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MCCBs
Moulded Case Circuit Breakers (MCCBs) are essential safety devices designed to protect electrical circuits in a wide range of applications across New Zealand. Additionally, they function as heavy-duty, customisable switches that automatically interrupt the flow of electricity when a fault occurs, preventing damage to your valuable equipment and ensuring the safety of personnel.
And unlike Miniature Circuit Breakers (MCBs) found in homes, MCCBs are more durable and are built to handle much higher currents. With rated currents of 10 amps to 2,500 amps and a breaking capacity of up to 200 kA, MCCBs are ideal for industrial and commercial settings in both AC and DC applications.
How Does an MCCB work?
An MCCB consists of a current-carrying bimetallic strip, a magnetic trip element, and a mechanical latching mechanism. When the current flowing through the MCCB exceeds the set limit, the bimetallic strip heats up and bends, causing the latch to release and trip the breaker. Also, the magnetic trip element senses the magnetic field produced by a high fault current and trips the breaker.
Types of MCCBs
Standard MCCBs
Standard moulded case circuit breakers are the workhorses of circuit protection. What’s more, they offer reliable performance for a wide range of applications in NZ, from protecting individual motors to safeguarding entire distribution systems.
High-Breaking Capacity MCCBs
High-breaking capacity MCCBs are essential in high-energy environments where fault currents can be exceptionally high. Additionally, these robust breakers can safely interrupt massive currents.
Adjustable MCCBs
Adjustable MCCBs provide flexibility for applications with varying load requirements. For instance, you can fine-tune the trip current settings to meet the requirements of your circuit, optimising protection without nuisance tripping.
Thermal Magnetic MCCBs
Thermal magnetic MCCBs combine two protection mechanisms in one device. The thermal element protects against overloads, while the magnetic element provides instantaneous tripping for short circuits.
Electronic MCCBs
Electronic MCCBs leverage advanced technology for precise and customisable protection. They also offer features like adjustable trip settings, communication capabilities, and diagnostic information, making them suitable for complex applications.
Difference Between an MCB and an MCCB
While both MCBs (miniature circuit breakers) and MCCBs (moulded case circuit breakers) serve the crucial function of protecting electrical circuits, they differ significantly in their capabilities and applications.
MCBs, for instance, are compact circuit breakers designed for lower current applications, typically found in residential and commercial settings across New Zealand. Also, they protect circuits with currents up to 125 amps and have a breaking capacity of up to 10 kA. Simply put, they function as safety switches in your home's electrical panel, protecting individual circuits like lighting and appliances.
MCCBs, on the other hand, are designed to handle higher levels of current (depending on which current rating you buy) and can protect larger electrical systems and equipment. What’s more, they have a higher breaking capacity than MCBs.
Applications of MCCB
MCCBs are versatile circuit protection devices used across various applications in NZ, including:
- Industrial Use: In industrial settings like factories and manufacturing plants, MCCBs play a critical role in protecting motors, transformers, and other vital equipment. At the same time, they ensure continuous operation and prevent downtime caused by electrical faults.
- Commercial Buildings: MCCBs are also found in commercial buildings throughout NZ, safeguarding lighting circuits, HVAC systems, and power distribution systems.
- Data Centres: With their high current capacity and precise protection capabilities, MCCBs are essential for protecting sensitive electronic equipment in data centres. They also help maintain uptime and prevent data loss caused by power surges or short circuits.
- Healthcare: Hospitals and healthcare facilities rely on MCCBs to protect critical medical equipment like MRI machines, X-ray machines, and life support systems.
- Renewable Energy: As New Zealand embraces renewable energy sources, MCCBs are increasingly used in solar and wind power systems because they protect these systems from overcurrents and faults.
Discover Durable MCCBs Built to Last!
Whether you need a bolted tag fuse, cartridge fuse, or moulded case circuit breaker, RS New Zealand is your trusted supplier and distributor. After all, we carry products from reliable brands like Siemens, Schneider Electric, and Eaton. Plus, we offer a wide selection of MCCBs designed for different industries across New Zealand.
Browse our extensive range of MCCBs today and find the perfect solution to protect your electrical systems.
Ordering and Delivery Information for New Zealand
Ordering your MCCBs from RS New Zealand is quick and easy. All you need to do is browse our online catalogue, select your desired items, and proceed to checkout. We offer various payment options for your convenience. And if you need help choosing the right MCCB, you can call us on 0800 888 780 and our expert team will answer any questions you may have.
RS New Zealand also offers fast and reliable delivery services to get your MCCBs to you as quickly as possible. For more information on our delivery options and fees, please refer to our Delivery page.
