MCB
Science & Engineering abbreviation · Electronics & Electrical
| Stands for | Miniature circuit breaker |
|---|---|
| Categories | Science & Engineering |
MCB stands for Miniature circuit breaker, an electronics & electrical abbreviation.
Compact automatic switch that protects a circuit from overload and short circuit by tripping when current exceeds its rating, then can be reset. MCBs, rated typically from 6 to 63 amperes, fill the consumer units and distribution boards of homes and buildings.
Example: The kitchen ring circuit is protected by a 32 A Type B MCB.
Usage notes
MCBs combine a thermal element that responds to sustained overloads and a magnetic element that trips instantly on short circuits. In the IEC system, Types B, C and D trip at different multiples of rated current to suit lighting, motors and transformers. MCBs replaced rewirable fuses in most modern installations.
Related abbreviations
More electronics & electrical abbreviations
- LCD – Liquid-crystal display
- LCR – Inductance, capacitance and resistance (meter)
- LDO – Low-dropout regulator
- LDR – Light-dependent resistor
- LED – Light-emitting diode
- LNA – Low-noise amplifier
- MCU – Microcontroller unit
- MOSFET – Metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor
- NC – Normally closed
- NEC – National Electrical Code
- NO – Normally open
- NTC – Negative temperature coefficient (thermistor)