Single-Pole MCBs for Domestic & Commercial Circuit Protection
Single-pole MCBs provide overcurrent and short-circuit protection for individual live conductors on single-phase circuits. They are the standard protective device used in most UK consumer units and distribution boards, covering lighting, socket outlets, small power circuits and a wide range of fixed appliances.
Read more
These breakers interrupt the line conductor only, ensuring rapid fault clearance while keeping the neutral intact. They are available across a full range of current ratings and tripping curves, making them suitable for both domestic and light-commercial installations with predictable load characteristics.
- Single-pole protection for standard single-phase circuits
- Wide rating range for lighting, sockets and appliance feeds
- B and C curves for different inrush profiles
- 6kA and 10kA options to match site fault-level calculations
- Compact DIN-rail modules for easy installation and replacements
Single-pole MCBs are used in the majority of consumer units and are the correct protective device whenever only the line conductor requires disconnection under fault conditions.
6kA MCB – 40A 1 Pole B Curve (WMC140B)
£1.84
£2.99
The WMC140B is a 40 A single-pole 6 kA Miniature Circuit Breaker (MCB) built for high-load domestic and light-commercial circuits such as sub-mains, electric heaters and distribution feeds. Its B-curve tripping profile (3–5 × In) delivers fast, reliable protection against overcurrent and short-circuit faults while...
6kA MCB – 32A 1 Pole C Curve (WMC132C)
£1.84
£2.99
The WMC132C is a 32 A single-pole 6 kA Miniature Circuit Breaker (MCB) built for high-load circuits with moderate to high inrush current — including cookers, workshop sockets and small machinery. Its C-curve tripping profile (5–10 × In) provides extra immunity to motor and transformer...
6kA MCB – 20A 1 Pole C Curve (WMC120C)
£1.84
£2.99
The WMC120C is a 20 A single-pole 6 kA Miniature Circuit Breaker (MCB) designed for radial and equipment circuits subject to moderate inrush currents such as motors, compressors or EV chargers. Its C-curve tripping characteristic (5–10 × In) offers greater surge tolerance while providing rapid...
6kA MCB – 20A 1 Pole B Curve (WMC120B)
£1.84
£2.99
The WMC120B is a robust 20 A single-pole 6 kA Miniature Circuit Breaker (MCB) providing accurate overcurrent and short-circuit protection for socket and radial circuits in homes, garages and light-commercial buildings. It features a B-curve tripping profile that operates at 3–5 × rated current to...
6kA MCB – 16A 1 Pole C Curve (WMC116C)
£1.84
£2.99
The WMC116C is a 16 A single-pole 6 kA Miniature Circuit Breaker (MCB) engineered for radial and socket circuits subject to higher inrush currents from motors, pumps or power tools. Its C-curve tripping profile (5–10 × In) offers increased tolerance to start-up surges while delivering...
What Is a Single-Pole MCB?
A single-pole MCB is a miniature circuit breaker that disconnects only the live conductor when a fault occurs. This ensures safe isolation of the circuit under overcurrent or short-circuit conditions while leaving the neutral conductor unaffected.
Where Single-Pole MCBs Are Used
- Lighting circuits in domestic and commercial settings
- Ring circuits and radials supplying socket outlets
- General fixed appliances such as boilers and immersion heaters
- Workshops and small commercial boards with predictable load behaviour
- Distribution boards where only line isolation is required
Benefits of Single-Pole Protection
Single-pole breakers provide fast fault clearance on the live conductor, supporting safe operation and predictable disconnection times on standard single-phase installations. They remain the industry standard for domestic and small-scale commercial work.
- Simpler installation than double-pole alternatives
- Lower cost while maintaining full overcurrent protection
- Compact design maximises usable ways in consumer units
B Curve vs C Curve Single-Pole MCBs
B Curve: Trips at 3–5 × rated current; ideal for lighting and general circuits.
C Curve: Trips at 5–10 × rated current; suitable for circuits with moderate inrush, such as small motors or equipment with start-up surge.
Compliance & Standards
All Single-Pole MCBs in this category meet BS EN 60898 and comply with 18th Edition Wiring Regulations when correctly selected based on fault level, circuit design and load characteristics.
Installer Benefits
Reliable, predictable and widely compatible, single-pole MCBs provide everyday protection across the vast majority of UK circuits. Their modular design, familiar operation and broad rating selection make them a dependable choice for upgrades, rewires and new installations.