We all have got accustomed to using everything electrified, from the kitchen or home appliances to daily furnishing items. But have you ever wondered what makes our home safe from electric hazards? Even if we use multiple heavy-voltage or high-frequency electric appliances at once, it operates smoothly. 

Well, you might have noticed black or white safety devices installed at your home.  These are circuit breakers, and the role of circuit breakers cannot be overlooked in today’s scenario. 

Among the various types of circuit breakers available, moulded case circuit breakers (MCCBs) have gained immense popularity due to their reliability and widespread use in residential and commercial settings. 

Do you know what happens if we forget to install air circuit breakers? Unfortunately, the result will be electrical transmission or power distribution breakups & sensitive equipment destruction. These powerful devices are designed to protect electrical circuits from overloads and short circuits, preventing potential damage and human hazards.

However, like any other electrical equipment, MCCBs require regular maintenance to ensure their optimal performance and to uphold the safety of the electrical system. As MCCBs generally remain idle for years in open or closed boxes, neglecting proper maintenance procedures can lead to premature failure, compromised safety, and costly downtime. 

In fact, moulded or miniature circuit breakerswhich remain idle for six months or more are way too risky to handle. They accumulate piles of dust & foreign materials. Hence, you need the help of experienced hands to deal with it. And it may cost expensive in your pocket. 

Will you be happy to invite such an undesirable risk? Are you ready to compromise daily operations at your workshops? Of course, not, right? 

Therefore, with our years of experience as certified MCB manufacturers, we’ve shortlisted a standard maintenance guide for you to help prolong the lifespan of your MCCBs and keep your electrical systems safe and durable. Whether you’re an electrical technician or a homeowner responsible for the electrical safety of your property, this blog will provide you with the knowledge necessary to maintain your MCCBs effectively. 

MCCB Testing Guide 101

Moulded case circuit breaker testing involves conducting detailed inspections of the breaker to ensure its safe and steadfast operation. Let’s check the routine maintenance tests performed by trained electricians!

  • Insulation Resistance Tests: To assess the insulation integrity of moulded case circuit breakers & overall safety, electric technicians perform the insulation resistance test. They generally use a megohmmeter to measure the resistance between phases of opposite polarity and between the current-carrying components of the air or moulded circuit breaker and ground. For utmost safety assurance, another test is performed between the line and load terminals while the breaker is in the open position. 
  • Millivolt Drop Test: Performing a millivolt drop test on a circuit breaker can reveal various abnormal conditions within the device, including eroded & contaminated contacts or loose internal connections. This test involves measuring the voltage drop across the breaker while it’s carrying a nominal direct current. 
  • Overload Tripping Test: By subjecting the breaker to an overload of electricity, approximately three times its rated power. The primary aim of the tripping test is to observe the automatic opening of the circuit breaker as well as focus on the precise tripping times.

Apart from all these three, there’re two more tests an electrician may perform depending on the circuit connection, i.e., connections test & mechanical operations checks. 

How Frequently MCCBs Need Maintenance?

Well, based on the operating conditions of an MCCB, preventive maintenance can differ significantly. Since the accumulation of dust on the latch surfaces can impact the breaker’s operation, it’s recommended to exercise these breakers at least once a year. 

So, you might be thinking about how you can ensure the longevity & durability of MCCB. Let’s explore some good practices to follow! 

  • At least after a few months, you can check with the help of a trained mechanic whether there’s any loose wiring or signs of overheating. 
  • It’s better to keep MCCB dust & dirt-free through the proper cleaning process. 
  • Keep all the moving parts & linkages well-lubricated for smooth operation. 

Get High-quality MCCBs For Better Life Expectancy!

And if you’re looking for a trustworthy electrical company in Saudi Arabia, Gulf Trans Power must be at the top of your list! We’re a decade-experienced stockist who source all-in-one products from top-tier brands, be it MCCB lockers or cables & wires. If you want to avoid uncertain incidents caused by electricity or power disturbance, trust us because we only guarantee reliability, quality and customer satisfaction! 

As we wrap up, one thing you must give priority to first is—purchasing only ISO-standard MCCB products. Even if you follow all the tips & maintenance checks, poor-quality circuit breakers can still bring catastrophic consequences.