Difference between molded case and insulated case circuit breaker?

[tylerfini3]

What is the difference between molded case circuit breaker and insulated case?

[Kalbi_Rob]

What is the difference between molded case circuit breaker and insulated case?

insulated case circuit breaker — (ICCB) = UL Standard 489 Listed nonfused molded case circuit breakers which utilize a two-step stored energy closing mechanism, electronic trip system and drawout construction.

molded case circuit breaker — (MCCB)A circuit breaker which is assembled as an integral unit in a supportive and enclosed housing of insulating material, generally 20-3000A in ampacity and used in systems up to 600Vac and 500Vdc

[AaronCBI]

I believe the most commonly referenced difference between the two would be you have to charge the closing springs prior to the primary contacts being able to be closed in an insulated case circuit breaker.

Closing an ICCB is a two step operation, charging the closing springs, and releasing the closing springs to close the breaker. So ICCBs will usually have a charging handle (or motor) to charge the springs, and a pushbutton (or solenoid) to close the breaker.

Molded case circuit breaker will usually have a single handle, which will be On / Off (or in the tripped position). The closing springs do not have to be charged to close the primary contacts. Moving the handle to the On position is sufficient to close the breaker.