Do you know meaning of alphabets written on MCB just before current rating?

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What is MCB?

MCBs are automatic switches that automatically turn off the power supply when it detects an excessive current. Earlier, this action used to be done by fuses. Though fuses have one disadvantage, they need to be replaced every time there is a short circuit. An MCB, on the other hand, can be manually restarted and is more durable.

Types of MCB

MCBs are installed in spaces depending on the need of the appliance. Hence, you will find multiple MCB types that can be used for a range of purposes.
The most popular MCB types are A, B, C, D, K and Z. Of these, the most commonly used are B, C and D. These categories are often based on their trip curve or tripping capacities.

Type A

MCB trips off the circuit when the current exceeds 2-3 times the actual current rating. A type MCB – Miniature Circuit Breaker is highly sensitive to the short circuit, and hence we can find its application in the manufacturing of semiconductors.

Type B 

These are often used in residential properties or industrial units with small scale of operations. In such MCBs, the trip occurs when the power exceeds 5 times more than the suggested limit. These MCBs are considered to be the most sensitive owing to their lower tolerance for voltage shifts. Since, current surges and fluctuations are less intense in residential spaces, it’s mostly used in such areas.

Type C 

These MCBs often trip at surges that exceed 10 times the power capacity. So these are strategically used in devices which have high power consumption requirements. Often you will find Type C MCBs in commercial and industrial units. 


Electrical motors and fluorescent lighting are electrical accessories where Type C MCBs are used. They offer higher protection in comparison to type B MCBs and have a higher capacity to handle surges.

Type D 

Considered to be the least sensitive MCB type, the Type D has a surge capacity of 10 to 20 times higher than the power threshold. Often these are used in devices such as X-ray machines, motors and other equipment that has higher rush of power. Such expensive appliances often need added protection from fluctuations in voltage and power surges and hence these need a high capacity and robust MCB.

Type K

These MCB will trip when the current reaches eight to twelve times the recommended maximum. They are a good choice for motors.

Type Z

These are highly sensitive MCBs, tripping when current exceeds the rated load by only two to three times. They are used with more delicate devices prone to short circuits, such as semiconductors.

K and Z type MCBs have a very short operating time for tripping (<0.1 Sec) so they are used for very sensitive devices.





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