MCCB Full Form
MCCB stands for (or is an abbreviation for) Molded Case Circuit Breaker.
The word molded, as you would expect, refers to the fact that MCCB circuit breakers come with molded plastic or resin housings or enclosures
.The plastic is usually flame resistant, heat resistant, and highly insulating. This makes the breaker suitable for use in different environments, including industrial-grade applications.
The ACB Full Form:- ACB stands for Air Circuit Breaker. Just like the MCCB breaker, the ACB derives its name from the fact that it uses air for insulation. In terms of construction, the ACB is made from a steel metal frame and the tripping mechanisms housed inside it.
ACBs are mainly built for use in high current applications such as power transmission lines and heavy industrial systems. In these cases, the ACB offers both overload and fault protection of the circuit – the same way that the MCCB protection does.
MCCB sizesDifferent molded case circuit breakers, MCCB sizes:-
Between MCCB and ACB :-
After the technical definitions, let’s discuss the differences between the MCCB vs. ACB breaker.
This will help make the decision of which type to use for any particular application easier.
The ACB vs. MCCB comparison will include these differences: ratings, size, and operating, voltage, and cost
.ACB and MCCB Difference #1 RatingsOne of the most significant differences between MCCB and ACB is their ratings.
The MCCB ratings for current usually range from a few amperes up to 800A, while ACB ratings for can go up to 6,300A.
That means an ACB has a much larger current-carrying capacity than an MCCB and, therefore, used in applications that involve large amounts of current, such as power distribution systems or equipment and substations
.ACB and MCCB Difference
#2 Size :-
In terms of physical size, an ACB is larger than an MCCB. MCCB dimensions are generally three to four times less than those of ACBs.
This is not to be confused with MCCB frame sizes, which is the industry language for the maximum current rating range of the device.Molded case circuit breakers do not need to be as large as ACBs.
This is because they’re designed for use in lower current applications. The smaller MCCB sizes also make them suitable for installations in places where space is limited, such as in the panel boards of residential buildings and small industrial plants.ACB and MCCB Difference
#3 Operation:-
While both types of circuit breakers interrupt the circuit when a fault occurs, one offers more control and protection than the other.
In essence, the MCCB operation is composed of fewer features when compared to the ACB.In addition, the user can also add more accessories to an ACB than an MCCB.
These include auxiliary contacts and other release accessories. As a result, the operation on MCBs is less complex and less powerful than that of an air circuit breaker.
