What is the difference between MCB and overload realy?

Question

Accepted Answer

MCB and overload relay are both electrical protection devices, but they serve different purposes.

MCB stands for Miniature Circuit Breaker and is used to protect electrical circuits from overcurrents and short circuits.
Overload relay is used to protect motors and other electrical equipment from excessive current that can cause overheating and damage.
MCB operates based on the principle of thermal and magnetic tripping, while overload relay uses thermal elements to detect excessive current.
MCB is typically used in residential and commercial buildings, while overload relay is commonly found in industrial applications.
Example: If a motor draws more current than its rated capacity, the overload relay will trip and disconnect the power supply to prevent damage.

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