MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker) and ELCB (Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker) are both electrical protection devices used in power distribution systems, but they serve different purposes.
MCB is designed to protect electrical circuits from overloads and short circuits. It functions by automatically disconnecting the circuit when it detects an abnormal current flow caused by overloading or a short circuit. MCBs come in various ratings and trip characteristics to cater to different applications and load requirements. They are commonly used in residential, commercial, and industrial electrical installations to ensure the safety of the connected devices and prevent damage to the wiring.
On the other hand, ELCB is primarily focused on detecting leakage current to the ground. It is particularly crucial in safeguarding against electric shock hazards. ELCBs come in two main types: the voltage-operated ELCB (VO-ELCB) and the current-operated ELCB (CO-ELCB). The VO-ELCB detects voltage imbalances between the live and neutral conductors, while the CO-ELCB responds to the current leakage to the ground. ELCBs are commonly installed in circuits where there is an increased risk of electric shock, such as in wet or damp environments.
In summary, MCBs protect against overloads and short circuits by disconnecting the circuit when abnormal currents are detected, while ELCBs focus on preventing electric shocks by identifying and disconnecting circuits with leakage currents to the ground. Both devices play crucial roles in ensuring the safety and reliability of electrical installations.
