Which type of fault does a Miniature Circuit Breaker (MCB) provide protection against?

A Miniature Circuit Breaker (MCB) is designed primarily to provide protection against overload and short-circuit faults. When a short-circuit occurs, there is a sudden influx of current that significantly exceeds the normal operational levels. The MCB detects this surge in current almost instantaneously and disconnects the circuit to prevent damage to the electrical system and potential hazards, such as fire.

While MCBs are effective for short-circuit protection, they also help safeguard against overload conditions, which occur when circuits are carrying more current than they can safely handle over a period of time. This differentiation in MCB capabilities highlights their vital role in maintaining the safety and integrity of electrical installations.

Other types of faults, such as earth faults, require different protective devices like Residual Current Devices (RCDs) or Earth Leakage Circuit Breakers (ELCBs). Voltage surges, often caused by lightning or other external factors, are typically mitigated by surge protection devices rather than MCBs. Phase loss, which involves the loss of one phase in a three-phase system, does not fall within the protective reach of standard MCBs, as they are primarily focused on detecting current abnormalities rather than phase conditions.

Therefore, the correct answer highlights the specific