Schneider GV2ME32C 3-pole thermal-magnetic circuit breaker

Schneider GV2ME32C is a 3-pole thermal-magnetic circuit breaker specifically designed for motor control and protection. It is suitable for AC circuits with a frequency of 50/60Hz and a voltage up to 690V, with a rated current adjustment range of 24-32A.

1. Core Functions and Protection Features

Full-Function Protection: Integrates overload, cortocircuito, falla de fase, locked rotor, and three-phase unbalance protection, complying with IEC 60947-2 y CEI 60947-4-1 estándares.

Thermal-Magnetic Trip Mechanism:

Thermal Overload Protection: Detects overload current through a bimetallic strip, with an operating time meeting Class 10 estándares (tripping within 10 artículos de segunda clase) and manual reset capability.

Magnetic Trip Protection: Features a fixed instantaneous operating current of 416A±20% for short-circuit protection, ensuring reliable non-operation under starting inrush current.

Auxiliary Function Expansion: Supports installation of accessories such as undervoltage release (MN), liberación de derivación (MX), and auxiliary contacts (p.ej., YEDGVAE11, 1NO+1NC) to achieve remote control and status feedback.

2. Structural Design and Installation

Tamaño compacto: Con un ancho de sólo 45 mm., it can be directly mounted on a 35mm DIN rail, supporting horizontal or vertical fixing to save distribution cabinet space.

Protection and Certifications: The main body has an IP20 protection rating, reaching IP55 with a cover; certificado por CCC, CE, UL, CSA, etc., suitable for industrial and commercial environments.

Método de cableado: Adopts screw-clamp terminals compatible with various cable specifications. Wiring torque must be operated in accordance with manual requirements to ensure reliability.

3. Escenarios de aplicación típicos

Motor Direct Start Control: Serves as a full-voltage starter, replacing the traditional contactor + thermal relay combination to simplify circuit design.

Protection for Pumps, aficionados, and Other Equipment: Suitable for three-phase asynchronous motors with a rated current ≤32A, demonstrating stable performance especially in scenarios with frequent start-stop operations or large ambient temperature fluctuations.

Industrial Automation Systems: Cooperates with PLC or DCS systems to achieve remote emergency shutdown through shunt releases, enhancing system safety.

4. Selection and Usage Notes

Coincidencia actual: Select the setting range based on the motor’s rated current. Por ejemplo, the 24-32A GV2ME32C is suitable for motors with a rated current ≤32A. Sin embargo, it should be noted that high-efficiency motors (p.ej., IE5) may have higher starting inrush current, so it is necessary to verify whether the magnetic trip value is sufficient.

Adaptabilidad ambiental: Operating temperature range is -20℃ to +60℃. No additional adjustments are required when ambient temperature changes, as the thermal trip characteristic is equipped with built-in temperature compensation.

Especificaciones de instalación: Ensure the spacing between the circuit breaker and adjacent equipment meets heat dissipation requirements. Avoid cable loosening during wiring to prevent overheating.

5. Market Feedback and Alternative Solutions

User Reviews: Users report high reliability and long service life (electrical life up to 100,000 operaciones). Sin embargo, it should be noted that false tripping may occur in high-efficiency motor applications due to insufficient magnetic trip value. It is recommended to prioritize upgraded models after 2023 (with improved magnetic trip value).

Modelos alternativos: For a larger current range (p.ej., 25-80A), the Schneider GV3ME series can be considered; for electronic protection functions, the GV4PEM series offers more flexible setting options.

6. Technical Parameters and Price Reference

7. Mantenimiento y solución de problemas

Inspección periódica: Clean contacts every 6 meses, and check terminal tightness and trip mechanism flexibility.

Common Faults:

False Tripping: May be caused by insufficient magnetic trip value or excessively small thermal setting current. Verify the motor’s starting current and ambient temperature.

Ablación de contacto: Replace the circuit breaker after long-term overload or short circuit to avoid protection failure due to contact adhesion.

Resumen

With its compact design, full-function protection, and high reliability, the GV2ME32C is an ideal choice for medium and low-power motor control. During selection, it is necessary to consider motor characteristics (p.ej., starting current, efficiency class) and application environment, and match accessories if necessary to meet complex control requirements. For high-efficiency motor applications, it is recommended to prioritize upgraded GV2ME models or electronic protection solutions to ensure long-term stable operation.