Difference between Single Pole MCB and Double Pole MCB

MCB, an abbreviated form of miniature close circuit, is a trip switch operated by overload and utilized to protect electric circuit, especially domestic one as a substitute of fuse. It securely protects from possible hazards caused by overheating of cables and other electrical equipments. Glass fuses are replaced by circuit breakers due to their resetting capacity after tripping. In a house, every single electrical outlet is connected to a cable or wiring system, which fetches its power via a circuit breaker.

120 Volt And 240 Volt Circuit

For domestic and business use, two AC voltages i.e. 120-volt and 240-volt are supplied. House appliances like TV, radio, DVD player, hair dryer, washing machine, computer, blender, toaster, microwave, vacuum cleaner etc. are delivered with 120 volts.

Some appliances require more energy and higher voltage to perform. These types of product include centralized AC, dryers, water heaters, ovens and electric baseboard heat.

Single pole MCB is used with light appliance and double pole MCB is utilized with the heavy appliance such as oven, refrigerator, air conditioner, washing machine, etc.

Overall Dissimilarity

A single pole MCB is used with a 120V circuit and it consists of one hot wire and neutral wire. Here switching and the security is harmed in just one​ phase.

The double pole MCB is used with a 220V circuit having two cables or wires. And in case of short circuit to any of the wires, both poles are ganged together and trip together. Hence, in two pole MCB, switching and the security are affected in both phases. This type of MCBs prevents the return current into an electrical machine if there is a failure while starting the appliance. The extra pole prevents the load current from coming back into the appliance. In this way, the appliance does not harm anyone.

Not just single or double pole MCBs, but triple pole MCBs, triple pole and neutral MCBs and 4 pole MCBs are available in market and each of them are used for varied applications. 

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