equipment in wet locations. Water
insulation and report it greatly increases the risk of
immediately. electrocution especially if the
equipment has damaged
insulation.
Safety signs....
Continued....
 Lightining Systems
• INTRODUCTION • Reducing the amount of power
• Lighting controls have traditionally used during the peak demand
been used to create moods. Today, they period by automatically dimming
are also used as part of a high quality lights or turning them off when
energy efficient lighting system that they are not needed
integrates daylight and electric light
sources to provide a comfortable and • Reducing the number of hours per
visually interesting environment for the year that the lights are on.
occupants of a space
 Classification of Lightining system
• Standard on/off switches and • Occupancy sensors
relays To automatically turn lights on when a
can be used to turn groups of lights room becomes occupied,
on and off together. Creative design To keep the lights on without interruption
options can be developed with this while the controlled space is occupied,
simple tool, if the circuiting is and
properly designed. To turn the lights off within a preset time
period after the space has been vacated.
Continued....Occupancy Sensor
• Ceiling-mounted controls with 360°
coverage
• Ceiling-mounted controls with
elongated "corridor" coverage
• Wall-mounted controls with a fan-
shaped coverage pattern
• Ceiling-mounted controls with a
rectangular coverage pattern
 Manual dimming
• gives occupants of a space an added • Remote control dimming
degree of control and satisfaction, as
dimming is another form of
well as an opportunity to save energy
manual dimming that is well
1. Manual hard-wired control suited for retrofit projects to
2. Preset scene control minimize rewiring.
3. Remote infrared control
4. Remote radio frequency contro
Remote controll lightining continued...
 Low Voltage lighting
• Known as "low voltage," it is
achieved by converting standard
120V current into 12V through
use of a transformer
 MAIN ADVANTAGES
• extensive light bulb options Examples:-
• great for art work
• great for creating wall washing effects
LEDs
• versatility • AR111
• they come in a variety of styles and options
• MR16
• low-shock hazard
• often used for landscape lighting • MR11
• can replace existing lighting systems and give better lighting
• PAR36
• great for display lighting, showrooms or other commercial
applications • T3-1/4, T5
• can be dimmed
• Strip lights, etc.
• Classification of lighting • Ceiling mounted fixture

• Wall mounted fixture

• Ambient lighting • LED down light

• Task lighting
• Track light
• Accent lighting
• Floor lamp
• Ambient lighting
• a) Ambient indoor lighting • Table lamp
 Ambient outdoor lighting
• Spotlight • Task lighting
• Directional gimbaal recessed fluxure or down
light.
• b) Hanging fixture
• b) Pendant lighting

• c) Garage and canopy light

• c) Tape and extrusion

• d) Wall lighting • d) Portable or desk lamp

 DISADVANTAGES:
• Transformer is required
• can be more expensive than
traditional lighting
• Systems max out at 300 watts
• Often times requires technical
skills for installations.
 Accent lighting
• Track light

• b) Slim line bar

• c) Tape and extrusion

• d) Wall mounted fixture

 Installation of Low Voltage Systems
• Common Low Voltage (240V a.c.
50Hz) and Extra Low Voltage
(12V a.c. 50Hz)
Constant Current Driver (power supply)
• Typical for 350mA and 700mA
LED lighting
• Serial Connection (polarization
required) must be RED(+)
connected to BLACK(-) and
BLACK(-) to RED(+)

•
DC12V and DC24V Constant Voltage Driver
(power supply)
• Typical for LED Strip or Rope
Lighting (i.e. LED Twister, Snake,
Rule etc).
• Parallel Connection (polarization
required) all RED(+) wires
connected together and BLACK(-)
wires with BLACK wires
together