Calculating the correct MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker) capacity for your electrical system is crucial to ensure maximum protection. This consideration is necessary to avoid selecting an MCB with an insufficient breaking capacity.

Choosing the right MCB is essential for protecting your home's electrical system from overloads and preventing fires or equipment damage. Here is how to calculate the proper MCB capacity for your home electrical system.

Read More: 5 Ways to Solve MCB Frequently Down in Electrical Installation

Steps to Calculate the Right MCB Capacity

1. Calculate the Total Wattage of Electrical Devices Needed

The first step is to calculate the total power (in watts) of all the electrical devices that will be used simultaneously in your home. You can find information about each device's power consumption on the packaging label or in the device manual.

Example:

• Lamps: 10 x 10 watts = 100 watts
• AC: 1 x 1000 watts = 1000 watts
• Refrigerator: 1 x 150 watts = 150 watts
• TV: 1 x 200 watts = 200 watts
• Total: 1450 watts

2. Convert Wattage to Amperes

After determining the total wattage, the next step is to convert watts to amperes. The formula used is:

Ampere (A) = Watt (W) / Volt (V)

Typically, the household voltage in Indonesia is 220 volts.

Example: Ampere = 1450 watts / 220 volts = 6.59 amperes

3. Add Current for Safety Factor

To ensure safety and avoid overloads, add a safety factor or additional margin to the calculation. This is important because home electrical systems can experience momentary current surges, such as when turning on high-power devices like water pumps or ovens.

Typically, the safety factor used is 25% of the total current.

Safety Factor = 6.59 amperes x 25% = 1.65 amperes

Add the current with the safety factor to get the final value:

Total Ampere = 6.59 amperes + 1.65 amperes = 8.24 amperes

4. Choose the Most Suitable MCB Capacity

MCBs are available in various standard capacities, such as 6A, 10A, 16A, 20A, and so on. Choose an MCB with a breaking capacity slightly larger than the total current calculated to ensure adequate protection. In the previous calculation example, an MCB with a capacity of 10A would be the right choice because 8.24A is closer to 10A than 6A.

5. Choose the Right Type of MCB

In addition to breaking capacity, you also need to consider the right type of MCB for your home electrical system. There are various types of MCBs, including Type B, Type C, Type K, and others. If you use electronic devices with motor systems, such as ACs and refrigerators, you need an MCB with a specific curve characteristic, such as Type C or Type D MCB. Always review your home electrical system's needs and consider the MCB characteristic type best suited to handle those needs.

6. Consider the Length of Device Cables

After calculating the power requirements of the electronic devices to be installed, do not forget to consider the length of the cables in the home electrical system. Cable length affects resistance and voltage drop, so it must be considered when choosing the MCB size.

7. Consider the Installation Temperature

MCB performance is also influenced by environmental factors. For instance, when installed in high-temperature areas, the MCB device may require a reduction in nominal current or derating. This is due to increased internal resistance at higher temperatures, which can affect the MCB's ability to handle current according to the specified capacity.

Read More: 6 Causes of Power Outages While the Meter is On: Cable Issues to MCB Problems!

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Various Types and Capacities of MCB Choices

Calculating the right MCB capacity for your home electrical system is a critical step to ensuring the safety and efficiency of electricity use. Always use MCB devices that meet the recommended specifications to avoid damage and accidents.

To ensure optimal electrical system protection, you should ensure that the MCB installed in your home is of good quality and meets safety standards. One of the easiest ways is to choose MCB devices from well-known brands.

One reputable electrical brand that makes quality MCBs is Schneider Electric. For example, Schneider's Domae MCB, available in various types and breaking capacity options. The Domae MCB series is well-known for its reliability, used in many countries by numerous consumers.

Schneider's Domae MCB comes in types such as Type A, Type B, Type C, Type D, and others, with breaking capacity options ranging from 2A, 4A, 6A, 10A, to 20A. All original Domae MCB devices can be obtained from Schneider Electric's trusted official distributor in Indonesia, PT Mitra Cipta Hardi Elektrindo.

Ensure you accurately calculate the MCB capacity before deciding to purchase Schneider's Domae MCB from PT Mitra Cipta Hardi Elektrindo and Hokione so that your home's electrical system is well-protected with quality devices that will not disappoint. 

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