Buy MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker) Online at Electrihub

A Miniature Circuit Breaker (MCB) is an automatic electrical protection device that switches off a circuit when it detects an overload or short-circuit fault. Unlike a fuse, an MCB can be reset after tripping — making it a reusable, faster, and safer alternative for protecting wiring, cables, and electrical equipment in residential, commercial, and industrial installations worldwide.

MCBs are rated and tested to IEC 60898-1 (for household and similar installations), IEC 60947-2 (for industrial applications), UL 489 (for the North American market), and CSA C22.2 No. 5 (for Canada). They are classified by their tripping curve (B, C, D, K, Z), number of poles (1P, 2P, 3P, 4P), and rated current (typically 0.5 A to 125 A). The breaking capacity — the maximum fault current the MCB can safely interrupt — is a critical selection parameter, typically 6 kA, 10 kA, or 15 kA for IEC ranges and 10 kA AIC for UL-listed products.

At Electrihub we stock MCBs from ten globally trusted brands — Schneider Electric, ABB, Siemens, Lauritz Knudsen, Eaton, General Electric (GE), Hager, C&S Electric, Legrand, and Havells — covering every application from domestic distribution boards to heavy industrial panel boards, with products listed to IEC, UL, CSA, and CE standards for international projects.

MCB Tripping Curves Explained — B, C, D, K, Z

The tripping curve defines the range of fault current at which the MCB's magnetic (instantaneous) trip operates. Selecting the correct curve prevents nuisance tripping from inrush currents while still protecting against genuine faults. IEC curves B, C, D, K, and Z correspond to equivalent trip characteristics in UL 489-listed circuit breakers.

B Curve MCB — 3× to 5× rated current

Curve B MCBs trip instantaneously when the current reaches 3 to 5 times the rated value. They are used for circuits with purely resistive loads and cables with very low tolerance for overload — such as lighting circuits, socket outlets in residential buildings, and sensitive electronic equipment. Curve B provides the most sensitive protection of the standard curves and is widely used across European and IEC-standard markets.

C Curve MCB — 5× to 10× rated current

Curve C is the most widely used MCB curve globally. It trips instantaneously between 5 and 10 times rated current, making it suitable for loads with moderate inrush currents — fluorescent lighting, small motors, air conditioning units, and general power distribution in commercial and industrial distribution boards. Curve C is the default specification for most international commercial and industrial projects.

D Curve MCB — 10× to 20× rated current

Curve D MCBs are designed for loads with very high inrush currents — transformers, solenoids, large motor starters, welding equipment, and power supplies with large capacitive loads. The delayed instantaneous trip range (10–20× rated current) prevents the MCB from tripping on startup surges while still protecting against genuine short circuits.

K Curve MCB — 8× to 12× rated current

Curve K offers a tighter instantaneous trip range than Curve D, used primarily for the protection of motor circuits and transformers where precise coordination with upstream protection devices is required. Common in industrial control panels and machine tool applications internationally.

Z Curve MCB — 2× to 3× rated current

Curve Z is the most sensitive MCB curve, tripping at just 2 to 3 times rated current. It is used for the protection of highly sensitive semiconductor equipment, electronic measuring instruments, and circuits where even small overloads must be interrupted instantly to prevent equipment damage.

MCB Pole Configurations — 1P, 2P, 3P, 4P

1 Pole (1P) MCB — Protects a single phase conductor. Used for individual branch circuits in single-phase distribution boards — the most common configuration for domestic and commercial final circuits (lighting, sockets, individual appliance circuits). In North America, equivalent to a 1-pole breaker in a residential load centre.

2 Pole (2P) MCB — Protects both the phase and neutral conductors simultaneously. Used for single-phase circuits where both conductors must be isolated together — such as in TT earthing systems, or as the main incomer MCB for a single-phase supply. Also used for 2-wire DC circuits and 240 V single-phase in North American applications.

3 Pole (3P) MCB — Protects all three phase conductors in a three-phase system. Used for three-phase motor circuits, three-phase sub-distribution boards, and three-phase equipment without a switched neutral. Standard for 208 V / 480 V three-phase systems in North America and 400 V / 415 V systems internationally.

4 Pole (4P) MCB — Protects all three phase conductors plus the neutral. Used where all four conductors must be isolated simultaneously — three-phase + neutral distribution in TN-S or TT systems, generator changeover circuits, and main incomer protection in industrial panels globally.

MCB Brands and Series – Technical Comparison Table

The table below compares every MCB brand and series stocked by Electrihub. Use the current range, curves, poles, breaking capacity, and certification columns to select the right product for your market, then click the series link to browse available stock.

All MCBs are certified to IEC 60898-1 or IEC 60947-2 as applicable. UL 489 and CSA C22.2 No. 5 listed variants are available on select series. Breaking capacity values are at 415 V AC (IEC) or 480 V AC (UL). Always verify individual product datasheets for market-specific certifications and exact specifications.

About the MCB Brands We Stock

Schneider Electric MCBs — Acti9, Easy9, Multi9

Schneider Electric's MCB portfolio is one of the most comprehensive in the industry. The Acti9 iC60 is the flagship industrial MCB range, available in three breaking capacities — iC60N (6 kA), iC60H (10 kA), and iC60L (15 kA) — covering curves B, C, D, K, and Z from 0.5 A to 63 A. The Acti9 range carries dual IEC 60947-2 and UL 489 / CSA listings, making it suitable for both IEC markets and North American projects. The Easy9 (EZ9) is a value-range MCB for residential and light commercial distribution boards in IEC markets, offering B and C curves at 4.5 kA and 6 kA. The Multi9 C60 is an established industrial series widely used in MCC panels and sub-distribution boards internationally, with UL 489 listing on select models.

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ABB MCBs — S200, S200M, S800

ABB's System Pro M Compact MCB range is engineered for global markets with multi-standard certification. The S200 series (6 kA, IEC 60898-1, CE marked) covers B, C, D, K, and Z curves from 0.5 A to 63 A for domestic and commercial distribution in IEC markets. The S200M series (10 kA) carries both IEC 60947-2 and UL 489 / CSA listings — the preferred choice for international projects requiring dual compliance. The S800 series handles main incomer protection up to 125 A at breaking capacities up to 36 kA, with UL 489 listing available. ABB MCBs feature a 17.6 mm compact module and a full accessories platform including auxiliary contacts, shunt trips, undervoltage releases, and remote reset.

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Siemens MCBs — 5SL, 5SY, Betagard, 5SP (SENTRON)

Siemens' SENTRON MCB family covers domestic, commercial, and industrial applications globally. The 5SL series (6 kA, IEC 60898-1) serves residential distribution in IEC markets. The 5SY series (10 kA, IEC 60947-2) carries UL 489 and CSA listings for North American and dual-standard projects, covering B, C, D, K, and Z curves. The Betagard series is specifically designed for industrial OEM panel applications globally. The 5SP high-performance series delivers 15 kA and 25 kA breaking capacities with UL 489 listing for high fault-level installations in data centres, commercial buildings, and industrial plants worldwide.

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Lauritz Knudsen MCBs — AU1

Lauritz Knudsen (formerly L&T Electrical & Automation) offers IEC 60898-1 and IS 60898-certified MCBs manufactured in India. The AU1 series covers B, C, and D curves from 6 A to 63 A at 6 kA and 10 kA breaking capacities, widely specified in IEC-standard projects across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. ISI-marked for Indian domestic installations and export-compliant for IEC markets.

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Eaton MCBs — PLSM

Eaton's PLSM is an industrial-grade MCB (IEC 60947-2) carrying UL 489 and CSA C22.2 No. 5 listings — one of the most versatile multi-standard MCBs available for international projects requiring simultaneous IEC and North American compliance. The PLSM covers the full B, C, D, K, and Z curve range from 0.5 A to 63 A at 10 kA and 15 kA breaking capacities. It is a preferred choice for OEM machine builders and panel manufacturers supplying equipment to both European/IEC and North American markets from a single SKU.

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General Electric (GE) MCBs — THQ

General Electric's THQ series carries UL 489, CSA, and IEC certifications, making it a well-established choice for North American and international commercial and industrial projects. Covering B, C, and D curves from 0.5 A to 63 A at 6 kA and 10 kA, GE MCBs are commonly specified in switchboard and panelboard assemblies in the Americas, Middle East, and Asia-Pacific where UL-listed components are specified.

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Hager MCBs — NCN, NDN

Hager is a European brand well-regarded for residential and commercial electrical distribution systems. The NCN series (IEC 60898-1, CE) covers B and C curves from 6 A to 63 A at 6 kA and 10 kA for domestic and light commercial IEC markets. The NDN industrial series (IEC 60947-2, CE) extends the range to D, K, and Z curves at 10 kA and 15 kA for industrial panel boards. Hager MCBs are widely used in European, Middle East, and Asia-Pacific IEC-standard projects and integrate with Hager's distribution board and accessory ecosystem.

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C&S Electric MCBs — WiNtrip2

C&S Electric's WiNtrip2 is an IEC 60898-1 and IS 60898-certified MCB manufactured in India, suitable for IEC-standard projects in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. The range covers B, C, and D curves from 6 A to 63 A at 6 kA and 10 kA in 1P through 4P configurations. C&S MCBs are a cost-effective choice for large IEC-market projects in emerging economies where ISI-marked or IS-certified products are preferred.

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Legrand MCBs — DX³ 6000, DX³ 10000, TX³

Legrand is a French electrical brand with a global presence in residential and commercial wiring. The DX³ 6000 (6 kA) and DX³ 10000 (10 kA) are Legrand's main IEC MCB ranges, CE marked and certified to IEC 60898-1, covering B, C, and D curves from 6 A to 63 A in 1P through 4P. The TX³ is a compact value MCB for residential distribution in IEC markets. Legrand MCBs are widely specified in French-standard and European commercial building projects across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia-Pacific.

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Havells MCBs — DHMZ

Havells' DHMZ series is an IEC 60898-1 and IS 60898-certified MCB manufactured in India, covering B, C, and D curves from 6 A to 63 A at 6 kA and 10 kA. Well-suited for IEC-standard projects across South Asia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa where competitively priced, reliable MCBs from a globally recognised brand are required.

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Where Are MCBs Used?

Residential and Commercial Distribution Boards — MCBs protect individual branch circuits — lighting, power sockets, HVAC, and kitchen appliances — in distribution boards and consumer units globally. IEC 60898-1 MCBs are standard for European, Middle East, Asia-Pacific, and African markets; UL 489-listed MCBs are required for North American installations.

Industrial Control Panels and MCCs — Industrial-grade MCBs (IEC 60947-2 or UL 489, 10 kA+, curves C, D, K) protect individual motor branches, control transformers, and instrument circuits in Motor Control Centres and machine panels worldwide.

Data Centres and Critical Infrastructure — High breaking capacity MCBs (15 kA–25 kA) with UL 489 or IEC 60947-2 certification are used in data centre power distribution units (PDUs), UPS output distribution, and critical power infrastructure internationally.

OEM Machine Building — Machine builders supplying equipment to multiple markets specify dual-listed MCBs (UL 489 + IEC 60947-2) — such as Eaton PLSM, Schneider Acti9, or ABB S200M — to ship a single machine design to both IEC and North American customers without redesign.

Solar and Renewable Energy — DC-rated MCBs and standard AC MCBs protect solar PV string circuits, inverter outputs, and battery storage systems. Both IEC and UL-listed variants are available for global solar projects.

Infrastructure and Government Projects — International infrastructure projects in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia specify IEC-certified MCBs from globally recognised brands. Projects with North American standards require UL 489 listed products.

How to Select the Right MCB

Step 1 — Determine rated current

Calculate the full-load current of the circuit to be protected. The MCB rated current must be greater than the circuit full-load current but not exceed the current-carrying capacity of the cable. Common ratings: 6 A (lighting), 16 A (power sockets), 32 A (appliances), 63 A (sub-main circuits).

Step 2 — Choose the correct tripping curve

Use Curve B for resistive loads and sensitive circuits. Use Curve C for general distribution and moderate inrush loads — the most common choice globally for commercial and industrial panels. Use Curve D for high-inrush loads such as transformers, large motors, and UPS systems. Use Curve K or Z for precision motor protection and sensitive electronics.

Step 3 — Select the number of poles

Use 1P for single-phase branch circuits. Use 2P where both phase and neutral must be switched. Use 3P for three-phase circuits. Use 4P for three-phase + neutral incomer protection.

Step 4 — Verify breaking capacity against prospective fault current

The MCB breaking capacity must exceed the prospective short-circuit current (PSCC) at the installation point. For most domestic installations globally, 6 kA is sufficient. For commercial and industrial locations near a transformer, 10 kA or higher is required. For data centres and high fault-level sites, 15 kA–25 kA MCBs are specified.

Step 5 — Confirm the required certification standard

For IEC markets (Europe, Middle East, Asia, Africa, Australia), specify IEC 60898-1 (residential) or IEC 60947-2 (industrial). For North American projects, specify UL 489 listed MCBs. For projects requiring dual compliance, select multi-standard products such as Schneider Acti9, ABB S200M, Eaton PLSM, or Siemens 5SY — all carrying simultaneous IEC and UL/CSA listings.

Frequently Asked Questions — MCB

What is the difference between MCB, RCCB, and MCCB?
An MCB protects against overload and short-circuit faults in wiring. An RCCB protects against earth leakage and electric shock — it does not protect against overload or short circuits. An MCCB is a larger device for higher current ratings (typically 63 A to 1600 A) with adjustable protection settings. In a distribution board, all three may be used together for complete protection.

What is the difference between IEC MCBs and UL 489 circuit breakers?
IEC MCBs (to IEC 60898-1 or IEC 60947-2) and UL 489 listed circuit breakers perform the same protection function but are tested differently. UL 489 products are required by the National Electrical Code (NEC) for installations in the United States and are also accepted in Canada under CSA standards. IEC products are required in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and most of the world outside North America. Dual-listed products (IEC + UL 489) — such as Schneider Acti9, ABB S200M, and Eaton PLSM — are available for projects requiring both standards simultaneously.

What does Curve B, C, and D mean on an MCB?
The curve defines the range of fault current at which the MCB trips instantaneously. Curve B trips at 3–5× rated current (sensitive, for resistive loads). Curve C trips at 5–10× rated current (most common, for general distribution and small motors). Curve D trips at 10–20× rated current (for high-inrush loads like transformers and large motors).

What breaking capacity MCB should I specify for an international project?
For residential distribution, 6 kA is typically sufficient. For commercial buildings and industrial panels, specify 10 kA. For high fault-level installations near transformers, in data centres, or at main incoming positions in large industrial facilities, specify 15 kA or higher. Always calculate the prospective short-circuit current (PSCC) at the point of installation to confirm the minimum required breaking capacity.

Which MCB brands carry both IEC and UL/CSA listings?
Several series on Electrihub carry dual IEC and UL 489 / CSA listings: Schneider Electric Acti9 iC60 and Multi9 C60, ABB S200M and S800, Siemens 5SY and 5SP SENTRON, Eaton PLSM, and General Electric THQ. These products allow OEM machine builders and panel manufacturers to supply equipment to both IEC and North American markets from a single certified product.

What is a 1P+N MCB and where is it used?
A 1P+N MCB protects both the phase and neutral conductors in a single 18 mm module width. It is used in IEC single-phase distribution boards where both conductors must be protected but DIN rail space is limited — such as in apartment sub-boards and residential consumer units in IEC markets. The equivalent in a North American panelboard is a 2-pole breaker on a 240 V circuit.

What is the difference between IEC 60898-1 and IEC 60947-2 MCBs?
IEC 60898-1 is for MCBs in household and similar installations — fixed settings, typically up to 6 kA breaking capacity. IEC 60947-2 is the industrial standard with more stringent testing, higher breaking capacities (10 kA to 36 kA+), and support for a wider accessories range. For control panels, MCCs, and industrial applications internationally, always specify IEC 60947-2 MCBs.

How do I know if my MCB has tripped due to overload or short circuit?
When an MCB trips, the handle moves to an intermediate position between ON and OFF. To reset, switch fully to OFF then back to ON. If it trips repeatedly, the circuit has a persistent fault that must be investigated before resetting. An overload trip (thermal) is slower; a short circuit trip (magnetic) is instantaneous.

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