Schneider Electric GV2-ME Series Motor Circuit Breakers: GV2-ME16C 9-14A

Technical Dossier

Product Details And Specifications

Schneider Electric GV2-ME Series Technical Notes

The Schneider Electric GV2-ME series is a line of thermal-magnetic motor circuit breakers engineered for direct motor branch circuit protection in industrial control panels. Deployed across chemical processing plants, oil refineries, nuclear auxiliary systems, water treatment facilities, and heavy manufacturing lines worldwide, the GV2-ME range provides integrated overload and short-circuit protection in a compact DIN-rail or panel-mount format. The series is rated up to 690V AC and covers motor protection from 0.1A to 32A, making it a standard reference component in IEC 60947-2 and IEC 60947-4-1 compliant installations. Its widespread adoption in legacy DCS and PLC control cabinets means that GV2-ME modules remain critical spare parts for plant maintenance teams operating equipment installed between the 1990s and 2020s.

The Evolution of GV2-ME Architecture

The GV2-ME series succeeded the earlier GV2-M range, introducing a revised trip mechanism with improved repeatability and a standardized accessory interface compatible with Schneider's TeSys ecosystem. Early GV2-M units (pre-2000) used a separate accessory bus; the GV2-ME redesign integrated side-mount auxiliary contact blocks (GV2-AN11, GV2-AN20) and voltage release coils (GV2-AZ) directly onto the breaker body without additional adapters. This architectural change improved panel density and reduced wiring complexity in multi-motor control centers.

The GV2-ME series is fully compatible with the TeSys D contactor range (LC1-D) and the TeSys K range for smaller frame sizes, enabling coordinated Type 2 protection assemblies per IEC 60947-4-1. In modern installations, the GV2-ME is progressively being supplemented by the GV2-P series (push-button operator) and the GV3-ME series (higher current ratings up to 65A), though GV2-ME units remain the dominant installed base in facilities built before 2015. For new designs, Schneider's GV2-L series offers electronic trip units with communication capability, but GV2-ME thermal-magnetic units are preferred for maintenance-in-kind replacements where panel re-engineering is not feasible.

GV2-ME Full Catalog & Functionalities (SKU List)

The following SKUs represent verified, commonly stocked models within the GV2-ME series, classified by current rating range. Each unit provides thermal-magnetic motor protection, manual ON/OFF switching, and trip indication:

GV2-ME03C: 0.25–0.40A thermal-magnetic motor circuit breaker, screw clamp terminals, DIN rail mount.
GV2-ME04C: 0.40–0.63A motor protection breaker, rotary handle operator, 3-pole.
GV2-ME05C: 0.63–1.0A motor circuit breaker, integrated trip indicator, 690V AC rated.
GV2-ME06C: 1.0–1.6A motor protection, compatible with GV2-AN auxiliary contact blocks.
GV2-ME07C: 1.6–2.5A thermal-magnetic breaker, suitable for single-phase and three-phase motors.
GV2-ME08C: 2.5–4.0A motor circuit breaker, IEC 60947-2 compliant, panel or DIN rail mount.
GV2-ME10C: 4.0–6.3A motor protection breaker, standard TeSys accessory interface.
GV2-ME14C: 6.0–10A motor circuit breaker, rotary handle, screw clamp terminals.
GV2-ME16C: 9–14A motor circuit breaker — the subject of this listing. Thermal-magnetic trip, 3-pole, 690V AC, DIN rail or panel mount, compatible with GV2-AN11/GV2-AN20 auxiliary contacts and GV2-AZ voltage release accessories.
GV2-ME20C: 13–18A motor protection breaker, suitable for 5.5–7.5kW motors at 400V AC.
GV2-ME21C: 17–23A motor circuit breaker, high-density panel applications.
GV2-ME22C: 20–25A motor protection, compatible with TeSys D LC1-D25 contactor for Type 2 coordination.
GV2-ME25C: 20–25A motor circuit breaker, alternative frame for specific panel configurations.
GV2-ME32C: 24–32A motor protection breaker, maximum rating in the GV2-ME range, 3-pole.
GV2-ME40C: Extended range unit, 30–40A, used in higher-power motor branch circuits where GV2-ME frame applies.
GV2-AN11: Side-mount auxiliary contact block, 1NO+1NC, compatible with all GV2-ME units.
GV2-AN20: Side-mount auxiliary contact block, 2NO, for remote trip signaling in DCS systems.
GV2-AZ: Voltage release coil accessory, mounts directly to GV2-ME body for remote trip function.

Quality Control for the GV2-ME Range

Visual inspection: Housing integrity check, operator handle function, trip indicator reset confirmation, terminal condition assessment.
Mechanical trip test: Manual trip and reset cycle verification to confirm mechanism integrity.
Continuity verification: Three-pole continuity check across line and load terminals in the closed position.
Accessory interface check: Verification of side-mount accessory port condition for GV2-AN and GV2-AZ compatibility.
Nameplate verification: Confirmation of current range, voltage rating, and catalog number against order specification.
Packaging: Anti-static packaging with inspection record included.

Units that do not pass any stage of this protocol are quarantined and not dispatched. No reconditioned or remanufactured units are represented as new-in-box unless explicitly confirmed by the manufacturer's documentation.