All categories
Featured selections
Trade Assurance
Buyer Central
Help Center
Get the app
Become a supplier

About mccb distribution box

Types of MCCB and Distribution Box

Before learning about the types of mccb distribution boxes, one must know briefly about MCCBs and distribution boxes. The molded case circuit breakers(MCCB) are used to prevent short circuits and protect the electronic appliances from overload, while the distribution box is where the wires carrying electricity inner different circuits connect.

Now, the molded case circuit breaker comes in different types. Here are the four operational types of MCCBs.

  • Thermal Only: These types of MCCBs have pure thermal trip units. The thermal-only MCCBs help protect the conductors in a defined area, especially when the overload conditions are likely to occur due to a reduction in the carry of the wire, such as in enclosure or cable baskets.
  • Simple TM/EM: These are simple thermal and electromagnetic MCCBs. The thermal part is pure with the simple TM/EM. However, it has a flaw that the EM will trip. The electromagnetic part can be set to trip on short time, high-level overloads. This feature makes this type of MCC easier-to-use confined area protectors.
  • Combination TD/EM: These are combinations of thermal and electromagnetic types. The combination TD/EM is partly thermal, which is the trip area preferential protection, while the electromagnet is the short-circuit protection. That said, this type can be applied where short-circuit protection is needed without worry about conductor damage.
  • Dynamic TM/EM: The dynamic TM/EM types have definite and adjustable thermal trip, plus an electromagnetic trip. This feature enablesthis type to be used.

Plastic distribution box

Plastic distribution boards, also known as the plastic distributions boxes, are commonly used to house electrical components. These components include circuit breakers and residual current devices. The two materials used to make these boxes are polycarbonate and acrylic. Distribution boards made of plastic are most preferable due to the lower price and lighter weights.

Another large reason why the plastic distribution boards are most commonly used is that polycarbonate offers superior strength and durability, especially when it comes to temperature changes, making it an ideal choice for electrical enclosures. Another one is the Acrylic finish, which gives the box a professional and sleek outlook while making it easier to see and understand internal component layouts.

Metal distribution boxes

Metal distribution boards are ferroalloy enclosure systems used to control and protect electrical circuit systems. This system can be hardwired, which means the system's electrical components are permanently connected. Metal enclosures are typically made from steel or aluminum. They provide a durable and long-lasting solution for housing electrical components and offer adequate protection against, for instance, MCCB faults.

The list below provides specifications for a typical metal distribution box.

  • Material: This can be either steel or aluminum.
  • Size: The metal distribution boxes can come in various sizes to fit various applications, but standard sizes are typically around 600mm x 400mm x 200mm.
  • Mounting: These boxes will often feature DIN rails for the easy installation of circuit breakers and other components.
  • Finish: Most metal distribution boxes will come with powder coat finish for added durability.
  • Protection rating: Most plastic distribution boxes come in IP54, IP66, and NEMA ratings.

Industrial Application Scenarios of MCCB and Distribution Boxes

Constructions

Medium voltage MCC switches can be used in construction to manage power distribution and control electrical processes safely. The boards are ruggedly constructed to withstand the harsh working environment of a construction site.

The work can have varying degrees of electrical demands depending on the stage of construction, which is why the mccb distribution boxes are must keps, as they help manage the power distribution heavily while protecting the employees from electrical hazards.

Commercial buildings

Every storey of the commercial building can have its own MCCB distribution box, which manages the electrical load of that specific level. The dremel boxes protect the circuit breakers and ensure they are easily accessible for maintenance. The business can control how power is distributed within the levels and prevent overloading circuits or causing short hazards.

Industrial facilities

The nature of the industrial facility demands that they have equipment and machinery that can handle extreme weather. This extreme weather can be as extreme as high humidity, dust, or extreme temperature. They usually have metal MCCB distribution boxes because of their powder-coated finish and IP66 protection, which makes them ideal for these kinds of environments.

Outdoor kiosks and cabinets

These are simple vinyl curtain walls that allow outdoor electrical equipment to be housed and protected. Due to the simplicities of the ultra-thin plastic curtain walls, outdoor kiosks and cabinets are made with metal or plastic MCCB distribution boxes to provide a strong and waterproof cover for the electrical components.

Solar power systems

In solar power systems, the MCCB distribution boxes play a crucial role in ensuring the system operates safely. In solar systems, direct current breakers must always go into DC distribution boxes, but AC current breaker boxes are also available. These breaker boxes can have different IP ratings depending on if the solar power system is roof mounted or free standing on the ground.

Renewable energy systems

Like in the solar power systems, MCCB distribution boxes can be found in wind power plants and hydroelectric plants. Here, the Metal MCCB distribution boxes protect the MCCBs and provide a reliable means of power distribution that can be easily maintained.

Product Zhongshan MT Distribution Box

Another MCCB example is the Zhongshan MT Distribution Box. This box features a high-strength plastic shell that offers good insulation. The distribution box comes in a variety of specs, which means one can choose the right one depending on personal taste and usage. The distribution boxes usually have 4-12 poles, which are the active electrical current conductors in the breaker.

Key features

  • IP level: The Zhongshan MT distribution boxes can have an IP54 and IP66 level. Therefore, it is possible for this distribution box's IP level to have a standard protection measure against dust and waterproof.
  • Easy installation: This distribution box has convenient openings for easy cable entry and exit, thus making it easy to install and maintain.
  • Safety: To ensure safety, the Zhongshan distribution boxes are equipped with excess protection devices and MCCBs.

How to use and what to watch out for

The MCCBs inside the distribution boxes can be used to protect against overloads and short circuits. An important thing to always remember is that the breakers selected need to be within the rated current of the distribution box. This is yet another reason why the distribution boxes come in various specs, so one can find the one that suits the load of the system.

Maintenance and service

One shouldn't forget the importance of a regular maintenance and inspection routine. First and foremost, always ensure the MCCBs are tripped during the open/close test, and the reset should never be ignored.

Check the screws and fasteners to see if sone are loose. While doing this, ensure to do a visual inspection of the components and look for signs of wear or damage. It is also recommended to clean the dust and grime that accumulate on and in the distribution box.

Check for any signs of overheating or any unusual noise. This is the perfect time to check the settings and ensure that all the MCCBs are set correctly and are aligned as they should be. The residual circuit breakers should also be tested to ensure they are tripped correctly.

How to Choose the mccb distribution box

The list that follows gives several factors to consider when selecting the mccb distribution boxes.

Please the rating

The distribution box is always rated IP54 or higher, and the MCCBs inside it usually have an ampere rating that defines the ideal maximum microwattage the switch can handle. Never get a distribution box with a lower IP rating than what is required for the housing, as this will not provide adequate protection of the elements.

Protection degree

This is defined by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standard for waterproof and dustproof enclosures. The rated degree of protection determines how well and protected the distribution box is against electrical shocks, dust, moisture, and high-pressure water jets.

Material

Distribution boxes can be made from steel, aluminum, or plastic. Plastic distribution boxes can only be used indoors, while metal distribution boxes can be used indoors and outdoors because of their IP ratings.

Ventilation

This is a very important consideration, especially for ventilated distribution boxes that require adequate cooling. Ventilated distribution boxes have inlets and outlets that provide airflow to help cool down the MCCBs. However, there are still unventilated distribution boxes that keep dust away, which can also help provide extra security to the electrical components.

Mobility

Several移动配电箱 are available, making musyonesveryoneeasy to transport. For example, there are several smaller and lightweight models that can be mounted on wheels. However, the larger and heavier models are not so easy to move and require fixed installation.

Q&A

Q1. Are plastic distribution boxes waterproof?

Most plastic distribution boxes have an IP level that can reach up to IP54. At this level, the plastic distribution boxes are dustproof and waterproof. However, the effectiveness of the waterproofing also depends on how well the enclosures are sealed.

Q2. Can people mount the MCCB distribution box outdoors?

Both metal and plastic distribution boxes can be mounted outdoors, of course, if they have the right IP ratings. However, metal distribution boxes are usually more preferable for outdoor use because they tend to be stronger and more durable, offering better protection against harsh weather conditions.

Q3. How many MCCBs can be placed in a distribution box?

The number of circuit breakers that can be accommodated in a breaker box varies depending on the size of the box and the rating of the MCCBs. But most medium-sized distribution boxes can hold up to twelve circuit breakers.

Q4. Can the MCCBs in the distribution boxes be adjustable?

Yes, there are even bigger breakers switching enclosures and boxes in which the MCCBs and the trip settings can be adjusted. This feature allows the circuit breakers to be fine-tuned to better protect the electronic appliances against overloads and short circuits. Adjustment can be made easily by turning a knob or screwing the setting screws in or out.

Q5. What is the difference between circuit breakers and distribution boards?

The main purpose of circuit breakers is to interrupt the electric circuit to prevent an overload or short circuit. On the flip side, a distribution box is a closed metal structure that houses the circuit breakers and other electrical components.