A miniature circuit breaker (MCB) used in elevator control panels to provide over-current and short-circuit protection for individual circuits.
Full Definition
An elevator MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker) is a thermo-magnetic switching device complying with IEC 60898-1 installed in the elevator controller and machine room distribution board to protect lighting circuits, socket outlets, control transformers, and auxiliary circuits. Breaking capacity is typically 6 kA at 230/400 V. Tripping characteristics used in elevator panels are: B-curve (3–5× In) for resistive and lightly inductive loads; C-curve (5–10× In) for transformer primaries and mixed loads. EN 81-20 §5.10.1 requires that each elevator installation have a dedicated main isolating switch with a lock-off facility, and that lighting and socket circuits are protected separately from the drive and motor circuits. MCBs must be selected for the prospective short-circuit current at the point of installation and coordinated with upstream protection (MCCB or fuse). DIN-rail mounting in IP 54 enclosures is standard in machine rooms.
