A fuse and an MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker) serve similar purposes in electrical circuits but differ in operation and resetability. A fuse is a thin wire or strip of metal that melts when excessive current flows through it, thereby interrupting the circuit to protect against overcurrent and potential fire hazards. Once a fuse blows, it must be replaced with a new one because it cannot be reset. In contrast, an MCB is a switch-like device that automatically opens the circuit when it detects an overcurrent or short circuit. MCBs can be reset manually after tripping, making them more convenient and cost-effective in the long run compared to fuses.
The main difference between a fuse and a circuit breaker lies in their operation and resetability. A fuse operates based on the principle of thermal or magnetic tripping, where excessive current causes the fuse element to melt or a magnetic mechanism to trip, respectively. Once a fuse blows, it must be replaced. In contrast, a circuit breaker like an MCB uses a thermal-magnetic mechanism to detect overcurrents and short circuits. It can be manually reset after tripping, allowing the circuit to be restored without replacing any components.
Difference between MCB and MCCB (Molded Case Circuit Breaker), the distinction lies in their applications and current ratings. MCBs are typically used for low-voltage circuits (up to 1000V AC) and lower current ratings (up to 125A). They are more compact and suited for residential and light commercial applications. MCCBs, on the other hand, can handle higher currents (up to 2500A) and are used in industrial settings where higher fault currents are expected.
The basic difference between a fuse, MCB, and ACB (Air Circuit Breaker) lies in their construction, operating principles, and applications. A fuse operates based on current overload, where a melting element interrupts the circuit. An MCB uses thermal-magnetic principles to trip when it detects overcurrents or short circuits and can be manually reset. An ACB is a larger, more robust circuit breaker used for higher voltages (typically 1000V and above) and higher currents in industrial and commercial applications. ACBs offer more advanced protection features and are designed to handle larger fault currents than MCBs or fuses.
The differences between a fuse, MCB, and RCCB (Residual Current Circuit Breaker) are related to their specific functions in electrical protection. A fuse protects against overcurrent by interrupting the circuit when excessive current flows through it. It does not provide protection against earth leakage or residual currents. An MCB provides overcurrent protection like a fuse but can be reset manually after tripping. An RCCB, also known as a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) in some regions, protects against earth leakage currents, which can occur due to faults or contact with live parts. It trips the circuit when it detects a leakage current to prevent electric shocks and fire hazards.