Circuit Breakers: Types & Their Functions

Circuit breakers are essential safety devices that protect electrical circuits from damage caused by overloads, short circuits, or faults. They automatically trip and cut off power when they detect excessive current, preventing fires, equipment damage, and system failures.

🔹 Types of Circuit Breakers & Their Applications

1️⃣ Miniature Circuit Breaker (MCB) – Used in homes and small businesses, MCBs protect against overloads and short circuits.

2️⃣ Molded Case Circuit Breaker (MCCB) – Suitable for industrial and commercial applications, MCCBs handle higher currents and provide thermal and magnetic protection.

3️⃣ Residual Current Circuit Breaker (RCCB) – Detects leakage currents and prevents electric shocks, commonly used in residential settings.

4️⃣ Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker (ELCB) – Older version of RCCB, used for ground fault protection by sensing leakage currents to the earth.

5️⃣ Air Circuit Breaker (ACB) – Found in large-scale industries, ACBs protect electrical circuits from overcurrent and short circuits using air as the arc-quenching medium.

6️⃣ Vacuum Circuit Breaker (VCB) – Used in high-voltage applications, VCBs provide excellent arc extinguishing in vacuum-sealed chambers.

7️⃣ Oil Circuit Breaker (OCB) – Used in power distribution, OCBs use oil as an arc-extinguishing medium, though they are less common today.

8️⃣ SF6 Circuit Breaker – Ideal for high-voltage grids, these breakers use sulfur hexafluoride gas for superior insulation and arc suppression.