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B Curve MCBs for Standard Circuits & Fast Fault Protection

B Curve MCBs are miniature circuit breakers designed for circuits with low inrush current and predictable load behaviour. They are widely used on lighting, socket, and other standard final circuits where fast overcurrent protection is needed without accommodating heavy start-up surges.

Often referred to as Type B MCBs or B curve circuit breakers, these devices are the go-to choice for many domestic and light commercial board layouts.

Quick answer: A B curve MCB typically trips at around 3 to 5 times its rated current, making it suitable for standard circuits such as lighting, sockets, and resistive loads where start-up current is relatively low.

B curve devices are chosen where the connected load does not create large inrush currents during normal operation. That makes them a strong fit for many everyday installations, especially in homes, smaller commercial units, and consumer unit upgrades where the correct tripping characteristic matters.

  • B curve tripping characteristic – trips at around 3 to 5 times rated current
  • Ideal for standard circuits – lighting, sockets, and general-purpose final circuits
  • Available in multiple current ratings – including common domestic sizes such as B6, B10, B16, B20 and B32
  • 6kA and 10kA options – choose to suit the installation fault level
  • DIN-rail format – practical for consumer units and distribution boards

Need a different tripping characteristic? Browse our C Curve MCBs, wider MCB range, or full circuit protection collection. For delivery and returns, see our delivery information and returns policy.

Showing 13 to 24 of 40 items
✓ In stock SKU: WKC240B

40A 2 Pole 10kA MCB – B Curve (WKC240B)

£9.08 ex VAT £10.90 inc VAT

The WKC240B is a 40A 2 Pole 10kA Miniature Circuit Breaker (MCB) designed to protect higher-load radial and feeder circuits against short-circuit and overload...

✓ In stock SKU: WKC140B

1 Pole 10kA MCB 40A B Curve WKC140B

£5.00 ex VAT £6.00 inc VAT

The WCED WKC Series 10kA Miniature Circuit Breakers (MCBs) are high-performance devices designed for precise overcurrent detection and short-circuit protection. Built to handle demanding...

When to Use a B Curve MCB

B curve MCBs are commonly used on circuits with relatively low normal inrush current. The curve alone does not determine suitability: current rating, conductor capacity, prospective fault current, breaking capacity and board compatibility must also be verified.

Common Final-Circuit Ratings

Ratings such as 6A, 16A, 20A and 32A appear across lighting, radial and ring final circuits, but the correct value comes from the circuit design.

Browse MCB Ratings →

Single & Multi-Pole Formats

Choose the pole arrangement for the supply and isolation requirement. Two-, three- and four-pole devices are not simply larger versions of a single-pole MCB.

View 2-Pole MCBs →

6kA & 10kA Devices

Breaking capacity must suit the prospective fault current at the installation point. Check both the product marking and the complete assembly specification.

Shop 10kA MCBs →

Specification Checklist

  • Load characteristics: confirm normal operation will not cause excessive inrush
  • Current rating: coordinate with design current and cable capacity
  • Fault-loop conditions: verify required automatic disconnection
  • Breaking capacity: select for the prospective short-circuit current
  • Compatibility: check the consumer unit or board system and busbar arrangement

Related Categories

C Curve MCBs6kA MCBs10kA MCBs2-Pole MCBsCircuit Protection

Trade support: UK-stocked products, manufacturer-backed specifications and fast dispatch. Check each product page for ratings, standards, stock status and delivery details before ordering.