3. THEORY
MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker)
An MCB is an electromechanical device designed to protect an electrical circuit from damage caused by overload or short circuit. It functions by automatically disconnecting the circuit when it detects an abnormal condition such as overcurrent or a short circuit. The MCB consists of a switch mechanism that operates electromagnetically or thermally, depending on the type. When the current flowing through the circuit exceeds the rated capacity of the MCB, it trips and interrupts the flow of electricity, thereby protecting the circuit and connected devices from damage.
RCCB (Residual Current Circuit Breaker)
An RCCB is a type of circuit breaker that detects the imbalance in the current between the live and neutral conductors of an electrical circuit. It is primarily used to protect against electric shock caused by ground faults or leakage currents. The RCCB monitors the current flowing in the live and neutral conductors. If there is a difference in the current between these conductors, it indicates the presence of leakage current, which could be potentially dangerous. The RCCB then quickly interrupts the circuit, thus preventing electric shock.
Energy Meter
An energy meter, also known as an electricity meter, is a device used to measure the amount of electrical energy consumed by a residence, business, or electrically powered device over a specific period. Energy meters typically work on the principle of electromagnetic induction or electronic measurement techniques. The speed of rotation of its internal disc is proportional to the amount of electrical energy consumed.
Types of switch
i. One-way switch: A one-way switch is one which has two terminals and allows the current to flow only in one direction; in the reverse direction, it does not conduct.
ii. Two-way switch: A two-way switch is a type of switch which has three terminals. Basically, a two-way switch is a combination of two one-way switches in a single unit. The two-way switch can conduct in either direction.
iii. Dimmer Switch: A dimmer switch is a simple electronic device that is used to control the intensity range of a light, such as an LED, CFL, and Halogen.
4. CIRCUIT DIAGRAMS FOR EXPERIMENT
The experiment involves a standard simple house wiring layout connecting the energy meter, main switch, RCCB, and MCBs to various loads like bulbs and power sockets through switches.
8. DISCUSSIONS
The experiment was performed with the help of a switch, bulb, dimmer, MCB, RCCB, and power socket. We learned about simple house wiring and the working function of a switch, RCCB, MCB, and dimmer. An RCCB is more advanced than an MCB because the RCCB trips on a small amount of current leakage or a short circuit. We checked the working function of the RCCB by creating a short circuit.
From the experiment, we learned that a 6A capacity MCB is required for a light bulb and a 10A capacity MCB is required for higher power-consuming devices like an iron, heater, rice cooker, etc. One MCB was required for every eight loads. We learned how to make a connection for a power socket.
9. CONCLUSION
Hence, the simple house wiring connection was done, and the working functions of simple electrical components like MCB, RCCB, and various switches were studied successfully.
