MCCB Breaker Pakistan 2026: Sizing Chart + Amps
MCCB Breaker Pakistan 2026 — Sizing Chart, Amp Selection & Application Guide
Updated: May 2026 · CNC Electric Pakistan
MCCB Sizing — Pakistan Quick Answer (2026)
To size an MCCB (Molded Case Circuit Breaker) in 4 steps: (1) calculate full load amps (FLA) from kW or HP; (2) multiply by 1.25 × continuous service factor; (3) round up to the next standard rating (32 / 40 / 63 / 100 / 125 / 160 / 200 / 250 / 400 / 630 / 800 / 1000 / 1250 A); (4) verify the breaking capacity (Icu) exceeds the prospective short-circuit current at the install point (typically 25–35 kA for Pakistani LV panels).
CNC MCCB prices in Pakistan 2026: 3P 32 A from Rs.4,400, 3P 100 A around Rs.7,800, 4P 250 A around Rs.18,000, 4P 630 A around Rs.62,000. Browse: CNC MCCBs → · WhatsApp 0326-1111376 with your load.
When You Need an MCCB Instead of an MCB
MCBs (Miniature Circuit Breakers) cover residential branch circuits up to 63 A with 6–10 kA breaking capacity. The moment any of three thresholds are crossed, you graduate to an MCCB:
- Load above 63 A — single largest load such as a 5 ton AC, central chiller, lift motor, water pump bank
- Fault current above 10 kA — usually anything downstream of a 500+ kVA transformer or near a substation
- Need for adjustable trip settings — long-time / short-time / instantaneous tuning for selectivity with downstream MCBs
If any one of those applies, the MCB is undersized for the job. An MCCB takes 16 A → 1600 A loads with 25–65 kA breaking capacity and is the right answer. See our MCB vs MCCB vs ACB vs RCCB selection guide for the full decision tree.
Step 1: Calculate the Load Current (FLA)
The MCCB feeds either a single large device, a sub-distribution panel, or a motor. Calculate the steady-state full load amps:
Resistive load (heater, oven, lighting bank)
Single-phase: I = P (W) ÷ 220. Three-phase: I = P (W) ÷ (380 × √3) = P ÷ 658.
Motor or pump load (use nameplate FLA)
Read FLA directly from the motor nameplate. If only kW or HP is given, estimate as: FLA ≈ kW × 1.8 (3-phase 380 V at 0.85 power factor) or use the standard motor amps table below.
| Motor HP | Motor kW | FLA (380 V 3Φ) | FLA × 1.25 (sized) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 HP | 7.5 kW | 16 A | 20 A |
| 15 HP | 11 kW | 23 A | 29 A |
| 20 HP | 15 kW | 30 A | 38 A |
| 25 HP | 18.5 kW | 37 A | 46 A |
| 30 HP | 22 kW | 45 A | 56 A |
| 40 HP | 30 kW | 60 A | 75 A |
| 50 HP | 37 kW | 73 A | 91 A |
| 75 HP | 55 kW | 110 A | 138 A |
| 100 HP | 75 kW | 147 A | 184 A |
| 150 HP | 110 kW | 210 A | 263 A |
| 200 HP | 150 kW | 285 A | 356 A |
| 300 HP | 220 kW | 420 A | 525 A |
Step 2: Round Up to the Next Standard MCCB Rating
MCCBs come in fixed IEC sizes. Pick the next standard size above your calculated value (never below):
| Calculated FLA × 1.25 | Pick MCCB Rating | CNC Model | PKR Price 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| up to 32 A | 32 A | YCM7-32 3P | Rs.4,400 |
| 33–40 A | 40 A | YCM7-40 3P | Rs.4,900 |
| 41–63 A | 63 A | YCM7-63 3P | Rs.5,800 |
| 64–100 A | 100 A | YCM7-100 3P | Rs.7,800 |
| 101–125 A | 125 A | YCM7-125 3P | Rs.8,900 |
| 126–160 A | 160 A | YCM7-160 3P | Rs.11,800 |
| 161–200 A | 200 A | YCM7-200 3P | Rs.13,500 |
| 201–250 A | 250 A | YCM7-250 3P / YCM8YV-250 | Rs.16,800–18,000 |
| 251–400 A | 400 A | YCM7-400 3P | Rs.32,000 |
| 401–630 A | 630 A | YCM7-630 4P | Rs.62,000 |
| 631–800 A | 800 A | YCM7-800 4P | Rs.87,000 |
| 801–1000 A | 1000 A | YCM7-1000 4P | Rs.108,000 |
| 1001–1250 A | 1250 A | YCM7-1250 4P | Rs.145,900 |
| above 1250 A | → step up to ACB | YAW1 / YAW2 series | Rs.285,000+ |
Step 3: Verify Breaking Capacity (Icu / Ics)
The MCCB's Icu (ultimate short-circuit breaking capacity) must exceed the prospective short-circuit current at the install point. Use:
| Install point | Typical fault current | Minimum Icu | CNC MCCB grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential / small commercial | 3–10 kA | 25 kA | YCM1 (Economy) |
| Commercial sub-distribution | 10–25 kA | 35 kA | YCM7 (Standard) |
| Industrial / motor control centre | 25–50 kA | 50 kA | YCM7 H / YCM8YV (High) |
| Transformer LV side ≥1000 kVA | 50+ kA | 65 kA | → step up to ACB |
Quick rule for Pakistani LV panels: if you're downstream of any transformer up to 630 kVA, a 35 kA MCCB is safe. Above that (industrial / hospital LV main), step to 50 kA or move to an ACB.
Step 4: Pick Poles — 3P or 4P
- 3-pole (3P): Switches R, Y, B. Neutral runs straight through, unswitched. Use for pure 3-phase loads (motors, heaters, balanced 3-phase distribution).
- 4-pole (4P): Switches R, Y, B, AND neutral. Use for: main incomers (so you can fully isolate for maintenance), distribution boards with single-phase final circuits (where neutral current isn't necessarily balanced), and any panel that feeds RCCBs downstream.
Worked Examples — Pakistani Real Cases
Example 1: 20 HP Borewell Pump in Bahawalpur
20 HP 3-phase pump nameplate FLA = 30 A. Continuous duty: 30 × 1.25 = 37.5 A. Next standard MCCB size = 40 A. Install is at the farm panel, ~50 m of cable from a 100 kVA transformer — fault current ≈ 8 kA, so 25 kA Icu (YCM1) sufficient. Pick YCM7-40 3P · Rs.4,900. Pair with thermal overload set to 30 A and DOL contactor for motor starting.
Example 2: 3-Phase Commercial Building Main (Lahore)
Total connected load 120 kW at 0.85 PF = 215 A. With 1.25 service factor: 269 A. Next size = 400 A (allowing future expansion headroom). Building is 50 m from a 500 kVA distribution transformer — fault current ≈ 18 kA, so 35 kA Icu (YCM7). 4P required (main incomer). Pick YCM7-400 4P · Rs.32,000.
Example 3: 100 HP Industrial Compressor (Faisalabad Factory)
100 HP nameplate FLA = 147 A. With 1.25: 184 A. Next size = 200 A. Install at an MCC fed by a 1 MVA transformer — fault current ≈ 28 kA, need 35–50 kA Icu. Pick YCM7-200 H 3P · Rs.18,500. Pair with 200 A AC3 contactor + thermal overload set to motor FLA. See our contactor sizing guide.
CNC MCCB Series — Quick Reference
| Series | Range | Icu (kA) | Trip Unit | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| YCM1 | 16–125 A | 25 kA | Thermal-magnetic, fixed | Residential, small commercial |
| YCM7 | 32–1250 A | 35–50 kA | Thermal-magnetic, adjustable on larger frames | Workhorse for commercial & industrial |
| YCM7-H | 100–800 A | 50–65 kA | Thermal-magnetic with electronic option | Hospital, data centre, high-fault industrial |
| YCM8YV | 100–630 A | 35–50 kA | Solid-state electronic LSI | Modern motor control, switchgear with selectivity |
| YEM6 (DC) | 63–250 A · 1000 V DC | 20 kA | Thermal-magnetic DC-rated | Solar PV strings, battery banks |
Common Sizing Mistakes
- Sizing at exact FLA without the 1.25 service factor. Result: nuisance trips on continuous loads after the cabinet heats up.
- Ignoring breaking capacity. A 100 A MCCB with 10 kA Icu installed downstream of a 1 MVA transformer (40+ kA fault) will explode during a short. Always check Icu vs fault current.
- Using 3P on the main incomer. You can't fully isolate the panel for maintenance because the neutral stays live. Mains always 4P.
- Using AC MCCB on a DC solar string. AC breakers can't extinguish DC arcs — the breaker burns through. Always use DC-rated MCCBs (YEM6) for PV / battery circuits.
- Oversizing 2× "for safety". A 250 A MCCB on a 100 A motor circuit won't trip on an 80 A overload — the motor burns before the MCCB notices. Always size to load, not to cable.
- Forgetting cable size matches breaker size. A 250 A MCCB needs 95 mm² copper minimum. Undersized cable becomes the fuse — and the fire.
Cable Size vs MCCB Rating — Pakistani Reference
| MCCB Rating | Min. Copper Cable (mm²) | Min. Aluminium (mm²) |
|---|---|---|
| 32 A | 6 mm² | 10 mm² |
| 63 A | 16 mm² | 25 mm² |
| 100 A | 25 mm² | 35 mm² |
| 160 A | 50 mm² | 70 mm² |
| 250 A | 95 mm² | 120 mm² |
| 400 A | 185 mm² | 240 mm² |
| 630 A | 2× 185 mm² (parallel) | 2× 240 mm² |
Browse CNC cables and lugs for matching cable runs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I size an MCCB for a motor?
Take the motor's nameplate FLA, multiply by 1.25 (continuous service factor), then round up to the next standard MCCB rating (32 / 40 / 63 / 100 / 125 / 160 / 200 / 250 / 400 / 630 / 800 / 1000 / 1250 A). For a 20 HP motor with 30 A FLA: 30 × 1.25 = 37.5 A → pick the next standard, which is 40 A (CNC YCM7-40 3P).
What is the price of an MCCB in Pakistan?
CNC MCCB prices in Pakistan 2026: 3P 32 A from Rs.4,400, 3P 100 A around Rs.7,800, 3P 250 A around Rs.16,800–18,000, 4P 400 A around Rs.32,000, 4P 630 A around Rs.62,000, 4P 1250 A around Rs.145,900.
What breaking capacity (Icu) do I need?
For residential / small commercial: 25 kA Icu is sufficient. For commercial sub-distribution: 35 kA. For industrial / motor control centres: 50 kA. For transformer LV side above 1000 kVA: 65 kA (or step up to ACB). Always check the Icu rating exceeds the prospective short-circuit current at the install point.
3-pole vs 4-pole — which do I need?
Use 3P for pure 3-phase loads (motors, balanced distribution). Use 4P for main incomers (so you can fully isolate including neutral for maintenance), distribution boards feeding single-phase circuits, and any panel upstream of an RCCB.
Can I use an AC MCCB for a solar DC string?
No — never. AC breakers rely on the natural zero-crossing of AC waveforms to extinguish the arc when the contacts open. DC has no zero-crossing, so the arc sustains and burns through the device. Use a purpose-built DC MCCB like the CNC YEM6 series, rated 1000 V or 1500 V DC.
Can I use an MCB instead of an MCCB?
MCBs cover 0.5–63 A with 6–10 kA breaking capacity — fine for residential branch circuits. Above 63 A, above 10 kA fault current, or when you need adjustable trip settings, an MCCB is required. See our MCB vs MCCB vs ACB vs RCCB guide.
When should I switch from MCCB to ACB?
When your main rating exceeds 1000–1250 A, or when fault current exceeds 65 kA, or when you need drawout switchgear for easier maintenance. ACBs are standard at the LV side of large distribution transformers. Browse CNC ACBs for 630–6300 A.
Get the right MCCB for your load
Send us your motor HP / total load kW + supply (1P or 3P) + transformer kVA — we’ll specify the exact MCCB rating, breaking capacity, and pole count.
Related Collections & Guides
- CNC MCCBs — YCM1, YCM7, YCM7-H, YCM8YV
- CNC DC MCCBs (Solar 1000 V / 1500 V)
- CNC ACBs — when you outgrow the MCCB
- Magnetic Contactors — for motor starters
- Cables — matched to MCCB rating
- MCCB vs ACB vs MCB vs RCCB — Selection Guide
- Magnetic Contactor Sizing Guide
- CNC Electric Pakistan 2026 Price List