An MCB protects final circuits against overload and short circuit. An RCCB protects people against shock from earth leakage. An MCCB does the MCB's job at higher currents for incomers and feeders. An MPCB protects motors, with a fine overload setting and phase-loss protection.
Comparison
| Device | Protects against | Usual range | Used for |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCB | Overload, short circuit | 0.5–63 A | Lighting, sockets, AC, final circuits |
| RCCB (ELCB) | Earth leakage, electric shock | 25–100 A; 30, 100, 300 mA | Home and building incomers, wet areas |
| RCBO | Overload, short circuit and earth leakage | 6–40 A | Single circuits needing both |
| MCCB | Overload, short circuit (adjustable) | 16–1250 A and above | Main incomers, feeders, large loads |
| MPCB | Motor overload, short circuit, phase loss | 0.1–100 A | Motor feeders, with a contactor as a starter |
| Isolator | No protection: switching only | 16–3150 A | Safe isolation for maintenance |
| Changeover switch | No protection: selects the supply | 25–3150 A | Mains and generator (DG) changeover |
Common questions
Is ELCB the same as RCCB? In shops the names are used for the same thing. Today's earth-leakage breakers are RCCBs, which sense the difference between phase and neutral current.
Do I need both an MCB and an RCCB? Yes. The RCCB does not trip on overload, so circuits still need MCBs. Many boards have one RCCB feeding a group of MCBs.
When do I need an MCCB instead of an MCB? When the current is above about 63 A, when you need an adjustable trip setting, or when the fault level is higher than an MCB's breaking capacity, typically at the main incomer of a building or factory.
Products
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Values are typical guidance for Indian 230 V single-phase and 415 V three-phase supplies. Always follow the equipment nameplate, the manufacturer's instructions and your licensed electrician, who is responsible for the final selection and installation.