Schneider GV2ME08C Motor Circuit Breaker

TeSys Deca GV2ME Motor Circuit Breaker (MPCB), push-button operated, screw clamp terminals

✅ Core Technical Specifications

Poles: 3P

Thermal overload setting range: 2.5～4 A

Matched motor power (400V three-phase): 1.5 kW

Rated operational voltage Ue: 690V AC, 50/60 Hz

Insulation voltage Ui: 690V; Impulse withstand voltage Uimp: 6kV

Magnetic short-circuit trip: approx. 13×In ≈ 51A (instantaneous short-circuit protection)

Rated short-circuit breaking capacity Icu: 100kA @ 400V

Utilization category: AC-3 (for direct-on-line motor starting); built-in isolation function + phase-loss protection

Control: Red STOP pushbutton, black START pushbutton, with TEST position

Mounting: Standard DIN rail; IP20 (finger-safe on front face)

✅ Model Code Definition

GV2: TeSys GV2 motor circuit breaker series

ME: Push-button version (rotary knob version: GV2P)

08: Current rating code, corresponding to 2.5–4A

C: China version with CCC certification

✅ Protection Functions

1. Thermal overload protection: Time-delayed tripping for continuous motor overload & locked rotor; adjustable within 2.5~4A via the setting dial
2. Magnetic short-circuit protection: Instant trip for phase-to-phase short circuit
3. Phase-loss protection: Accelerated tripping when one phase is lost, preventing motor burnout
4. Built-in start/stop operation: Can be used alone for small-motor direct start, or paired with contactors for star-delta / auto-transformer starting circuits

✅ Compatible Accessories (Field-mountable)

GVAN: Auxiliary contact (1NO+1NC, for ON/OFF & trip status feedback)

GVAX: Alarm contact (differentiates overload trip from short-circuit trip)

GVAD: Shunt trip / undervoltage trip coil

GV2AF3: Busbar, adapter & interlock module

✅ Selection & Replacement Reference

Same-series knob variant: GV2P08C (identical thermal-magnetic curve & tripping parameters, 2.5–4A)

Domestic alternatives: Delixi CDM6e-M, Chint NS2-25 08 (2.5~4A motor protector)

Higher frame upgrade: GV3ME series with same current rating

✅ Wiring Guidelines

Line side L1/L2/L3: Connect three-phase power supply; Load side T1/T2/T3: Connect the motor

Auxiliary contacts (if fitted): For PLC fault feedback & pilot lamp circuits

Setting rule: Align the dial with the motor rated current on nameplate; avoid long-term setting near the upper limit of the range

✅ Common Troubleshooting

1. Trips immediately on startup: Mostly short circuit. Check motor winding & cable insulation; may also be caused by magnetic trip threshold mismatch
2. Trips after running for a period: Overload. Verify actual motor current, load condition and thermal setting; check poor heat dissipation
3. Phase-loss tripping: Check three-phase incoming voltage and loose terminal connections

✅ GV2-ME08C (Push-button Type)

Operation: Push-button start/stop (black START, red STOP)

Current range: 2.5～4A; same tripping characteristics as GV2P08C

Features: Small panel cutout; designed for local cabinet operation; no obvious mid-position trip indication

Application: Standard domestic panel build, ordinary fans & water pumps (most widely used model)

✅ GV2P08C (Rotary Knob Type)

Operation: Rotary handle (knob control)

Current range: 2.5～4A (same as GV2ME08C)

Key feature: Clear trip mid-position; you can distinguish manual opening from fault tripping at a glance; supports external door-mounted extension handle GV2APN

Advantages: Compliant with UL508 Type E; higher SCCR short-circuit rating; ideal for export equipment, door-mounted operation and strict safety specifications

📋 Comparison Table

Step-by-Step MPCB Selection Guide

Applicable to GV2ME / GV2P thermal-magnetic motor circuit breakers, only for three-phase asynchronous DOL motors; NOT for resistive loads, soft starters or inverter output circuits.

Step 1: Collect 3 key data from motor nameplate

1. Rated current In (most critical)
2. Rated voltage (typically 380/400V AC three-phase)
3. Rated power (only for reference; never select purely by power)

Common mistake: Two 1.5kW motors with different pole counts have different rated currents; power-only selection frequently leads to mis-setting.

Step 2: Select the thermal setting range (core rule)

The MPCB adjustment range must fully contain the motor rated current, preferably in the middle third of the range

Formula:

Lower limit of breaker range ＜ Motor rated current ＜ Upper limit of breaker range

Recommendation: Place In within 30%～70% of the total range; avoid setting near the upper end

✅ Example: Motor rated current = 3.2A

Select GV2ME08C (2.5～4A); set dial to 3.2A.

❌ If In=3.9A, it still fits but sits close to the upper limit; frequent nuisance tripping will occur under continuous heavy load.

Thermal setting principles

Continuous loads (fans, water pumps): Set thermal current = motor nameplate rated current

Long starting inertia (large fans, crushers): Increase to 1.05~1.1×In; never exceed 1.1×In

Frequent jogging & shock loads: Do not simply raise the setting; use a separate thermal relay + contactor combination instead

Thermal trip: Overload, locked rotor & phase-loss protection (time-delayed);

Magnetic trip: Fixed non-adjustable short-circuit protection (13× upper range value, instantaneous).

Step 3: Choose operation type (Push-button / Knob)

GV2MExxC (push-button, e.g. GV2-ME08C): Low cost, local cabinet operation, no clear trip mid-position

GV2Pxx (rotary knob): Visible trip mid-position; add external door handle; suitable for export machines & fault identification

Step 4: Choose terminal type

Suffix C: Screw clamp terminals (standard for domestic projects)

Suffix 3: Spring-cage terminals (no-tool fast wiring; preferred for automated panel mass production)

Step 5: Verify voltage, breaking capacity & utilization category

1. Rated voltage: Max 690V AC (400V standard)
2. Short-circuit breaking capacity Icu: Must exceed the prospective short-circuit current at the installation point

Ordinary end circuits in small control cabinets: 100kA@400V of GV2 is sufficient

Circuits close to transformers with high short-circuit current: Add upstream fuses if Icu is insufficient

3. Utilization category AC-3: Only valid for direct-on-line motor starting

❗ Not applicable: Star-delta starters, soft starters, inverter output terminals, DC motors, resistive heating loads, heavy-duty reversing mechanisms.

Step 6: Configure accessories based on control scheme

1. Local direct start (no PLC): Use MPCB alone with built-in pushbuttons
2. Remote PLC control: MPCB only for isolation & protection, paired with contactors; add GVAN auxiliary contacts (1NO+1NC) for running/fault feedback; add GVAX alarm contacts to separate overload trip from short-circuit trip

Optional extras: Shunt trip GVAD10, undervoltage trip GVAD01, interconnection busbar GV2AF3

Step 7: Exclude unsuitable applications

❌ Inverter output side

❌ DC motors

❌ Resistive loads (heaters, lighting)

❌ Frequent forward/reverse operations (prone to false tripping; use separate thermal relays)

❌ Outdoor / corrosive / dusty environments (must install inside an IP-rated enclosure)

Quick Selection Summary

1. Read motor rated current from nameplate (primary data; power is only reference)
2. Pick a GV2 model whose current range covers In, keep In away from the upper limit
3. Select operation: Push-button GV2ME / Rotary knob GV2P
4. Select terminals: Screw C / Spring 3
5. Check short-circuit current to confirm breaking capacity is adequate
6. Add auxiliary contacts / trip contacts according to control requirements

Practical Example

Motor: 3-phase 400V, 1.5kW, rated current = 3.0A

Current range match: 2.5~4A → GV2ME08C

Set dial to 3.0A

Cabinet local operation without door handle → Push-button type

→ Final model: GV2-ME08C