An MCB is employed as protection against overloads and short circuits because electrical breakdowns have the potential to damage countless lives. Miniature Circuit Breakers (MCBs) are electromechanical devices that are used to guard against overload and short circuit in electrical circuits. Short circuits, overloads, or even poor design could be the main causes of an overcurrent. Additionally, we’ll explain why mcb trip frequently in this blog post as well as how to prevent it. Take a look at this.
What is an MCB?
Miniature Circuit Breakers, or MCBs, are safety electromagnetic switches that control a circuit. When they detect that the current flowing through the circuit has exceeded a specified threshold or value, they automatically open the circuit. The gadget can also be manually operated like a standard on/off switch.
When an overcurrent flows for a prolonged length of time and there is a risk to the entire circuit, MCBs, also known as time delay tripping devices, trip and shut down the system. These devices can trip and shut off the power supply in the event of short circuits, albeit, within 2.5 milliseconds.
The term “fault” refers to a problem that occurs in an electrical system when a component malfunctions or when improper electrical procedures are used. If a fault is not fixed quickly, it could result in an extremely dangerous situation, such as an explosion or fire. In addition, the longer a fault is left unfixed, the more damage it does to the system’s health and the more thermal stress it must endure. There is a need for a device that can clear faults but also has a shorter opening time to conserve energy and reduce thermal stress since faults are dangerous to the system and must be fixed as soon as possible.
Advantages of MCB
- Whenever a network anomaly occurs, the electrical circuit immediately shuts off.
- When tripping, the operating knob moves out of the on position, making it simple to locate the electrical circuit’s defective area.
- In the case of an MCB, a rapid supply restoration is possible.
- MCB is a safer electrical option than a fuse.
Characteristic
- Current rates not to exceed 100A
- Typically, trip characteristics cannot be changed.
- Magnetic and thermal operation
Features and Benefits of MCB
- Protection from shock and fire:
The first and most significant benefit of MCB is that it reduces unintentional touch. Without any issues, it can be operated and controlled.
- Contacts for anti-welding:
It guarantees a longer life and greater safety because of its anti-welding property.
- Captive screws or safety terminals:
Using box style terminals prevents loose connections and ensures appropriate termination.
Reasons why MCB Trip Frequently
MCBs trip regularly for three reasons:
- A faulty circuit
The most frequent cause of circuit breakers tripping is understood to be circuit overloading. It simply means that we are using too many large, power-hungry devices on the same circuit at once.
- Short circuit
The second riskiest reason is a short circuit. When a wire or phase contacts another wire or phase, or contacts the circuits “neutral” wire, a short circuit results. When these two wires come into contact, a large current flows, greater than the circuit can tolerate
- Ground fault
A short circuit and a ground fault are essentially identical. When a hot wire hits a ground wire, this incident takes place.
In essence, we may say that when a circuit breaks, it indicates that the system is overloaded since the current is more than the AMPs it can manage.
- Temperature
There is an operating temperature for every device. A high ambient temperature (over 40°C) might cause an MCB to trip even if it is temperature adjusted. In order to prevent high temperatures, you need ventilate your enclosure.
if there is abnormal heating brought on by the screw at the terminal section becoming loose. The screw should be retightened to the prescribed torque.
- Lighting
The MCB may trip during a lightning strike because of the higher surge currents. When it rains heavily, moist walls and slightly damaged cables may cause an overcurrent. Do not forget to safeguard your MCB from the damaging effects of the illumination by using a surge protection device. This will provide your installation additional protection.
- Old and poor quality
Your gadget may trip frequently if you utilize an MCB that is ancient or of low quality. Products of high quality last a very long time. Use items from international brands.
- Broken handle
Without a trip-free mechanism, broken handle MCBs may trip inconveniently. A high-quality MCB’s switching mechanism is independent. It indicates that even when the operational knob is kept in the ON position, the breaker trips internally. The MCB might not function effectively if the product is of poor quality and has a broken handle.
Breakers are a security mechanism. It is intended to safeguard the house as well as the equipment, wiring, and other components. Therefore, there is a cause when an MCB trips, and this indicator should be regarded extremely carefully. And if you reset the MCB and it trips right away again, that is typically a sign of a direct short.
Electrical connections that are slack are another frequent reason for breakers to trip, and this problem is readily fixed by tightening the connections.
Some essential tips to avoid MCB tripping
- When not in use, we should disconnect all of the equipment.
- When it’s hot or cold outside, we should be mindful of how many appliances are plugged in.
- Ensure that none of the appliance cords are damaged or frayed.
- If you have limited outlets, avoid utilising extension cables and power strips.
Short Circuit
When there is a short in your electrical system or one of the applications you are utilising, the circuit breaker may trip. It can be challenging to locate the short in some houses. Additionally, apply the method of elimination to identify a short in an appliance. Plug each appliance in one at a time after turning on the power. Check to see if a certain appliance trips a breaker.
So, now you know why MCB trips regularly and how to prevent MCB trips.
