# Difference between MCB and MCCB

**URL:** <https://forumautomation.com/t/difference-between-mcb-and-mccb/853>\
**Category:** Electrical\
**Tags:** switchgear, circuitbreaker\
**Created:** [March 13, 2016, 12:26am UTC](https://forumautomation.com/t/difference-between-mcb-and-mccb/853 "2016-03-13T00:26:54Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![automate](https://forumautomation.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/a/51bf81/32.png) [@automate](https://forumautomation.com/u/automate)\
**Post date:** [March 13, 2016, 12:26am UTC](https://forumautomation.com/t/difference-between-mcb-and-mccb/853/1 "2016-03-13T00:26:54Z")

</div>

**MCB - Miniature Circuit Breaker**

MCB is miniature circuit breaker which is thermal operated and use for short circuit protection in small current rating circuit.

Normally it is used where normal current is less than 100 A

**MCCB - Moduled Case Circuit Breaker**

MCCB moduled case circuit breaker and is thermal operated for over load current and magnetic operation for instant trip in short circuit condition.

Under voltage and under frequency may be inbuilt. Normally it is used where normal current is more than 100A

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![David\_Charo](https://forumautomation.com/user_avatar/forumautomation.com/david_charo/32/3592_2.png) [@David\_Charo](https://forumautomation.com/u/David_Charo)\
**Post date:** [March 10, 2020, 11:42am UTC](https://forumautomation.com/t/difference-between-mcb-and-mccb/853/2 "2020-03-10T11:42:35Z")

</div>

Precise and straight to the point! Thanks for sharing.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Rabert](https://forumautomation.com/user_avatar/forumautomation.com/rabert/32/6784_2.png) [@Rabert](https://forumautomation.com/u/Rabert)\
**Post date:** [July 11, 2026, 3:02am UTC](https://forumautomation.com/t/difference-between-mcb-and-mccb/853/3 "2026-07-11T03:02:22Z")

</div>

## MCB vs MCCB: Key Differences

| **Parameter** | **MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker)** | **MCCB (Molded Case Circuit Breaker)** |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Full Form** | Miniature Circuit Breaker | Molded Case Circuit Breaker |
| **Purpose** | Protects low-current electrical circuits from overloads and short circuits | Protects medium- and high-current circuits from overloads, short circuits, and earth faults (with accessories) |
| **Current Rating** | Typically 0.5 A to 125 A | Typically 16 A to 2500 A or higher |
| **Voltage Rating** | Up to 415 V AC (typical) | Up to 1000 V AC (model dependent) |
| **Breaking Capacity** | 6 kA to 16 kA (typical) | 25 kA to 150 kA or higher |
| **Trip Setting** | Fixed, non-adjustable | Adjustable thermal and magnetic trip settings |
| **Protection Type** | Overload and short-circuit protection | Overload, short-circuit, and optional earth fault protection |
| **Installation** | DIN rail mounted | Panel or switchboard mounted |
| **Physical Size** | Compact and lightweight | Larger and more robust |
| **Applications** | Residential homes, offices, lighting, and small commercial loads | Industrial plants, substations, motor feeders, generators, and large commercial buildings |
| **Accessories** | Limited accessories | Supports shunt trip, undervoltage release, auxiliary contacts, motor operator, communication modules, etc. |
| **Maintenance** | Minimal maintenance | Periodic inspection and testing recommended |
| **Selectivity** | Limited coordination options | Better selectivity and coordination with other protection devices |
| **Cost** | Lower | Higher due to advanced features |
| **Interrupting Fault Current** | Suitable for lower fault levels | Suitable for high fault levels |
| **Customization** | Standard fixed characteristics | Wide range of adjustable protection settings |
| **Typical Standards** | IEC 60898-1 | IEC 60947-2 |
| **Best Used For** | Domestic and light commercial electrical distribution | Industrial power distribution and heavy-duty electrical systems |

> ### You can also follow us on [[color=#ff7700] **AutomationForum.co** [/color]](https://automationforum.co/), [url= [https://www.facebook.com/instrumentation.control](https://www.facebook.com/instrumentation.control)][color=#1E00A3] **Facebook** [/color][/url] and [url= [https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/81532759/feed/posts/](https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/81532759/feed/posts/)][color=#1E00A3] **Linkedin** [/color][/url] to receive daily Instrumentation updates.

> ### You can also follow us on [[color=#ff7700] **ForumElectrical.com** [/color]](https://forumelectrical.com/), [[color=#1E00A3] **Facebook** [/color]](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091841583670) and [[color=#1E00A3] **Linkedin** [/color]](https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/91130242/feed/posts/) to receive daily Electrical updates.