Difference Between MCB, MCCB, ELCB and RCB, RCD or RCCB

8/25/2021 Difference Between MCB, MCCB, ELCB and RCB, RCD or RCCB
Comparisons Control EE Questions / Answers
EE-Tools, Instruments, Devices, Components & Measurements Electrical Design
Electrical Wiring Installation How To Protection Troubleshooting
Difference Between MCB, MCCB,

ELCB & RCB, RCD or RCCB Circuit
Breakers
 Electrical Technology  34  14 minutes read
Difference Between MCB, MCCB, ELCB and RCCB , RCD

or RCB Circuit Breakers
Different types of Circuit breakers are installed and used for safety
purposes in both residential as well as commercial and industrial areas. In
power distribution, we need circuit breakers at different levels. Depending
on the current carrying capacity, breaking capacity and other functions,
we select a suitable circuit breaker according to our needs i.e. VCB, ACB
(Air Circuit Breaker), MCCB and then MCB , this is common hierarchy
being followed in power distribution system.
Related Post: Difference Between a Battery and a Capacitor
https://www.electricaltechnology.org/2019/07/mcb-mccb-elcb-rcb-rcd-rccb-rcbo.html 1/21
Table of Contents 
1. What is Circuit Breaker (CB) ?
1.1. Air Circuit Breaker
2. What is MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker) ?
3. What is MCCB (Molded Case Circuit Breaker) ?
4. Main Difference between MCB and MCCB
4.1. MCB and MCCB Selection
4.1.1. Difference between IEC 60898-1 and IEC 60947-2
4.1.1.1. IEC60898-1
4.1.1.2. IEC60947-2
4.1.2. Comparison Between IEC 69896-1 & IEC 60947-2
4.1.3. How to select MCB or MCCB at Different Circuit Levels?
4.1.3.1. Difference between ICS & ICU in term of Circuit Breakers.
4.1.4. Characteristic of MCB and FUSE
5. What is ELCB (Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker)
5.1. ELCB Construction:
5.2. ELCB Operation:
5.3. Disadvantages of ELCB:
6. What is RCD , RCB or RCCB ?
6.1. Working of RCD or Current Operated RCCB:
6.2. Advantages of RCD:
6.3. Disadvantages of RCD:
6.3.1. RCBO (Residual Circuit Breaker with Overload)
7. Difference between ELCB and RCCB
What is Circuit Breaker (CB) ?

A CB (Circuit breaker) is a device which:
Control (make or break) a circuit manually or by remote control

under normal and fault conditions.
Break a circuit automatically under fault conditions (like
overcurrent, Short circuit, etc).
Air Circuit Breaker

Operates in air (where air-blast as an arc quenching medium) at
atmospheric pressure.
It has completely replaced by oil circuit breaker.
No chance of oil fire like in oil circuit breaker.
Rated Current up to 10k A.
Trip thresholds and delays are adjustable.
Electronically and microprocessor controlled.
It is used in large industrial plant for main power distribution.
To know more about ACB, read the article “Air Circuit Breaker (ACB) –
Construction, Operation, Types and Applications.
What is MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker) ?
MCB stands for “Miniature Circuit Breaker”.

Rated current under 100 amps.
Interrupting rating of under 18,000 amps.
Trip characteristics may not be adjusted.
Working principle based on thermal or thermal magnetic operation.
Suitable for low current circuits (low energy requirement), i.e. home
wiring.
Generally, used where normal current is less than 100 Amps.
To know more about the MCB, check the previous post “MCB (Miniature
Circuit Breaker) – Construction, Working, Types & Applications”.
What is MCCB (Molded Case Circuit Breaker) ?

MCBB stands for “Molded Case Circuit Breaker“.
Rated current in the range of 10-2500 amps.
Thermal operated for overload and & magnetic operation for instant
trip in SC (short circuit conditions).
Interrupting rating can be around 10k – 200k amps.
Trip characteristics is adjustable.
Suitable for high power rating and high energy i.e. commercial and
industrial use.
Generally, used where normal current is more than 100 Amps.
Main Difference between MCB and MCCB

The main different between MCB and MCCB is the interrupt current rating
which is up to 1800 amperes for MCB and 10k – 200k Amperes for
MCCB.
Related Post: Main Difference between Contactor and Starter.
The following table shows the difference and comparison between MCB
and MCCB.
Keep in mind that both MCB and MCCB are classified as low voltage
circuit breakers and the operation principle is based on thermo-magnetic
for both devices.
Related Post: Difference Between Relay and Circuit Breaker
MCB and MCCB Selection

Now the question is that for a situation, where standard current carrying
capacity needed is 100A with breaking capacity of 15KA, what should be
used? An MCB or MCCB? We assume cost is not very different.
Both are in moulded case and having almost similar features especially
when we are comparing with fixed thermal setting option of MCCB and
they are classified as low voltage circuit breakers. For magnetic setting,
we can select MCB as per curve and MCCB will have either fixed setting
or can be adjusted.
Related Post: Difference between Circuit Breaker and Isolator /

Disconnector
So what is the criteria to make a selection of MCB or MCCB? Space

can be a point of consideration as MCBs are more compact but it doesn’t
make a big point as bigger size of MCCB brings many advantages too
like better fault clearing mechanism. keep in mind that both MCB &
MCCB are low voltage circuit breakers and created to respond to IEC 947
standards (We are going to discuss these standards below)
Actually there is difference in standards they follows. An MCB is

supposed to function in accordance to IEC 60898-1 (Unless mentioned
otherwise) and so is tested accordingly. While an MCCB is tested in
accordance with IEC60947-2. So to understand the difference between
MCB and MCCB we need to get a brief idea of these two standards.
Related Post: Main Difference Between Electrical and Electronic

Engineering?
Difference between IEC 60898-1 and IEC 60947-2

IEC60898-1
It defines behavior of circuit breaker having rated operational voltage not
exceeding than 440V (between Phases), Rated current not exceeding
than 125A (We have range 0.5A-125A) and rated short circuit capacity
not exceeding than 25KA ( Usually it is 10KAin MCB). This is designed for
unskilled user (or say uninstructed user) and for devices not being
maintained consequently. Also pollution degree covered is zero pollution
to maximum pollution (degree 2). These are the circuit breakers we find in
residential homes, shops, school & offices electrical distribution
switchboards.
Related Post: What is the Difference Between Neutral, Ground and

Earth?
IEC60947-2
This standard applies to circuit-breakers, the main contacts of which are
intended to be connected to circuits, the rated voltage of which does not
exceed 1000 V a.c. or 1500 V d.c.; it also contains additional
requirements for integrally fused circuit-breakers. It covers very high
range of standard current carrying capacity (We have range of 6A-6300A)
and meant for skilled user. The device is also supposed to be maintained
properly. Also pollution degree is to be 3 or more. These circuit breakers
are industrial applications and protect the power distribution of up to 1000
volts AC. and 1500 volts DC. (For MCBs, MCCBs & ACBs)
So it is clear that these items are different in their fundamentals. An MCB

designed for indoor, pollution-free conditions and would not be suitable for
harsh, outdoor applications that require pollution degree 3.
Typically, IEC 60898-1 certified Circuit Breakers meet minimally required

performance to proof proper protection of household installations:
Pollution degree 2, impulse voltage 4kV, isolation voltage is the same as
nominal voltage 440V. That is the reason why usually we meet limited
number of technical information printed on Circuit Breakers.
It is not necessary that Circuit breakers certified with IEC 60898-1 can’t
be certified with IEC 60947-2, but for sure any manufacturer need to
obtain certification. Rating of same MCB can be different for different
standards, so, it is highly recommended to check the data properly
printed on it.
Related Post: Staircase Wiring Circuit Diagram – How to Control a

Lamp from 2 Places by 2-Way Switches?
So, the application and needs will decide that which device is to be used
or selected.
Comparison Between IEC 69896-1 & IEC 60947-2
MCB Characteristic IEC 60898-1 IEC 60947-2
Rated Current: In 6 – 125A 0.5 – 160A
SC Breaking Capacity <25kA <50kA
Rated Voltage: Ue 400V 440V, 500V, 690V
Impulse Voltage: Uimp 4kV 6kV – 8kV
Pollution Degree 2 3
Curves B,C,D B,C,D,K,Z,MA
Application Current AC AC or DC
Electrical Auxiliaries No Monitoring Control
How to select MCB or MCCB at Different Circuit Levels?

well. As we have cleared everything in the above sections as well as, the
MCB nameplate rating data also give an appropriate information, but the
choice of MCB or MCCB is based on certain factors and conditions like;
ICS as a % from ICU. (See Difference between ICS & ICU in term of
Circuit Breakers)
Maximum Operating Voltage
Insulation voltage
Mechanical operation ( endurance and durability)
Breaking Capacity for each Operating Voltage
Below are types of MCBs which shows the magnetic fault protection.
Also, to prevent the accidental overloading of the cable at no fault, there
is a thermal device in MCB to eliminate the chances of unwanted tripping
operation of MCB. For short circuit protection in home appliances, the
current rating is about to 6kA while for heavy and industrial operation, it is
above the 10kA.
MCB Min Tripping Max Tripping Operating

Type Current (Ir) Current (Ir) Time
0.04 – 13
Type B 3 5
Sec
Type C 5 10 0.04 – 5 Sec
Type D 10 20 0.04 – 3 Sec
by the way, it depends on your needs and requirement for what you want
to install. Many other different factors affect the situation, So you will have
to read the next article below as we have added some simple calculation
and formulas for MCB installation & selection for Electrical Wiring.
Applications Standards to be Followed
Residential Buildings IEC 60898-1
Commercial Buildings IEC 60898-1 or IEC 60947-2
Industries IEC 60947-2
Anyhow, You will have to read the next article about the proper selection
of MCB or MCCB according to your needs.
Difference between ICS & ICU in term of Circuit Breakers.

ICS = Service Braking Capacity (means, Circuit breaker can remove the
fault, but it may not be usable afterwards.)
ICU = Ultimate Braking Capacity (means, Circuit breaker can remove the
fault and remain usable)
Characteristic of MCB and FUSE

Both MCB and Fuse rated in Amperes which is known as Nominal
Current or Rated Current.
Keep in mind that an MCB or Fuse with rated current of 50A will not
trip when current of more than 50A is flowing through it.
The reason is that MCB and Fuse with same rated current has
different properties.
For a 63A MCB and 60A Fuse where it should trip in 0.2 sec, MCB
will trip at 260A and fuse will trip at 600A. It shows Fuse delay is
very high as compared to MCB.
Sometimes, fuse blow itself without a reason. It may be due to the
previous overloads for specific time which has not been noticed.
In case of Fuse, if the rated current is 60A, it will carry up to 80A for
an hour or two. This is the same like modern PVC cables hold 50%
overload for an hour.
A previous post can be read for more details under the title of “Main
Difference between Fuse and MCB and symbols used for Circuit
Breakers, Fuses and Protection devices“.
What is ELCB (Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker)

ELCB stands for “Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker” and it is used for
protecting a person from electric shock and injury. The needs of these
devices arise because of the number increasing in injuries as well as
deaths because of electric shock.
This device is invented almost 50 years ago, but nowadays ELCB is not
suitable because of its some disadvantages hence another device RCB
(Residual circuit breaker) or RCD (Residual Current Devices) whose
functionality is same with more advantages, but theory of operation is

entirely different from ELCB. some of ELCB characteristic are as follow:
As name suggest, its operated on earth leakage current.

Line (Phase or Live), Neutral (N) and Earth Wire connected to the
load points through ELCB.
ELCB Construction:
It is international standard that each electronics device enclosure should
be earthed. So, there would be no chance of electrocutions. For proper
operation of ELCB, its need to bury a metallic rod deep in the soil and
ELCB is connected between the wire coming from the rod to the wire
attached to the external metallic body of the Electrical device or you can
say that ELCB is connected to the Earth wire.
ELCB Operation:
When the live wire (accidentally) touches the metallic body of the
connected device or appliance, then there is potential generated between
the earthed rod and the metallic enclosure of that device. The circuitry
(inside the ELCB) senses the potential difference and when this potential
difference reached at 50volt then ELCB cuts off the main supply from the
connected device. This way it ensures the safety of the human beings.
Related Post: How to Connect a Portable Generator to Home Supply

System (Three Methods)
To know the operation time of ELCB, lets see the following example.
The safest limit of current which human body (depends on multiple

factors) can withstand is 30mA sec. Suppose the human body resistance
(hands to feet) is 500Ω and he touches to the live wire having voltage of
230V AC to the ground. The current flowing through body to the ground
will be:
I = 220V/100Ω = 440mA
Now, The ELCB must be opertaed in
30mA sec / 440A = 0.068m sec.
However, it is not used widely nowadays because of its some major

disadvantages mentioned in the next section.
Electrical Shock Hazards & Effects on Human Body
Disadvantages of ELCB:
Without proper earth connection, ELCB will not work. If the wire
attached to the earthed rode is loose or broken, then ELCB would
not able to sense the potential hazardous voltage on the metallic
body of the electrical/electronic device.
ELCB is attached between earthed wire and metallic body of the
electrical appliances. But there are many other parallel paths for the
currents to flow from the connected device body to earth without
going through earthed wire. E.g. there are many metallic pipes in the
house, which can provide a parallel path for the current to flow
towards the earth. In this way, sometime ELCB is not able to detect
the hazardous voltage on the metallic body of the device, which may
cause serious injury.
If someone gets in touch with live phase wire, ELCB will not Trip
because in this case, there will be no current flow in the earth wire.
In fact, current is flowing from the live wire to earth through the
person’s body.
When a live wire comes in contact with neutral wire, short circuit will
occur, hence, ELCB will not trip because there will be no current in
the earth wire.
There are many cases in which, there is a current flow in the earth
wire, but the situation is not hazardous in such cases, but it gives
false trip e.g. lightening strike, current starts flowing in the earth wire
and ELCB trips.
To overcome with the above disadvantages of ELCB, another Device

named Residual Current Breaker (RCB) is invented to use for earth
leakage protection.
Related Post: How to Find the Rated Cable & Wire Size for Electrical
Wiring Installations
What is RCD , RCB or RCCB ?

Residual Current Device (RCD) is also known as Residual Current
Breaker (RCB) or Residual Current Circuit Breaker (RCCB).
Residual Current Breaker (RCB) works on the assumption that the current
going to the electronics device must come out from the neutral wire, if
there is no other way for current flow. In simple words, RCB measures the
current going inside the connected device and coming out from the
device. If both of these current are equal, then there would no problem
with the normal functionality of the device.
This device is also known as Current Operated ELCB which is known as

RCCB nowadays. This device is more sensitive and accurate than ELCB
and its functionality does not (entirely) depend on the earthed rode wire
connection like voltage ELCB. Some of RCCB (RCD or RCB)
characteristic are as follow:
Most widely used RCD is 30mA to 10mA.

300 to 500mA RCCB are used for fire protection such as in lighting
circuits with little chances of electric shock.
Line (Phase or Live) and Neutral (N) both wires are connected to the
load points through RCCB (RCD)
RCD operate and trip when there is an earth fault current in the
circuit.
The same amount of current should flows through Neutral Wire as
current flows in Live (Phase) wire i.e. equal current should flows in
both Phase and Neutral Wire.
If RCD detect unequal current (Phase and Neutral Current should be
same as mentioned above) in phase or neutral wire, it will trip the
circuit and disconnect the load points in 30m sec.
RCD devices are very effective for electric shock protection.
In a home where earthing system is connected only to earth rod and
not to the main incoming supply cables, all circuits must be protected
by an RCD otherwise, MCB might not get the specified fault current
which is important to trip the MCB from connected circuits.
Related Posts:
Wiring of the Distribution Board with RCD
Wiring of the Distribution Board without RCD
Working of RCD or Current Operated RCCB:

The polarity of the phase winding and the neutral winding is opposite in
normal condition. Therefore, EMF generated by the phase wire cancels
out by the EMF of the neutral wire. If there is a difference in the incoming
and outgoing currents, then the resultant EMF will not be zero and can be
sensed by the CT of RCB. The signal from the RCB current transformer is
fed to the RCB circuit and it opens the main power contacts.
Advantages of RCD:
If there is no connection between the ground and the enclosure of
the device, and a person touches the metallic body of that device. In
this case, incoming and outgoing current will be different and RCB
will Trip in contrast with ELCB.
Functionality of RCB (Residual Current Breaker) does not effect by
lightning strikes.
It does not trip falsely.
Related Post: Types of Switches – Construction, Working & Applications
Disadvantages of RCD:
RCD don’t provide protection against Current Overload. But the
main MCB will trip the circuit as RCCD won’t trip in case of a live or
neutral faults i.e. short circuit and overload. For this reason, RCBO
(MCB with RCD in a single unit) are used for proper protection.
It operates only on normal supply wave forms i.e. it will not
detect the pulsating DC and half wave rectified waveform. For these
reason, special RCCB are used which is also operating on rectified
pulsating DC voltage.
Annoyance operation of RCD in case of sudden changes in load
current. RCDs are very sensitive and operate on even a very small
amount of faulty current very quickly. In case of switching of old
electrical appliances, there is a small constant current flow through
earth which lead to trip the circuit.
RCD will not protect against overheating, Live – Neutral
Shocks, and Socket outlet being wired with its Live & Neutral
Terminals.
RCBO (Residual Circuit Breaker with Overload)

As we know that RCD won’t provide protection against Overload, hence
an MCB and RCD are presented in a single unit known as RCBO
(Residual Circuit Breaker with Overload). The operating principles are
same as above but it provide more and reliable operation with overload
protection in single box.
Related Post: Different Types of Electrical Wiring Systems and

Methods of Electrical Wiring Installation
Difference between ELCB and RCCB
RCCB (Also known as

Characteristic ELCB
RCD or RCB)
Earth Leakage Circuit Residual Current Circuit

Abbreviation
Breaker Breaker
Voltage Operated Device Current Operated

Operation (Old Name, Old Device (New Name,
Technology). New Technology).
It will detect any earth

Only detects earth faults
fault. That’s why they
Fault Detection that flow back through
are using now instead of
the main earth wire.
ELCB.
Connected to Phase,
It is only connected to
Connection Neutral as well as Earth
Phase and Neutral Wire.
Wire.
Needs an earth No need of earth

Installation
connection itself. connection.
AC = used for AC = Used for

Alternating Current Alternating Current
A = Used for A = Used for
Types
Square-wave Square-wave
B = Used to DC B = Used to DC
Nuisance Less High

Tripping
Cost Costly Less Cost
Almost all wiring

Not recommended.
Applications systems use RCCD
Replace it with RCCD.
nowadays.
Keep in mind that both ELCB and RCCB are used for the same purpose
but wiring connection is different i.e. in RCCB, only phase and neutral
wire should be connected through it whereas in ELCB, main earth wire is
connected through it.
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Here is the table in image for reference.
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NEC & IEC
Three Phase Electrical Wiring Installation in Home – NEC & IEC
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Three Phase Electrical Wiring Installation in a Multi-Story Building
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 Tags CB Circuit Breaker Circuit Breakers ELCB Electrical Wiring Installation
IEC 60898-1 IEC 60947-2 IEC Standards MCB MCB Rating MCCB NEC RCB
RCD Types of Circuit Breakers
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8/25/2021 Difference Between MCB, MCCB, ELCB and RCB, RCD or RCCB

Comparisons Control EE Questions / Answers

EE-Tools, Instruments, Devices, Components & Measurements Electrical Design

Electrical Wiring Installation How To Protection Troubleshooting

Difference Between MCB, MCCB,

Difference Between MCB, MCCB, ELCB and RCCB , RCD

Related Post: Difference Between a Battery and a Capacitor

What is Circuit Breaker (CB) ?

Control (make or break) a circuit manually or by remote control

Air Circuit Breaker

What is MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker) ?

MCB stands for “Miniature Circuit Breaker”.

What is MCCB (Molded Case Circuit Breaker) ?

Main Difference between MCB and MCCB

Related Post: Main Difference between Contactor and Starter.

Related Post: Difference Between Relay and Circuit Breaker

MCB and MCCB Selection

Related Post: Difference between Circuit Breaker and Isolator /

So what is the criteria to make a selection of MCB or MCCB? Space

Actually there is difference in standards they follows. An MCB is

Related Post: Main Difference Between Electrical and Electronic

Difference between IEC 60898-1 and IEC 60947-2

Related Post: What is the Difference Between Neutral, Ground and

So it is clear that these items are different in their fundamentals. An MCB

Typically, IEC 60898-1 certified Circuit Breakers meet minimally required

Related Post: Staircase Wiring Circuit Diagram – How to Control a

Comparison Between IEC 69896-1 & IEC 60947-2

MCB Characteristic IEC 60898-1 IEC 60947-2

Rated Current: In 6 – 125A 0.5 – 160A

SC Breaking Capacity <25kA <50kA

Rated Voltage: Ue 400V 440V, 500V, 690V

Impulse Voltage: Uimp 4kV 6kV – 8kV

Curves B,C,D B,C,D,K,Z,MA

Electrical Auxiliaries No Monitoring Control

How to select MCB or MCCB at Different Circuit Levels?

MCB Min Tripping Max Tripping Operating

Type C 5 10 0.04 – 5 Sec

Type D 10 20 0.04 – 3 Sec

Applications Standards to be Followed

Residential Buildings IEC 60898-1

Commercial Buildings IEC 60898-1 or IEC 60947-2

Industries IEC 60947-2

Difference between ICS & ICU in term of Circuit Breakers.

Characteristic of MCB and FUSE

What is ELCB (Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker)

functionality is same with more advantages, but theory of operation is

As name suggest, its operated on earth leakage current.

Related Post: How to Connect a Portable Generator to Home Supply

The safest limit of current which human body (depends on multiple

Now, The ELCB must be opertaed in

30mA sec / 440A = 0.068m sec.

However, it is not used widely nowadays because of its some major

Electrical Shock Hazards & Effects on Human Body

To overcome with the above disadvantages of ELCB, another Device

What is RCD , RCB or RCCB ?

This device is also known as Current Operated ELCB which is known as

Most widely used RCD is 30mA to 10mA.

Working of RCD or Current Operated RCCB:

Related Post: Types of Switches – Construction, Working & Applications

RCBO (Residual Circuit Breaker with Overload)

Related Post: Different Types of Electrical Wiring Systems and

Difference between ELCB and RCCB

RCCB (Also known as