Electrical problems like overloads or short circuits can kill many people. Hence an MCB is employed to defend against them. MCBs (Miniature Circuit Breakers) are electromechanical devices that save electrical circuits from overload and short courses. A short circuit, overload, or poor design are the most common causes of an overcurrent. And in this article, we’ll explain why MCB trips so frequently and how to avoid it.
What exactly is an MCB?
Miniature Circuit Breakers, or MCBs, are electromagnetic devices that operate as circuit switches. When they detect that the current going through the circuit has exceeded a specified limit or value, they immediately open the course. When an overcurrent threatens the entire circuit for a prolonged period, MCBs, also known as time delay tripping devices, trip and shut down the system, the device can also be utilized as a conventional on/off switch.
Some of the most prevalent causes of frequent MCB travels are listed below.
1. Ground Fault
A ground fault occurs when a hot wire contacts a ground wire, causing a power surge. When this happens, the MCB circuit will trip automatically to prevent fires. A ‘charring’ or black discoloration surrounding appliance plugs might indicate a ground fault surge.
2. Circuit Overloads
The most typical cause for MCB excursions is this. To distribute power, circuit boards deliver electricity to various circuits. An overload happens when a piece of electrical equipment draws more power from a course than it can handle. If you take a lot of excursions, it’s a good idea to keep track of how many heavy power-consuming gadgets you’re using simultaneously.
3. Short Circuits
Short circuits are hazardous and can happen at any time. This occurs when a hot black wire comes into contact with a neutral or another hot wire, causing the circuit to overheat and eventually short circuit. A short course is simple to spot since it gives out a pungent burning odor that is audible even from a distance.
4. Selectivity
If your upstream breaker trips regularly, it’s possible that the selectivity is incorrect. Their operational parameters must be coordinated for two or more over-current protection devices to work together. When an overcurrent occurs within set limits, the device assigned to function within those limits trips, while the other device does not. Over-current events at the branch breaker level (CB1) should be handled at the branch breaker level (open) while the main breaker remains closed and in operation. In your circuit designs, think about the selectivity of the various breakers.
5. Lighting
Because of the higher surge currents, a lightning strike might trip the MCB. Overcurrent can occur when heavy rain, wet walls, and slightly damaged wires. Use a surge protector to protect your MCB from the lighting’s detrimental effects.
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Cables with damage and a tiny cross-section
Conduct a visual examination. Is there any apparent damage, or are any cables exposed? This might result in false tripping, resulting in a fire danger! If the connecting conductor’s cross-sectional area is less than the regulation. Change the connecting conductor or the rated current of the circuit breaker.
How to keep MCBs from tripping
- Extension cables and multiple plugs should not be used.
- All electrical gadgets and appliances’ damaged and broken wiring should be replaced.
- When not in use, unplug all electrical equipment & appliances.
In addition both hot and cold weather, keep track of the number of devices in use. Replace every electrical device and appliance wires that are broken or damaged. Avoid utilizing extension cables and multi-plugs. When not in use, unplug any electrical gadgets and appliances. As a result, they are security systems that protect not only your home’s electrical equipment or gadgets but also the wiring and the entire structure. When an MCB trips, there is a severe reason, which should be handled with caution.
How can you tell whether an MCB needs to be replaced?
MCBs are not repairable. Before replacing a miniature circuit breaker, you must determine whether it is dysfunctional or damaged. If it keeps tripping and won’t reset, the problem is most likely with the appliances, connectors, circuit wires, switches, or miniature circuit breakers.
· Elimination
Turn down all devices and switches, unhook everything, and reset the MCB to see whether it’s damaged. Then, one by one, turn on each appliance until it trips again. The equipment is defective if the MCB trips when you switch on a particular device. If not, and the MCB stays tripped, the problem is either with the MCB or wiring.
· Multimeter Voltage Tester
Some scorched MCBs emit a burning odor or discoloration, but their damage is often hidden. In this situation, connect a multimeter voltage tester (with a capacity of at least 230 V) to the terminal screw and neutral bar of the MCB after shutting off all appliances connected to the circuit. If the miniature circuit breaker is operating correctly, the multimeter will register 230 V. Otherwise, it will display 0 V. Contact an electrician to get it changed in the latter situation. If you wish to handle it yourself, think about how the defective MCB is connected to the distribution board before disconnecting it. Then attach it to the distribution board like you did the broken MCB.
