The difference between Earth Leakage Circuit Breakers (ELCBs), Molded Case Circuit Breakers (MCCBs), and Residual Current Circuit Breakers (RCCBs) is their working principle and cost.
In this blog, you will not only learn about their functions and cost, but the following aspects, too:
Let’s begin!
An Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker (ELCB) is a safety device used to detect earth leakages in electrical circuits.
Earth leakages occur when electrical current unintentionally flows through a different path, potentially causing electric shocks or fires.
The ELCB monitors the current flowing through a system and, if it detects a leakage (often to the earth or ground), it immediately cuts off the circuit to prevent further issues.
ELCBs are primarily designed to protect people from electric shocks and to prevent hazards caused by stray currents.
There are two types of ELCBs: Voltage Earth Leakage Circuit Breakers (vELCB) and Current Earth Leakage Circuit Breakers (cELCB).
The voltage-based ELCB is triggered when there’s a rise in the potential between a grounded element and the electrical system.
In contrast, a current-based ELCB detects imbalances in current between live and neutral conductors, indicating a leakage.
Although ELCBs are effective for safety, they are gradually being replaced by Residual Current Circuit Breakers (RCCBs), which offer more advanced and precise protection.
A Molded Case Circuit Breaker (MCCB) is a protective device used to guard against overcurrent and short circuits in electrical systems.
It operates by automatically interrupting the electrical flow if it detects a fault, protecting connected devices and wiring.
MCCBs are designed for higher voltage applications than Miniature Circuit Breakers (MCBs) and are commonly found in industrial and commercial electrical systems.
MCCBs are adjustable and have a much higher breaking capacity than MCBs, making them suitable for larger applications with higher power demands.
They also provide both thermal and magnetic protection, with thermal protection for overloads and magnetic protection for short circuits.
MCCBs can be reset after a trip and are useful in circuits with high power requirements and more complex protection needs.
A Residual Current Circuit Breaker (RCCB) is a safety device that detects leakage currents caused by faults, such as insulation failure or accidental contact.
RCCBs assess the current balance between live and neutral wires.
If it detects an imbalance, it quickly cuts off power, reducing the risk of electric shock and fires.
Unlike an ELCB, an RCCB doesn’t require a direct earth connection; it works solely on detecting differences in current flow.
This makes RCCBs more versatile and precise, offering enhanced protection for both people and electrical systems.
RCCBs are particularly effective in residential and commercial settings where safety from electric shock is essential.
Most circuit breakers revolve around the same function: to prevent current leakage.
However, ELCBs, MCCBs, and RCCBs slightly differ in the following:
To begin, ELCBs work by monitoring the current flow through their winding transformers.
When earth faults occur, the sensing coils in the circuit identify the imbalance in current flow.
The ELCB then calculates the difference in current flow from the threshold, which shuts off the power supply automatically.
MCCBs, on the other hand, are typically beneficial to control AC and DC switching.
This device helps protect short circuits by acting as a border between the load and the power source.
What makes MCCBs different is that they contain an arc between the terminals that causes a magnetic field around the gap.
This magnetic field either repels or attracts metal objects that touch the said gap.
The MCCB continues to generate an electric current through the gap even if the circuit breaker has shut the power off.
Meanwhile, an RCCB’s working principle begins with the standard requirement: the current flow in the live wires should be equal to the returning current in the neutral wires.
When an earth fault occurs, the current escapes to the earth (i.e. touching a live wire).
What happens next: the returning current in the neutral wire is now reduced. Hence, called residual current.
This is where the RCCB’s work begins.
The breaker now continuously detects and analyzes the residual current between the live and neutral wires.
RCCBs will shut off the circuit when they identify a small residual current or difference in values.
ELCBs current rating can be up to 650 amperes.
On the other hand, an MCCB’s current rating can be up to 1000 amperes, which makes it suitable for low and high-voltage applications.
Meanwhile, an RCCB’s current rating can be up to 125 amperes, which is suitable for low-power applications.
The cost for circuit breakers can vary depending on the classification, current rating, and brand.
ELCBs usually cost up to $200.
On the other hand, MCCBs are usually priced up to a thousand dollars due to their high-voltage current rating and overall functionality.
Meanwhile, RCCBs typically cost around $30 to $100.
ELCBs, MCCBs, and RCCBs need regular maintenance in order to function properly.
Here are the signs that your circuit breakers need maintenance checks:
| Feature | ELCB | RCCB |
| Function | Detects earth leakages by monitoring voltage | Decodes abnormalities in current between live and neutral |
| Sensitivity | Less sensitive, can miss certain leakages | Highly sensitive to any current imbalance |
| Earth Connection Requirement | Requires an Earth connection | No earth connection required |
| Protection Type | Protects mainly against electric shock | Protects against electric shock and fire hazards |
| Application | Older systems, limited usage | Widely used in modern electrical safety systems |
| Installation Cost | Generally lower cost | Higher due to advanced technology |
| Feature | MCB | MCCB |
| Current Rating | Low (up to 125A) | Higher (up to 2500A) |
| Voltage Rating | Suitable for low-voltage applications | Suitable for low to high-voltage applications |
| Adjustability | Non-adjustable | Adjustable trip settings |
| Protection | Overload and short-circuit protection | Overload, short-circuit, and ground fault protection |
| Applications | Residential and small-scale commercial | Industrial, commercial, and high-power setups |
| Breaking Capacity | Lower breaking capacity | High breaking capacity, suited for larger systems |
| Size | Compact and smaller | Larger, bulkier for high power |
Circuit breakers (ELCB, MCCB, and RCCB) play a vital role in ensuring the safety of humans and animals from electrocution caused by ground faults.
These circuit breakers function according to their respective current rating.
Hence, they may differ in cost and installation fees.
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