Natwerk Designs

Can Mcb's be used as functional switches?

I would like to use a MCB as functional switch to control lighting load. I will frequently be using the MCB as I use a normal switch. My question here is can the MCB full fill my requirement. And how different is the MCB design compared to a conventional switch & Why do MCB's are designed with braids, will the braids capable enough to take up cyclic load ?

Public Comments

1. You can, but you need to get switch grade MCBs, which are meant to take the repeated on-off actions, both in the moving parts, and in the contacts. Regular MCBs are meant to just stay on. An MCB has overcurrent protection in it. MCBs have braids becase they have moving parts, which have to open fast if called for.