Magnetothermal Circuit Breaker 13-18A

The Schneider Electric TeSys Deca GV2ME20 motor circuit breaker is a motor protection circuit breaker for 3 poles, equipped with adjustable thermal protection between 13 and 18 A and magnetic trip protection against short circuits. It is designed to protect three-phase motors against overloads, short circuits, and certain phase-loss conditions, while also providing manual control and isolation functions in a compact 45 mm-wide format.

The GV2ME20 reference belongs to Schneider Electric’s TeSys GV2 family and is designed for motors up to 7.5 kW at 400/415 V AC. It features pushbutton operation, screw connection terminals, and can be installed on a 35 mm DIN rail or directly on a plate using the corresponding adapter.

Adjustable motor circuit breaker from 13 to 18 A

The Schneider Electric GV2ME20 incorporates adjustable thermal protection between 13 and 18 A. The installer must set this value according to the rated current indicated on the nameplate of the motor to be protected.

This adjustment makes it possible to adapt overload protection to different motors within the device’s current range.

The maximum conventional current of the motor circuit breaker is 18 A.

Thermal overload protection

Thermal protection monitors the current flowing through the motor and operates when an overcurrent persists long enough to pose a heating risk.

This function helps protect windings and conductors against conditions such as:

• Prolonged mechanical overload of the motor.
• Operation with a current above the rated value.
• Machine blockages or excessive load.
• Certain imbalance or phase-loss conditions.

The thermal setting must be adjusted according to the motor’s actual rated current and not simply its theoretical power.

Magnetic short-circuit protection

In addition to thermal protection, the GV2ME20 includes an instantaneous magnetic trip unit designed to act quickly in the event of high short-circuit currents.

Schneider Electric specifies a magnetic trip current of 341 A for this reference.

This magnetic protection complements thermal protection and allows the motor circuit breaker to be used as part of a complete motor protection system.

Phase-loss sensitive protection

The Schneider Electric GV2ME20 features phase-loss sensitivity in accordance with IEC 60947-4-1.

If one phase stops conducting while the other phases are subjected to overcurrent, the thermal protection can operate to prevent the motor from continuing to run for an extended period under an unbalanced supply condition.

This feature is especially important in three-phase motors, since operation with a missing phase can cause overheating and winding damage.

Motor up to 7.5 kW at 400/415 V

Schneider Electric specifies the following motor power ratings for the GV2ME20:

• 400/415 V AC: up to 7.5 kW.
• 500 V AC: up to 9 kW.
• 690 V AC: up to 15 kW.

These values are selection references. To size the motor circuit breaker correctly, always verify that the motor’s nameplate rated current falls within the adjustable range of 13 to 18 A.

3 poles for three-phase motors

The GV2ME20 has a 3-pole configuration, designed primarily for motors supplied by three-phase networks.

The three poles open simultaneously when the motor circuit breaker trips or when the stop pushbutton is operated manually, providing simultaneous disconnection of the phases.

High short-circuit breaking capacity

The breaking capacity of the Schneider Electric GV2ME20 varies according to network voltage.

• 230/240 V AC: Icu of 100 kA.
• 400/415 V AC: Icu of 15 kA.
• 440 V AC: Icu of 8 kA.
• 500 V AC: Icu of 6 kA.
• 690 V AC: Icu of 3 kA.

These values correspond to the ultimate breaking capacity Icu in accordance with IEC 60947-2.

In a typical 400 V three-phase network, the GV2ME20 therefore has an ultimate breaking capacity of 15 kA.

Service breaking capacity Ics

Schneider Electric also specifies the service breaking capacity as a percentage of Icu:

• 230/240 V AC: Ics = 100% of Icu.
• 400/415 V AC: Ics = 50% of Icu.
• 440 V AC: Ics = 50% of Icu.
• 500 V AC: Ics = 75% of Icu.
• 690 V AC: Ics = 75% of Icu.

The breaking capacity should always be checked against the prospective short-circuit current at the point where the motor circuit breaker will be installed.

Start and stop pushbutton control

The GV2ME20 uses a pushbutton control system. The front panel integrates separate controls for connection and disconnection, making manual operation of the motor circuit easier.

In addition to protection functions, the device can be used to perform manual switching operations within the operating conditions established by Schneider Electric.

Suitable for isolation

Schneider Electric declares the GV2ME20 suitable for isolation in accordance with IEC 60947-1.

This function allows the motor circuit breaker to be used as a disconnection device for the circuit during certain maintenance tasks, always following the corresponding safety and lockout procedures.

Utilization categories for motors

The device is specifically designed for motor protection applications and complies with different utilization categories:

• Category A in accordance with IEC 60947-2.
• AC-3 in accordance with IEC 60947-4-1.
• AC-3e in accordance with IEC 60947-4-1.

These features make it suitable for integration into three-phase motor starters together with compatible TeSys contactors.

Up to 690 V AC

The Schneider Electric GV2ME20 supports a rated operational voltage Ue of up to 690 V AC at 50/60 Hz.

Its main insulation characteristics include:

• Rated operational voltage Ue: up to 690 V AC.
• Rated insulation voltage Ui: 690 V AC.
• Rated impulse withstand voltage Uimp: 6 kV.
• Frequency: 50/60 Hz.

Connection via screw terminals

The GV2ME20 reference includes screw-type power terminals, providing a robust connection for motor circuit conductors.

Schneider Electric specifies the following capacities:

• Rigid conductor: up to 2 conductors from 1 to 6 mm².
• Flexible conductor without ferrule: up to 2 conductors from 1.5 to 6 mm².
• Flexible conductor with ferrule: up to 2 conductors from 1 to 4 mm².
• Tightening torque: 1.7 Nm.

Mounting on DIN rail or plate

The GV2ME20 can be installed by:

• Clipping onto a 35 mm symmetrical DIN rail.
• Screw mounting on a plate using the corresponding adapter.

It can be mounted in either horizontal or vertical position, facilitating integration into different panel configurations.

Compact 45 mm format

The GV2 family uses a compact format that makes it easy to build motor starters while saving space.

• Width: 45 mm.
• Height: 89 mm.
• Depth: 78.5 mm.
• Approximate weight: 0.26 kg.
• Color: dark gray.

Compatible with TeSys contactors

The Schneider Electric GV2ME20 can be combined with contactors from the TeSys ranges to create compact starters.

Schneider Electric offers specific accessories that allow mechanical and electrical connection between GV2 motor circuit breakers and compatible TeSys K or TeSys Deca contactors.

This architecture makes it possible to create an assembly consisting of:

• GV2ME motor circuit breaker for protection.
• Contactor for remote switching.
• Auxiliary signaling or control devices.

Compatible with electrical auxiliaries

The GV2 range supports different accessories designed to expand the device’s functions, such as:

• Auxiliary status contacts.
• Trip signaling contacts.
• Undervoltage releases.
• Shunt trips.
• Locking and interlocking accessories.
• Control and installation accessories.
• Connection elements with TeSys contactors.

Compatibility must be checked using the exact reference of each accessory.

High mechanical and electrical durability

Schneider Electric specifies a high service life for the GV2ME20:

• Mechanical durability: up to 100,000 cycles.
• Electrical durability: up to 100,000 cycles in AC-3 at 415 V under rated conditions.

These features make it suitable for professional installations where the device performs both protection functions and certain manual switching operations.

Power dissipation

The power dissipation specified by Schneider Electric is approximately 2.5 W per pole.

This data can be useful when performing thermal calculations for electrical enclosures with a high concentration of devices.

IP20 and IK04 protection rating

The motor circuit breaker has:

• Protection rating: IP20 in accordance with IEC 60529.
• Impact resistance: IK04.

It is designed to be installed inside a panel or enclosure that provides the level of protection required by the environment.

Wide temperature range

The Schneider Electric GV2ME20 can operate within the following environmental ranges:

• Operating temperature: -20 to 60 °C.
• Storage temperature: -40 to 80 °C.

It also offers fire resistance up to 960 °C in accordance with IEC 60695-2-11.

Technical characteristics of the Schneider Electric GV2ME20

• Brand: Schneider Electric.
• Reference: GV2ME20.
• Range: TeSys Deca.
• Family: TeSys GV2.
• Type: motor circuit breaker / thermal-magnetic motor breaker.
• Application: motor protection.
• Trip technology: thermal-magnetic.
• Number of poles: 3P.
• Maximum rated current: 18 A.
• Thermal setting: 13-18 A.
• Magnetic trip current: 341 A.
• Phase-loss sensitivity: yes.
• Motor at 400/415 V: up to 7.5 kW.
• Motor at 500 V: up to 9 kW.
• Motor at 690 V: up to 15 kW.
• Icu at 230/240 V: 100 kA.
• Icu at 400/415 V: 15 kA.
• Icu at 440 V: 8 kA.
• Icu at 500 V: 6 kA.
• Icu at 690 V: 3 kA.
• Rated operational voltage Ue: up to 690 V AC.
• Rated insulation voltage Ui: 690 V.
• Rated impulse withstand voltage Uimp: 6 kV.
• Frequency: 50/60 Hz.
• Utilization category: category A, AC-3 and AC-3e.
• Suitable for isolation: yes.
• Control type: pushbuttons.
• Terminal type: screw.
• Tightening torque: 1.7 Nm.
• Mounting: 35 mm DIN rail or plate using adapter.
• Width: 45 mm.
• Height: 89 mm.
• Depth: 78.5 mm.
• Weight: approximately 0.26 kg.
• Protection rating: IP20.
• Impact resistance: IK04.
• Mechanical durability: 100,000 cycles.
• Electrical durability: up to 100,000 cycles in AC-3 at 415 V.
• Operating temperature: -20 to 60 °C.
• Storage temperature: -40 to 80 °C.
• Main standards: EN/IEC 60947-2 and EN/IEC 60947-4-1.

Complete protection for three-phase motors

The Schneider Electric TeSys GV2ME20 combines overload and short-circuit protection in a single compact three-pole device. Its 13 to 18 A thermal setting allows it to be precisely adapted to the rated current of different motors, while the magnetic trip provides a fast response to high-intensity faults.

With capacity for motors up to 7.5 kW at 400/415 V, a 15 kA breaking capacity at 400/415 V, phase-loss sensitivity, DIN rail mounting, and compatibility with TeSys contactors and auxiliaries, it is especially suitable for motor starters, pumps, fans, compressors, machinery, and automation panels.

Important: the GV2ME20 is a thermal-magnetic motor circuit breaker and not a residual current device. It does not detect earth leakage currents like an RCCB or RCBO. When residual current protection is required in the installation, it must be provided by a properly selected dedicated device. The thermal setting of the GV2ME20 must be configured according to the actual rated current indicated on the motor nameplate.