Schneider GV2-ME21C motor protection circuit breaker

Schneider GV2-ME21C is a motor protection circuit breaker belonging to the TeSys GV2M series.

Basic Information

Brand: Schneider Electric

Series: GV2M Series

Product Type: Motor Protection Circuit Breaker

Technical Parameters

Rated Operating Voltage: 690V AC (compliant with IEC 60947-2), 600V AC (compliant with UL 508)

Thermal Overload Protection Setting Range: 17A to 23A

Pole Number: 3-pole

Electrical Service Life: 100,000 operations

Protection Class: IP20 (main unit, compliant with IEC 60529)

Dimensions: Height 89mm, Width 44.5mm, Depth 78.2mm

Product Weight: Approximately 0.26kg

Product Features

Versatile Functions: Equipped with short-circuit and overload protection functions; can be locked in the OFF position; auxiliary contacts can be used with signal switches or under tripping conditions.

Wide Operating Temperature Range: Reliable operation within the temperature range of -20°C to +60°C.

Comprehensive Certifications: Certified to multiple standards including IEC, UL, CSA, CCC and EAC; compliant with Green Premium standards (RoHS/REACh).

Application Fields: Suitable for scenarios requiring motor protection such as automatic control panels, MRI equipment, railway infrastructure and aerospace engineering.

Schneider GV2-ME21C is a DIN rail-mounted motor protection circuit breaker. Its installation must comply with electrical safety specifications and product manual requirements, which is divided into four core steps: pre-installation preparation, main unit installation, wiring operation and post-installation inspection, detailed as follows:

1. Pre-installation Preparation
2.  Safety Confirmation

Disconnect all power supplies in the installation area and use a voltage tester to confirm the absence of voltage to prevent electric shock accidents.

Ensure that installers are equipped with electrical operation qualifications and wear protective equipment such as insulated gloves.

2.  Tool and Material Preparation

Tools: Phillips screwdriver (PH2 specification recommended), wire stripper, DIN rail cutting tool, torque screwdriver, voltage tester.

Materials: Suitable 35mm standard DIN rail (compliant with EN 60715), copper core wires (2.5-4mm², suitable for 17-23A current), insulating tape, wiring terminals (if extended wiring is required).

3.  Product Inspection

Inspect the appearance of the GV2-ME21C main unit for no cracks, deformation or missing parts; check that the handle switching between opening, closing and tripping positions is smooth without jamming.

Verify the parameters on the product nameplate (rated voltage 690V AC, setting current 17-23A) to ensure matching with the on-site motor and power supply parameters.

2. Main Unit Installation (Two Methods, DIN Rail Installation Preferred)

Method 1: DIN Rail Installation (Mainstream Method)

1.  Fix the DIN rail: According to the installation location (inside the distribution cabinet/control cabinet), fix the 35mm DIN rail horizontally or vertically with screws, with the rail flatness error ≤ 0.5mm/m.
2.  Snap in the circuit breaker:

Hold the GV2-ME21C main unit and align the hook buckle on its top with the upper edge of the DIN rail.

Press down the bottom of the circuit breaker until a “click” sound is heard, confirm that the buckle is fully clamped to the rail, and ensure no looseness when shaking the main unit.

3.  Side-by-side installation of multiple units: When installing multiple GV2 circuit breakers side by side, reserve a gap of ≥ 5mm between adjacent products for heat dissipation and wiring operations.

Method 2: Screw Fixing Installation (No Rail Scenario)

1.  Positioning and drilling: Mark the drilling positions on the installation panel according to the mounting hole dimensions of the GV2-ME21C base (hole spacing approximately 45mm), with the drilling diameter matching M4 screws.
2.  Fixed installation: Pass M4 screws through the mounting holes of the circuit breaker base and tighten them on the panel, with the torque controlled at 1.5-2.0N·m to avoid damaging the base due to over-tightening.
3. Wiring Operation (3-pole Wiring, Distinguish Between Incoming and Outgoing Lines)

Terminal identification on the front of GV2-ME21C: L1, L2 and L3 are power incoming terminals, T1, T2 and T3 are motor outgoing terminals; reverse connection is strictly prohibited.

1.  Wire processing: Use a wire stripper to strip the insulation layer of the wire, with the stripping length of 8-10mm (matching the terminal jack depth), to avoid short circuits caused by excessively exposed conductors or poor contact caused by insufficient stripping length.
2.  Wiring tightening:

Insert the stripped copper core wire into the corresponding terminal jack and ensure that the wire is fully inserted to the bottom.

Tighten the terminal screw with a Phillips screwdriver, with the torque controlled at 1.5-2.5N·m; pull the wire lightly after tightening to confirm no looseness.

If multi-strand flexible wires are used, crimp cold-pressed terminals first before inserting into the jacks; direct insertion of flexible wires is prohibited.

3.  Auxiliary contact wiring (if extended functions are required):

GV2-ME21C can be equipped with auxiliary contact modules (such as GV2-AE11) for signal feedback or control circuits.

The auxiliary contact terminals are identified as 1NO (Normally Open) and 1NC (Normally Closed); connect them to the circuit according to control requirements and tighten the screws.

4. Post-installation Inspection and Testing
5.  Mechanical Inspection

Operate the circuit breaker handle to ensure smooth switching between the three positions: OFF, ON and TEST without jamming.

Test the locking function: Toggle the handle to the OFF position, insert the locking device, and confirm that closing is not possible (to prevent misoperation).

2.  Electrical Testing

Pre-power-on inspection: Use a multimeter to measure the insulation resistance between incoming and outgoing terminals; the resistance value should be ≥ 1MΩ (to ensure no short circuit).

Protection function test: After power-on, press the TEST button on the handle; the circuit breaker should trip immediately. After reclosing, if the motor runs normally, it indicates that the overload protection function is effective.

3.  Protection Inspection

Confirm that the installation environment meets the requirements (temperature -20°C ~ +60°C, no humidity, corrosive gas or dust). The IP20 protection class requires preventing direct intrusion of water droplets and foreign objects.

Installation Notes

1.  Installation and wiring operations are strictly prohibited when the power is on.
2.  The rated current of the motor must be within the setting range of GV2-ME21C (17-23A), otherwise effective protection cannot be achieved.
3.  Installation and wiring must comply with local electrical specifications (such as GB 7251.1) and IEC 60947 standards.